Android Central RSS Feed

New At a Glance features have been teased for some time.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly one step closer to rolling out new At a Glance features.This includes a new Bluetooth battery indicator, fitness information, Google Pay integration for shopping features, and more.The new features will arrive on the Pixel 6 at some point but could come to other Pixels as well.Google has long teased new features arriving for the At a Glance widget on the Pixel 6. While many of these features didn't come to the latest devices or older Pixels running Android 12, there appears to be proof that they're well on the way.9to5Google took a look in the Android System Intelligence, which powers features like Live Translate on Google's best Android phones. The APK shows evidence that Google is bringing new At a Glance features to the Pixel 6 soon. This is in addition to the features already available in the widget.This includes new integration with apps including Google Pay and will s...

The PlayStation Remote Play app allows players to stream the games they're playing on their PS4 or PS5 to another device, such as a phone or PC. Maybe you feel like lying back in bed and are comfortable playing the best PS5 games that way instead of sitting on a couch or chair? Then Remote Play is the way to go. Here's how to set up Remote Play on PS5 with Android devices.How to set up Remote Play on PS5 with Android devicesBefore you begin, note that Remote Play requires, at minimum, a 5 Mbps internet connection. A 15 Mbps connection or higher is highly recommended to have as smooth an experience as possible. It's also worth noting that right now, you'll have to use a PS5 DualSense controller (on Android 12 or above), a PS4 DualShock 4 or touch controls with Remote Play on Android with the PS5.While you can pair the DualSense controller thanks to an update for Android 12 that added support, you can't take advantage of the controller's special features through Remote Play. Late...

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...

Back to the Wizarding World we go.The long-rumored Harry Potter RPG is real, and it's bringing us back to the Wizarding World of centuries ago, long before Harry and his friends ever made it to the famous school. Hogwarts Legacy was officially unveiled during a PlayStation showcase, so we could expect some marketing deals with Sony's platform. However, if you're looking for information regarding its gameplay, story, release date, and even J.K. Rowling's involvement with it, you've come to the right place.Jump to:What is Hogwarts Legacy?What's the story?What's the gameplay like?Is J.K. Rowling involved?Release date and platformsWhat is Hogwarts Legacy?Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world RPG set around the late 1800s that allows you to customize your own character in the Harry Potter universe. Warner Bros. says that players can "craft potions, master spell casting, and upgrade talents," among other things. Judging from the trailer, it looks like one of the ways we'...

Samsung's S21 screens will be smooth again "soon."What you need to knowThe final One UI 4 beta seems to have broken the high refresh rate on Samsung's Galaxy S21 phones with Snapdragon chips.The apparent bug seems to limit the refresh rate on S21 displays to 60Hz, well below the 120Hz the phone is capable of.Samsung says it is working on a fix but hasn't given a firm timeline to resolve the issue.Samsung is known for making some of the best Android phones that you can buy, with gorgeous screens featuring high refresh rate displays, fantastic cameras, and industry-leading One UI software. However, the company's most recent One UI beta build for Android 12 seems to have thrown a wrench in that smooth-running machine.According to a reddit thread reported on by Android Police, the final One UI beta build for Android 12 appears to have locked the high refresh rates down to just 60Hz on S21 series phones. This has resulted in stuttery scrolling and laggy app experiences. Curiou...

Walmart is kicking off its Black Friday deals with some great deals on electronics. Samsung's 170-watt wireless soundbar is just $99, that's $50 off, starting at 3 PM for Walmart+ customers. The deal will be available four hours later for other customers as long as it's still available. If you want to get in early on this and other Walmart Black Friday deals, you can sign up to Walmart+ for $12.95 per month or $98 per year. Even factoring in this cost, this is still a great deal. There's also a 15-day trial available.This soundbar will work with just about any TV thanks to having both a Bluetooth and wired optical connection. It has plenty of power to fill even a large living room with rich sound thanks to a combined 170 watts of power. With a wider soundstage and more space to resonate, a soundbar can dramatically improve the quality of your TV experience over your TV's built-in audio. It's also great for gaming so you can get the better sound with your Black Friday Playstation 5 de...

So you've decided that you have got to throw a new hard drive in your PS4, and an external hard drive just won't cut it. It's one of those upgrades that may or may not visibly improve things, but if you can do it, why not? Most of the read and write speeds are comparable, but we have included them if it's a deciding factor for you. Here are some of the best options available to you.Good at everythingWestern Digital BlueStaff PickIf you want a 1TB SSD at a great price but would rather stick with a more recognizable name, consider this Western Digital drive. You will have loads of space for storage, 560MB/s, and 530MB/s read and write speeds and a five-year manufacturer warranty.$90 at AmazonGood speed, decent priceCrucial MX500 250GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSDThis Crucial drive will get you into some super-fast SSD speeds — 560MB/s and 510MB/s read and write speeds, respectively — while not breaking the bank. Also, if anything goes wrong with it, you ar...

Not all tablets are made equal, or for the same purposes, for that matter. Amazon's Kindle lineup is built from the bottom up as a dedicated reading device. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is by far one of the most popular e-readers out there, giving rise to the Paperwhite Kids and the Paperwhite Signature Edition.There's so much to love about the Kindle Paperwhite, especially the fact that it's waterproof. The 6.8-inch E Ink display is soothing to the eyes and feels very nice against your skin. You can read comfortably in dimly lit spaces as the e-reader has an adjustable warm light. You can change the shade to suit your vision.Despite the overwhelming amount of pros, there is one undeniable fact about the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: It looks boring as hell. If you're looking to rectify that, a beautiful case will do the job. Fortunately, these handsome water-safe fabric and leather cases for the Kindle Paperwhite are on sale, giving you 25% more bang for your buck than usual!Kin...

Yes, we know Black Friday is often considered a very U.S.-centric holiday, and while that may be true, there are many retailers extending insane deals to our fellow friends up north in Canada. Now that we're getting closer to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the deals are still coming fast and often, so check back often for the best deals across all the retailers you want.Black Friday and Cyber Monday isn't as crazy as it is in the U.S., and with people still navigating the pandemic, online shopping is still going to remain at its highest. We are seeing a lot of in-store and a lot of online deals that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your home. We've rounded up our favorites below, so feel free to browse through the best of what Canada Black Friday has to offer!This list is being updated with new Black Friday deals all the time, so check back often.Spotlight DealsBest Buy Canada Black Friday dealsJBL Free II In-Ear Bluetooth Truly Wireless Headphones$79.99...

Wear OS is catching up to Apple, and it's all because of Samsung.What you need to knowCounterpoint Research shows impressive growth in the Wear OS market share.Wear OS growth coincides with Samsung's increased smartwatch shipments in Q3 2021.The growth shows that Google and Samsung's partnership appears to be working.Wear OS is finally becoming a thing, and it's all thanks to Samsung. A new report from Counterpoint Research shows impressive growth for Wear OS in the smartphone market share, and the new Galaxy Watch 4 appears to be the main driver.The report shows that Wear OS accounted for 17% of smartwatch shipments in Q3, gaining on Apple's WatchOS platform, which held 22% of the market and is the single biggest smartwatch OS.When looking at the market share by OEM, Samsung was the most apparent gainer, having achieved its highest quarterly smartwatch shipments. This is notably at the expense of Huawei and Apple, the former of which saw a massive decline from the sa...

This might be the best Black Friday phone deal in 2021...but there are some caveats.Starting at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE will cost just $249 on Walmart, in one of the most epic Black Friday phone deals we've seen. And that's not hyperbole: the cheapest we've seen the S20 FE before now is $549.Before you get too excited, Walmart is reserving this sweet deal for its Walmart+ members, at least initially. Walmart+ members get a four-hour head start on Black Friday deals, so theoretically, this deal will open up to the general public at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET — but there's no guarantee it'll still be in stock by then. You'll also need to pay for a full membership to get access; no trial membership trickery.Frankly, paying $13 for a month of Walmart+ to save $450 on a phone seems like a no-brainer, but it's your call!The other caveat is that you'll need to use this phone with Walmart's Straight Talk, which may or may not work for you. It's the rare MNVO th...

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

Get ready folks, as a PS5 restock is coming to Walmart today as the store kicks off this year's Black Friday Walmart sale despite it only being Monday. The sale begins at 3pm ET, but you'll have to wait until 4pm to get your chance to buy a PS5. Hold on a sec though, as the initial start times are exclusively for Walmart+ members who will be getting a four-hour head start on the sale compared to everyone else. Let us walk you through what you need to know.Walmart+ is a paid membership service, a little similar to Amazon Prime, but without the video streaming. In addition to a four-hour head start on their Black Friday sale (and other sales events) you also get free delivery from your store - including groceries. You also get scan & go shopping in-store, fuel discounts, and discounted Rx prescriptions. Overall, very handy, especially if you have a nearby Walmart for your main grocery shopping online.Hold your horses though, we know you're probably only interested in signing up ...

Though it's not Black Friday yet, that isn't stopping some genuinely amazing deals from rolling out early. One device that is hot this year is video doorbells, and one of the very best video doorbells is from Google in the Nest Doorbell. It integrates with so many other devices that it can truly change how you monitor and answer your front door. Google itself is offering up to $80 off, with many other retailers coming out with Nest Doorbell deals too.Google offers two Nest Doorbell options, a hard-wired and a battery-powered version. Both support viewing the camera remotely or via a smart display like the Google Nest Hub Max. Along with looking to see who is at the door before you take the time to walk to your door, you also will have the option to speak with the person via two-way audio.Aside from how each is powered, the main differences come in are the features available for free versus with a subscription. The battery-powered Nest Doorbell is the newest version and has many...

Wireless is the way to go these days.What you need to knowMore of our readers prefer wireless headphones.Wireless earbuds came in second place with 30% of votes.Wired earbuds were a distant fourth, behind wired headphones.Over the weekend, we asked if our readers preferred headphones or earbuds and whether they go wired or wireless. The question was sparked by an article from The Wall Street Journal about how all the "cool kids" have been spotted rocking wired earbuds. The report highlighted potential reasons for this during a time when wireless is all the rage, from pricing, to warding off unwanted conversations, to the "I'm too cool to keep up with tech" attitude.Interestingly, our poll shows that our readers are much less interested in wired earbuds, with less than 10% of the votes. Wireless reigned supreme with more than half of the votes between headphones and earbuds, leaning largely towards the former.For many of the comments, readers seem to switch between dif...

The company cites child safety concerns as the reason behind the delay.What you need to knowMeta has delayed its plan to enable end-to-end encryption for Messenger and Instagram by default.The company's head of safety has confirmed that the rollout will happen in 2023 instead of next year.Meta's default E2EE is facing hurdles from child safety advocates as it's deemed to hamper crime detection.Meta's plan to roll out default end-to-end encryption for Instagram and Messenger sometime next year will no longer happen. Instead, the company is pushing back on the plan until 2023.Antigone Davis, Meta's head of safety, confirmed the delay in a post on The Telegraph (via The Guardian). He said the reason behind it is the growing concern over user safety. According to Davis, Meta wants to spend more time evaluating how to strike the balance between protecting user privacy and combating online crime.E2EE is already turned on by default for some of the best messaging apps for Andr...

Pick a game for your kids to play on their Android devices.Xbox Game Pass has so many games that one person will probably not be able to play them all in one lifetime. It has games for Android gamers, console gamers, RPG fans, FPS enthusiasts, casual gamers, and just about everything in between.It's not just the adult gamers who can get something out of a Game Pass subscription. There are plenty of games on Game Pass that are appropriate for younger players as well. Several of them have touch controls, though several require the use of a controller. Luckily, there are several controllers that work well with Game Pass on Android.These are the games we recommend for parents who want to let their kids play on Game Pass.Jump to:Banjo-KazooieSlime RancherDisneyland AdventuresRush: A DisneyPixar AdventureOvercooked 2Ori & the Blind ForestPHOGS!Viva PiñataNew Super Lucky's TaleYooka-Laylee and the Impossible LairPeggle 2Banjo-KazooieThis game and its seq...

You don't need to wait until Black Friday to take advantage of the best PS5 deals going around. Walmart currently has a 12-month PlayStation Plus membership for one of the lowest prices you'll find. Instead of $60 for an entire year, you can get a PS Plus 12-month membership for just $40. It almost never goes below $40, so this is the best price you'll find.Keep in mind that those with Walmart+ also get early access to some of Walmart's exclusive Black Friday deals. This early access will only last for four hours, and after that it's a free for all as the deals open up to everyone. Thankfully, it looks like this PS Plus deal isn't gated behind a Walmart+ subscription. But if you're interested in checking out some of the retailer's other deals (the PS5 should be in-stock today with early access), then Walmart+ is something you should consider. Just keep in mind that early access is not available for those who sign up for a free trial. You'll need to actually be a paying member.Save ...

Just when we thought 2020 was a lot to handle, along came 2021. But you know what? We made it to the finish line, and that deserves a celebration. To honor the companies that have kept us entertained, productive, and even awed throughout the year, we've compiled a list of our favorite products and services this year. From streaming media to Android phones, from smartwatches to tablets, and all the gadgets and gizmos that make our lives easier.Join us in congratulating our Best of 2021 Android Central Award winners. We're betting that you'll agree with many of these picks as well!Best Android Phones of 2021Best Phone OverallGoogle Pixel 6 Pro$900 at GoogleA triumphant return to the topFinally, Google made the flagship phone fans have been craving for as long as the Pixel line has been a thing. The Google Pixel 6 Pro builds on the solid foundations of the regular Pixel 6 and adds, among other things, one of the best telephoto cameras around.The 4X 48-megapixel shooter...

It's safe to say that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is one of the best Android phones you can get your hands on at the moment. The phone has similar hardware to the Galaxy S21+, but the fact that it folds down makes it that much more exciting. And retailing for $999, it costs the same as the Galaxy S21+ as well.Samsung has incentivized its latest foldables quite heavily following their launch, but Walmart's latest offer takes things to a whole new level. As part of its Black Friday deals, Walmart is offering up to $750 off the Galaxy Z Flip 3, with the effective cost of the phone down to $250. Obviously, there are a few caveats: the deal comes with an instant $500 e-gift card from Walmart, and if you're trading in an older device, you get an additional $250 e-gift card, bringing the total to $750.The deal is valid on the AT&T and Verizon models of the Galaxy Z Flip 3, and isn't available with the unlocked models. You'll see the offer kicking in at 3pm ET exclusively for Walmart Plus memb...

An opera director and an exorcist are on the way.What you need to knowTwo new characters have been revealed for Genshin Impact.Shenhe is a disciple from a family of exorcists, while Yun Jin is an opera director.These two characters do not have a launch date, but it'll be sometime after Update 2.3.Genshin Impact is getting two more characters, as revealed on Monday. According to the Twitter bios shared out for Yun Jun and Shenhe, Yun Jin is a Geo Polarm user and the director of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe. Meanwhile, Shenhe is a Polearm user that comes from a family of exorcists.Shenhe is known as the "Lonesome Transcendence," while Yun Jin is referred to as "Stage Lucida." There's no other information right now, as these characters won't be available until at least sometime after Genshin Impact Update 2.3. Update 2.3 brings several new quests and events in the Dragonspine mountains, with training and even the ability for players to collect snow for building a snowman.That ...

If you've been on the fence about whether or not to buy the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, maybe a decent discount is all you need to be swayed. These watches are already fairly priced given all the updates and new features they have, but who doesn't love a good sale? The good news is some of the best Black Friday Android smartwatch deals are starting early this year, so you don't have to wait to get your discount. In fact, there are several models within the Galaxy Watch lineup that will be on sale.As you check out all the great deals on Android smartwatches, you'll see there are plenty of sales to go around. The newest models in the Galaxy Watch series are the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Aside from a few differences in the physical design, these watches share the same features.If you can stretch your budget a bit further, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offers a more traditional design with a physical rotating bezel for seamless UI navigation. It comes in 42mm and 46...

It's that time of year when we start getting ready for the Black Friday PS5 deals, and you certainly shouldn't be waiting until the day itself if you haven't bagged Sony's new console yet. Since launch, last November, the PS5 has never lasted more than a few minutes when it comes into stock, and we expect the feeding frenzy to be no different well into next year.Jump to Black Friday PS5 dealsSee PS5 stockInternal SSDHeadsetsControllersTVPlayStation PlusWe're here to help point you in the right direction of the stores most likely to get the PS5 in next. There won't be any discounts on the console, though, and Black Friday PlayStation 5 bundles that appear will likely feature a range of items all added at full price because people will pay it. Sad, but true. So, if you see a sensibly priced PS5 at any moment from now, just bag it while you can.It's not all bad news, as the genuine stars of the Black Friday PS5 deals will be found on some of the very best PS5 headsets, ...

Investing in a few smart Wi-Fi plugs is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to get your smart home set up. However, if you've already jumped on the bandwagon and purchased a few Ring products like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 or even a security camera to keep an eye on your home, you'll want to make sure you can get other devices in your home connected all under one roof (or in this case, app). These are the top smart plugs that work with the Ring app to ensure that all your devices communicate without any glitches.Rain or shineRing Outdoor Smart PlugStaff PickThere's no doubt that the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug, which just so happens to be our top ranking outdoor smart Wi-Fi plug, will work like a charm with the Ring app. It'll also help you get any outdoor lights and appliances synced up with your Ring doorbells and cameras, so everything works like a breeze.$30 at Amazon $30 at Best Buy $30 at Home DepotFull controlLeviton DZPA1-2BW Decora Smart Plug-in O...

It is currently on sale only in China.What you need to knowThe OnePlus 9RT could soon make its way to the Indian market.A listing for the phone on the Google Play Console suggests it will be marketed as the OnePlus RT in India. It features a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 120Hz OLED screen, and 65W fast charging. The OnePlus 9RT, which was introduced in China last month, could soon launch in India with a different name. According to new evidence spotted by tipster @stufflistings, the phone will be launched in the country as OnePlus RT.Interesting. OnePlus 9RT has been listed as OnePlus RT on the Google Supported Devices list and Google Play Console listing. The same model build has received the BIS certification in the past.#OnePlus #OnePlus9RT #OnePlusRT pic.twitter.com/kmo2YGHFoq— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) November 20, 2021In addition to revealing the phone's marketing name for the Indian market, the OnePlus RT listing on the Google Play Console also suggests the p...

There are plenty of Black Friday gaming deals going around in the console space for everything related to Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, but you may be someone who's ahead of the curve and prefers cloud streaming tech. Aside from Stadia and Microsoft's excellent Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming, Amazon offers its own cloud streaming service called Luna. The company is bundling it its popular FireTV Stick shortly before Black Friday.Streaming enthusiasts can now purchase the Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller bundle or the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Luna Controller bundle for a discounted price ranging from $75 to $85, a savings of over $40 from their usual prices. The biggest difference between the 4K and 4K Max models is that the 4K Max features dedicated buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 for a smoother streaming experience.Fire TV Gaming Bundle including Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller $75$75 at AmazonPick up this bundle a...

Apple wasn't the first to go the true wireless route with the AirPods, but it made the biggest statement, inspiring others to copy the "stem" design that protrudes out of the ear. The best cheap true wireless earbuds can include clones that are often nowhere near as good as the genuine article, but that's not necessarily the case here. The Anker Soundcore Life P3 are arguably better than the AirPods in the features that matter most: sound, battery, and price.Best overall: Anker Soundcore Life P3Everyone loves an underdog that can battle an established player, and that's exactly what Anker has with the Soundcore Life P3. Their larger drivers deliver a pretty bass-heavy sound signature by default, giving these earbuds an edgy and loud verve right out of the box. Plus, they have active noise cancelation (ANC) that works surprisingly well for budget buds like these.Unlike the AirPods, Anker supports its earbuds with an app that lets you customize controls and use EQ presets to ad...

Plex is the best way to manage and stream your local media collection, and the best part about the service is that you can access your media library remotely. Plex does a lot of things right; it catalogs your media, adds metadata and trailers, and gives you detailed statistics. The service itself is free to use, but there's a Plex Pass tier that unlocks a whole host of features, including live TV shows, DVR, the ability to download shows and movies on your phone, hardware transcoding, and a music player that's designed for lossless music.Plex Pass costs $4.99 a month, $39.99 annually, and there's a one-time option called the lifetime pass that goes for $120. For Black Friday, Plex is offering 25% off the lifetime pass with code LIFETIMEOFCOMFORT, bringing the cost down to $89. That's a fantastic deal for what is arguably one of the best media managers out there.Now, there's a workaround to get the price of the lifetime Plex Pass further down. Just switch the country when making the...

Garmin's Black Friday deals have begun, and the entire line of Garmin Instinct smartwatches are on sale ahead of the big day. Right now, the biggest discount we're seeing is a whopping 43% off Garmin's most well-rounded Instinct model. That's an incredible $130 off the normal price!Other great deals include $150 off the Garmin Instinct Solar GPS, which will keep its charge anytime you're outdoors, thanks to some brilliant built-in solar panels. On top of charging from the sun, the Garmin Instinct Solar can tell you exactly how intense the sun is at any given time, letting you know when it's time to put more sunscreen or sun-protective clothing on.No matter which Garmin Instinct you pick, you'll be getting a rugged smartwatch with built-in GPS that'll take you anywhere you want without worrying about battery life. In smartwatch mode, these watches will last an average of two weeks on a single charge, while the more intensive always-on GPS tracking modes will last a full hike and...

As we enter the second year of the Oculus Quest 2's life, we're expecting some seriously great deals for the hardware and accompanying accessories this Black Friday. Many companies have already begun to offer sales and discounts on their accessories, and newly refined designs ensure that the accessories you buy today will be a better experience than the ones you purchased this time last year. Here are the best Black Friday Oculus Quest deals to enhance your gaming experience.Jump to Black Friday Oculus Quest 2 dealsSee Oculus Quest 2 stockCasesController gripsFacial interface replacementsHead strapsCables, batteries, and docksHeadphonesUnlike some other consoles, Meta has been able to keep the Oculus Quest 2 in stock at most retailers without issue over the past year — even despite record-breaking sales for the headset. The new Quest 2 128GB SKU is the best value you'll find, as it's the same price as last year's 64GB SKU but with double the storage. Couple that w...

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 successor is expected to be announced next week.What you need to knowQualcomm is turning Snapdragon into a cross-category technology brand.It is also coming up with a new "simplified" naming structure for its platforms. Snapdragon mobile platforms will transition to a single-digit series and generation number, starting with Qualcomm's next flagship Snapdragon 8-series chip.Earlier this month, Qualcomm revealed that its Snapdragon Tech Summit will kick off on November 30. Just a week before the event, the company has now announced that it is changing the naming scheme of its Snapdragon mobile platforms.Qualcomm believes that the new simplified naming scheme will "make it easier" for consumers to discover and choose Snapdragon-powered devices. Its mobile platforms will transition to a single-digit series and generation number starting with its next flagship 8-series platform. Until now, the chip was rumored to be called the Snapdragon 898.The nex...

Sony is stepping it up in a big way for a new generation with PS5 VRJump to:Will the original PSVR work on the PS5?What is the PS5 VR?PriceRelease dateThe new controllersDisplay and lensesWired or wireless?Room scale trackingHeadset designEye-trackingFace-trackingNew types of gamesFrom brand new controller designs to higher-fidelity visuals, there's a lot to get excited about with PS5 VR. PlayStation VR on the PS4 has been a success story in some very real ways, and Sony plans to continue that trend on the PS5. With over 5 million units sold and a steady library of games, Sony proved that VR gaming could be successful as an add-on to an already successful console. Sony has confirmed that the PSVR 2 will be a PS5-exclusive release and will debut after 2021 with some exciting new technologies in tow.If you've ever played or owned an original PSVR, you'll know that, while it's a great overall experience, there are certainly some improvements that can be made. So...

The new feature aims to protect your privacy from Google and Facebook.What you need to knowDuckDuckGo has added a new app tracking protection capability on Android.However, the feature doesn't block trackers in a few apps that rely on tracking to function properly.The new feature is available in beta for now, and you can join the waitlist.Many of today's best Android phones lack a feature similar to Apple's App Tracking Transparency, which allows you to prevent third-party apps from tracking you online. DuckDuckGo, a privacy-focused browser, has added a new feature to address this flaw.The company has announced the availability of its new App Tracking Protection feature, which allows you to block trackers embedded in various Android apps. DuckDuckGo explained in a blog post that "trackers it identifies in other apps from third-party companies" will be prohibited from tracking your online activities.DuckDuckGo's tracking protection is currently in beta and works in the b...

Black Friday PS5 SSD deals are in hot demand and we're seeing some of the lowest ever prices for them right now, so there's no need to wait. Users can finally upgrade the console's internal storage capacity beyond the measly amount the PS5 launched with as Sony recently unlocked the expansion bay.Picking up one of the best PS5 SSD options in the ongoing Black Friday PS5 deals events can save you a lot of cash. This is an excellent turn of events as just a few weeks ago a lot of the best devices had sold out and we could only find scalper listings. That could all change going forwards, of course, so we wouldn't even wait for Black Friday at this point as there are some great PS5 SSDs on sale right now. Be prepared to pay quite a lot more if you want one with a pre-installed heatsink - pro tip, buy one separately for much less (links below). We're constantly testing new PS5-compatible SSDs, so we'll let you know which ones are available too beyond the old favorites likes the Samsung 98...

Jump to Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals:SmartphonesWearablesTabletsChromebooksEarbudsIt has been a banner year for Samsung, between the camera prowess of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the more polished foldable experience on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Fold 3, and the launch of the first smartwatch with Wear OS 3, the Galaxy Watch 4. So whether you're looking for new earbuds or a great deal on one of the best Android phones, Black Friday always brings tremendous deals to every segment, and we're here to help you find the best one for you and your family members.While supply issues might make some smartphone deals more elusive than in previous years, there are a few perennial deals and plenty of bundles hoping to sweeten the pot this Black Friday. Tablets are another area we expect Samsung to offer bountiful discounts in, and Galaxy earbuds will drop from good prices down to "what the heck are you waiting for" territory before the turkey leftovers are demolished.Where to find ...

Shopping for the best Black Friday Android smartwatch deals will produce a plethora of options. However, if you're looking for the latest and greatest smartwatch to hit the market, you won't want to miss out on these Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 deals.These wearables have only been out for a few months now, but Samsung is still offering $50 discounts on any model you choose for Black Friday. You can rest assured that these are some of the best Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals you'll get your hands on this year.If you're not familiar with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or why it quickly became known as the best Android smartwatch you can buy, there's a lot to cover. There are two options to choose from: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Watch 4 Classic.The Galaxy Watch 4 is a lightweight aluminum smartwatch that comes in either a 40mm or 44mm case. The color options are Green, Black, Silver, and Pink Gold. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a premium stainless steel smartwatch that's available...

One of the primary complaints when the HP Chromebook x2 11 was introduced was that the price was just a tad bit too high for what was being offered. However, thanks to a pretty awesome early Black Friday deal, that complaint can be thrown out of the window, as the x2 11 has been knocked down to just $399, saving you $200 in the process.The Chromebook x2 11 may be a bit too small for some with its 11-inch display, but it's this reason why we consider it one of the best Chromebooks for travelers. A slim and lightweight design ensures that your bag won't weigh you down as you're heading to your favorite coffee shop or onto a plane for your next business trip.There's plenty of power under the hood as well, thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7c chipset, which is has been paired with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Those who are worried about battery life can rest easy knowing that a 45-minute juice-up will get the Chromebook x2 11 back up to 50%.HP Chromebook x2 11$399 at Best Buy...

In the battle for the best streaming devices, it's hard to compete with Amazon's vast lineup of options. From the entry-level Fire TV Stick Lite to the all-new Fire TV Stick 4K Max, there's something in Amazon's arsenal for everyone. And just as we expected, the company is slashing prices of the best Amazon Fire TV Stick devices, just in time for Black Friday.This latest batch of deals comes to three out of the four main Fire TV Stick options, with the Lite coming in at just $18, while you could upgrade to the "regular" version for just $20. But arguably, the best option that we've found so far comes via the Fire TV Stick 4K, which you can have for just $25, a savings of 50%.Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite$18 at AmazonDespite being limited to Full HD resolution, the Fire TV Stick Lite is the perfect streaming device to throw on the TV in the kitchen, bedroom, or garage.Amazon Fire TV Stick$20 at AmazonThe "regular" Fire TV Stick may miss out on 4K video playback, bu...

If you're looking to get into smartwatches this year — or just want to upgrade the aging one you've been using for a while — Black Friday is the best time to do it. While you could get a smartwatch the moment it's released, waiting until Black Friday ensures you're getting the best smartwatch at the best price possible. It's that fabled moment when you don't have to compromise to stay in line with your budget. These are the best Black Friday smartwatch deals you'll find anywhere!Jump to Black Friday Android smartwatch dealsSamsungFitbitFossilMobvoiAppleFitness trackersThis year has brought plenty of excellent products to choose from. Whether it's the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the Fossil Gen 6, or the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS, there's a brand new smartwatch that's sure to be on sale for Black Friday. Fans of fitness trackers will find a refreshed series of wearables from brands like Fitbit and Garmin, as well as snazzy offerings from Amazfit.Those willing to pick ...

Among the best Black Friday Fitbit deals, the biggest discount we've seen by far is on the Fitbit Sense. Most of the best Fitbit trackers are receiving a $50 discount for Black Friday, but the Sense has regularly dropped $100 off its list price throughout November with every major retailer.At $200, the Fitbit Sense isn't cheap but drops to a reasonable level for people that need more than just a fitness watch. It's also designed to keep a close eye on your health, and it looks good doing it.One of the best smartwatches for measuring health data, the Fitbit Sense has an electrocardiogram (ECG) for measuring irregular heartbeats, an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor for tracking stress, and a temperature sensor. Plus, of course, you get other popular data like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking.In our Fitbit Sense review, we praised the Sense for its stylish, comfortable design and gorgeous OLED display. It also has all the bells and whistles you want in a sm...

The regular Pixel 6 was the only one to get actual color options and not just metallic shades, and we deserve to flaunt those fun colors and bold accents around that eye-catching camera bar stretching across the back. This is one of the best Android phones with half a decade of updates ahead of it, and if you want your new phone to last that long, you need to grab one of the best Pixel 6 cases you can.Come to the dark sideCaseology Parallax for Google Pixel 6Staff PickWhile not many cases yet highlight that pop of red at the top of the Kinda Coral Pixel 6, Caseology leaped right in. So whether you're tracking rebel scum across the galaxy or lording over your domain, the Parallax will help you keep an iron grip upon your Pixel 6, thanks to the new diamond grip pads along the bumper.$15 at AmazonBe still, my blue heartBellroy Leather Case for Pixel 6We might not be getting a fabric case for the Pixel 6 this year, but at least Bellroy is back with another round of be...

Sometimes, smart glasses don't feel very smart. For the price, you often get features that are cool but, ultimately, don't feel like they were worth the money you spent. That all changes this Black Friday with Fauna Audio Glasses, which are half off at Amazon right now.For just $99, Fauna Audio Glasses will look and feel great on your face and help you do a few more things hands-free throughout your day. Fauna Audio Glasses come in several different styles and colors, all of which are on sale for Black Friday!Fauna Audio Glasses connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and can play music or act as a mouthpiece for your favorite virtual assistant, whether that's Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or even Apple's Siri.Nestled within each temple is a quality speaker that'll let you jam to your favorite tunes throughout the day without ever having to put a pair of earbuds in your ears. They're built in a way that won't let everyone around you hear your music clearly, but you'll be enjo...

The free tier is available only in the US for now.What you need to knowTidal has announced a new free tier with periodic ad interruptions.The service also added HiFi audio quality to its $10/month plan.You can stream more than 80 million songs from Tidal's library through the free and paid tiers.Tidal is taking on many of the best music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music by launching an ad-supported free tier in addition to its two paid tiers with support for HiFi audio.The service now offers three subscription tiers, including Tidal HiFi and HiFi Plus in addition to Tidal Free, which is initially available on the best Android phones. All of them provide access to Tidal's library of more than 80 million songs, but the free tier has some notable trade-offs in addition to the occasional interruptions. For example, it does not provide offline listening and unlimited skips, both of which are available on the premium tiers.In addition, Tidal Free's audio quality...

If you're looking to buy a cheap Android tablet, Amazon is effectively the go-to choice. The Fire tablet series combines affordability with decent hardware, including 1080p screens, Alexa integration, and reliable build quality.To sweeten the deal, Amazon is offering up to 50% off its latest Fire tablets. The 2021 version of the Fire HD 10 is now on sale for just $75, 50% off its regular price of $150. That's a fantastic deal for a tablet with a 10.1-inch Full HD screen, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage with a MicroSD card slot, and an octa-core chip that ensures you don't see any lag in day-to-day use.The Fire HD 10 also has a 2MP front and 5MP camera at the back, and has a screen-on-time that goes up to 12 hours. There's USB-C charging by default, and if you want wireless charging and a little more RAM, the Fire HD 10 Plus has 4GB of RAM and Qi wireless charging, and it is now available for $105 — $75 off its usual retail price of $180.If you need something smaller, the Fire HD 8 ...

The Neutron is a diminutive charger with two ports and 20W USB PD fast charging.There are plenty of choices if you're looking for the best GaN charger in the U.S.; but the options are limited in India. Thankfully, there are a few brands that are innovating in this area, with Stuffcool and AMX leading the charge. These brands cater to Indian users, and tailor their products for the local market.I use several Stuffcool products daily — including the 65W Napoleon GaN charger and the 100W four-port Centurion — with both combining good build quality with fast charging over USB PD. Stuffcool's latest offering is just as enticing: the Neutron is a diminutive USB PD charger with two ports, and it goes up to 20W. The size is what makes the Neutron stand out. The charger is around 40% smaller than regular PD chargers in this category, and that makes it significantly easier to use — particularly on the road. What's also interesting is that you get two ports: a USB-C port that hits...

Nick and Jerry spend the episode chatting with fellow Android Central-ites Chris Wedel and Andrew Myrick. Chris shares his unpleasant experience with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, plus the gang discuss Motorola's rise to number three smartphone vendor in the U.S. And that's just the tip of the iceberg of everything they cover — check it out!Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Chris Wedel (@chris_wedel) / TwitterAndrew Myrick (@andymyrick) / TwitterSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro are infectious in all the wrong ways | Android CentralHow Motorola became number 3 against all odds | Android CentralSamsung publishes official One UI 4 (Android 12) update schedule in the US | Android CentralFoldables may be the future but Samsung is betting big on regular phones in 2022 | Android CentralQualcomm hints at a strong Snapdragon presence in the Galaxy S22 series | Android CentralThe Pixel 6 Pro fall...

OnePlus introduced its first pair of wireless earbuds over a year ago, and while its initial efforts were decidedly lackluster, it turned things around shortly thereafter. The OnePlus Buds Pro in particular stand out because they're on par with the likes of the Galaxy Buds Pro in terms of sound quality, but at $150, they're more affordable.And right now, you can get your hands on the Buds Pro for just $120, with the earbuds getting their first discount. That's $30 less than what they launched at three months ago, and a great overall value when you consider the quality on offer here.The OnePlus Buds Pro do a good job emulating the AirPods Pro design, with a short stalk that houses the controls for adjusting volume and music playback. The buds nestle easily into your ear, and because they're so light, you don't feel any fatigue even after using them for five hours or more.These earbuds also have excellent active noise cancellation and are able to tune out ambient noise in your surr...

While the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro sport some of the very best cameras in the industry, the default settings aren't set to the maximum quality that can be offered. This is especially true for the front-facing camera, which defaults to 1080p resolution and a standard angle of view. Get the most out of your Pixel 6 by jumping to 4K resolution and an ultrawide angle by following these steps, and don't forget to enable speech enhancement to make your videos sound as amazing as they'll soon look!How to take ultrawide selfies on Pixel 6 ProThe Google Pixel 6 Pro is equipped with a wider-angle front-facing camera that can take in more of your surroundings with the tap of a button.Open the camera app.Switch to the front-facing camera by clicking the circular arrow button on the bottom-left of the viewfinder.At the bottom of the screen, above the white shutter button, select the .7x button to switch to the ultrawide angle.While the default view is best for taking a nice fu...

While Amazon Echo Auto might not be the first device that comes to mind as you shop for the best Black Friday smart home deals, it's one that deserves your attention. If you find yourself wishing you had the help of Alexa when you're on the road, this is an ideal solution.Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in Amazon Echo Auto so that you can bring Alexa with you in the car. There's no better time, especially when you consider the incredible savings you'll receive. You can score a whopping 70% off for Black Friday.This device makes it easy for you to add Alexa to your vehicle. It works by connecting to the Alexa app on your phone. Once that's done, it'll seamlessly play through your car's speakers via your smartphone's Bluetooth connection or auxiliary input. Amazon Echo Auto also comes with a vent mount that is compatible with most vehicle air vents.When investing in an Alexa device, buyers are looking forward to an efficient experience from start to finish. Fortunately, ...

While Twitter is a great platform for following breaking news and engaging in dumb fights with strangers, it can get messy when you get tired of a follower and choose to block them. In an attempt to help users from going on a "blocking" spree, Twitter recently introduced a new feature that allows you to simply unfollow followers you didn't necessarily ask for. Here's what you need to do to remove a follower on Twitter without blocking them.How to remove a follower on TwitterOne of the most awkward moments you'll have on Twitter is when you decide to block someone—and said follower decides to call you out for blocking them. In hopes of protecting users from this embarrassing exchange, Twitter recently announced a new feature that allows you to unfollow instead of blocking a follower. Here are the simple steps you need to take to remove a follower on Twitter.Sign in to Twitter using your existing credentials. Navigate to your Profile.Click Followers. Scroll until you find...