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Best answer: If your house is already equipped with low-voltage doorbell wiring, Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is the best consumer-grade video doorbell in Ring's lineup. Otherwise, Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) can run off a rechargeable battery and offers a solid experience for customers wanting a Ring doorbell.What is a Ring Doorbell?Ring's line of Wi-Fi-connected video doorbells is a great way to secure your home and give yourself some peace of mind when you're waiting on a package or going away on vacation. They detect motion before anyone gets near your door, alert your smartphone, and start recording video. Best of all, most Ring Doorbells go on sale pretty regularly, so keep an eye out for upcoming holidays — that's typically when deals strike.Recorded footage gets stored in the cloud (with a subscription fee, of course), so you don't have to be watching live to catch a would-be burglar. There's also two-way audio, meaning you can talk to the person on the other end of th...

If you've still got the Samsung Galaxy S10, you should upgrade the accessories you use with your Samsung phone. From cases to chargers to mounts, grips, screen protectors, headphones, and more, there's a whole galaxy of accessories to explore, and as seasoned Galaxy travelers, we've got the low-down on which gear deserves to be a part of your Galaxy S10's all-star team-up.Excellent protectionSpigen Neo Hybrid Designed for Samsung Galaxy S10 Case (2019) - GunmetalStaff PickIt's hard to go wrong with a Spigen case, and one of our favorite series, the Neo Hybrid, was redesigned and replaced the old Herringbone texture with a new wavy texture that's supposed to offer even more grip. This case is still drop-dead awesome, and it comes in a two-toned black and gunmetal gray finish.$14 at AmazonMinimalist color popAnccer Ultra Thin FitI know there are some people out there who don't like to put a case on their brand new phone. To those people, I implore you to consider th...

Watch every ball of the 2021 T20 World Cup final with our New Zealand vs Australia live stream guide below. Cricketing history will be made today as a new name will be engraved on the T20 World Cup trophy - but will it be the Aussies or the Kiwis that break their duck?Both sides came into their semi-final matches earlier this week as underdogs, but pulled off unexpected wins to book their place in today's showdown at the the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Kiwis sealed their spot in this grand finale after sterling displays from Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham saw them pull off a five wicket win against England on Thursday. The Aussies meanwhile had Mathew Wade to thank after his six-packed batting display helped them edge past Pakistan on Thursday in a drama-filled last four clash.Read on for full details on how to live stream New Zealand vs Australia T20 World Cup final cricket online from anywhere.New Zealand vs Australia - the 2021 T20 World Cup final: Where and whe...

Things are getting worse for Huawei, ZTE and three more Chinese tech companies.What you need to knowPresident Joe Biden has signed legislation prohibiting Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE from receiving new equipment licenses.The Secure Equipment Act received a unanimous approval from the Senate last month.Under the new law, the Federal Communications Commission will reject any application from those companies.Huawei, ZTE, and three more Chinese technology firms have lost all hope of obtaining network equipment licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) after President Joe Biden signed the Secure Equipment Act into law.The new legislation prohibits the FCC from accepting or reviewing applications for network equipment from companies that pose a national security risk. Its purpose is to ensure that network equipment from those companies is not used in the US telecommunications network.Last year, the FCC designated Huawei and ZTE as national security th...

Google's Gboard has always been one of our favorite Android keyboard options, and we're going to show you how to create emoji mashups within Gboard to make your typing experience even more fun. This little trick takes advantage of a feature that Google calls the Emoji Kitchen, and it allows you to make some funny, cringy, and even downright scary emoji combinations. Long-time Android phone users such as myself will especially enjoy the return of the adorable emoji blobs. We'll show you how to get started and share some of our favorite creations with you for added inspiration.Products used in this guideThe best keyboard on Android: Google Gboard (Free at Google Play)How to create your Gboard emoji mashupsFirst, if you haven't already, go to the Google Play Store to download, install, and set to default the Gboard on your phone right now. Pixel owners will have it installed as the default keyboard.Open a messaging that you frequently type in, like Google Messages.Tap on th...

It includes a bunch of bug fixes and the November 2021 Android security patch.What you need to knowOnePlus has released the OxygenOS 12 Open Beta 2 for the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro.It includes a few improvements to the battery life and charging speed as well as a handful of bug fixes, among others.The latest open beta arrives a month after the initial release.OnePlus today announced that the second beta for OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12 is rolling out to the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro just a day after it began the closed beta program for the OnePlus 8 series.The OxygenOS 12 Open Beta 2 is being gradually pushed to the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro running the first open beta, which launched a month ago. OxygenOS 12 marks the last version of OnePlus' custom Android skin as it merges the OxygenOS codebase with OPPO's ColorOS.As for what's new in the second open beta, OnePlus has listed a slew of optimizations and bug fixes that should smooth out some kinks in the operating system. Th...

Android tablets have waned in popularity over the past few years, leading many companies to all but abandon them. But no one gave Samsung the memo: It regularly releases new tablet options every year, channeling its Android know-how into respectable software hosted on killer hardware. So whether you choose our top overall pick — the Galaxy Tab S7 — or any other option in this roundup, the best Samsung tablets all have plenty to recommend compared to iPads, Fires, and other popular brands. Especially if you find a Black Friday tablet deal on one.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7You have a large number of high-quality Galaxy Tabs to consider, but above everything that's on offer, the Galaxy Tab S7 stands out as our go-to recommendation. It launched last summer but remains the best Samsung tablet today — and often sells for far less than its original asking price.The most important aspect of any tablet is its display, and in this regard, the Tab S7 has a lot going for it...

And you can customize them, too!Following the mobile release of anticipated battle royale PUBG: New State, players will be looking to gain a foothold in the game as soon as possible. Choosing the right gun can be the difference between an early death and a tasty chicken dinner, and with a large amount of weapons on offer, it can be hard to know which one to pick. From shotguns to assault rifles, these are the best weapons to use In PUBG: New state.Best weapons in PUBG: New StateAKMThe AKM is a relatively common weapon to pick up so warrants inclusion on this list due to its high rate of fire and ability to kill enemies very quickly in mid to close quarters. Admittedly, however, it's not the strongest assault rifle. Among the guns most commonly found in the game, the AKM is not one you should be swapping early.Grenade launcherThe inclusion of such heavy weaponry as a grenade launcher on this list should be fairly self-explanatory. The sheer amount of damage possible he...

More powerJabra Elite 85t$150 at Amazon $150 at Best BuyProsHybrid ANC Great sound qualityBetter call quality than Elite 75tComfortable fitResponsive controlsWireless charging caseConsLarger frameMore proprietary ear tipsTaller and heavier caseJabra had a tough act to follow with the excellent Elite 75t, but the Elite 85t take things to another level by adding on previously missing features. They also sport improvements in some key areas that make them easy contenders for the best true wireless earbuds. You're looking at a capable pair of earbuds that can do just about everything.Hanging inJabra Elite 75t$135 at Amazon $150 at Best BuyProsGreat sound qualitySmaller frame, comfortable fitANC support through firmwareSmaller charging caseMaintains great app supportLess expensiveConsFewer charges from case compared to Elite 85tNo wireless chargingCall quality not quite as goodThe Elite 75t have a successor, but that doesn't ma...

Forget the ads and microtransactions and just play!There's something refreshing and low-stress about playing mobile games not entirely designed to get you to spend on in-app purchases. Honestly, I can say a lot for spending a couple of dollars upfront to get an entire game that you can enjoy from beginning to end without sitting through ads, being hounded to buy coins or gems, having to open crates, card packs, or whatever.I'll spare you the soapbox rant. Instead, we've gone through the Play Store and picked out a few games that cost a bit upfront but are worth every penny. So here are the best Android games without those pesky IAPs!The gamesThe Banner SagaCastlevania: Symphony of the NightDead CellsDownwellEvoland 1 and 2Final Fantasy VIIIGrimvalorGrand Theft AutoHoledown HuntdownJYDGEMini MetroMonument Valley 1 & 2OxenfreeReigns: Her MajestyThe Room seriesStardew ValleyStar Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicThumper: Pocket EditionUnmazeVampire: The...

This intriguing Cook Cup clash at Twickenham sees the hosts looking to make it eight consecutive wins in the spin over the Aussies - read on for full details on how to watch an England vs Australia live stream online, and watch the rugby action, no matter where you are in the world.The most recent of those victories came in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Japan back in 2019. Australia don't look in good stead to reverse the trend, coming into this match off the back of a dramatic defeat to Scotland last weekend. The Wallabies line up will also be weakened, with key front row stars Allan Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou both ruled out. While England coach will meanwhile be without Joe Marler, the home side's starting 15 should welcome back Owen Farrell as they look to build on last weekend's 11-try tonking of Tonga.Read on for full details on how to get an England vs Australia live stream no matter where you are in the world with our guide below.England vs Australia: Where and w...

Some items may be harder to come by this holiday.Black Friday is fast approaching, which means amazing deals on tech are incoming. While we know that plenty of our readers have already started (and finished) their holiday shopping, some like to wait until Black Friday to get everything done. There are bound to be some impressive offers on all sorts of items, but we want to know what you're most looking forward to buying, whether for yourself or your loved ones.What Black Friday tech deals are you looking for?Here at Android Central, we try to make things easy for our readers, so we've been keeping up with many of the great deals leading up to Black Friday weekend. Many retailers have already started their sales or announced their deals, making it easy to plan ahead.We're expecting some impressive Black Friday deals on Android smartphones, especially on Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, and possible Pixel devices.You also can't go wrong with some accessories and wearables, which ...

When it comes to spatial audio, it's not just over-ear headphones that get to have all the fun. Even among the best wireless earbuds, you'll find pairs that support a virtual audio holographic effect, emulating 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound to make content feel like it's coming to your ears from every direction. But not all of them are on that list, and the ones included here may use different terms to describe spatial audio. Either way, when you want to hear more than just stereo, these earbuds have the goods.Top dogSony WF-1000XM4Staff PickThese earbuds routinely make it to lists, counting it among the best you can place in your ears, and one of their coolest features is Sony's own 360 Reality Audio, which can work with most Android devices. Subscribe to Tidal HiFi, Deezer HiFi, or Amazon Music HD, and you can hear tunes mastered for surround sound.$248 at Amazon $248 at Best Buy $248 at B&HSamsung's bestSamsung Galaxy Buds ProSamsung ventured into spatial audio...

Netflix is bringing another "shorts" feature to mobile. This time, it's geared toward kids. Why?Netflix is a good place to stream movies or shows and has done a great job making its own content. I use the service like many do, and I have to say I'm pretty satisfied with it. It's cheap, gives me a lot of entertainment, and runs on the best Android phones and almost everything with an internet connection just like Skyrim does.But 2021 has been a weird year for the service where it's hatched a couple of schemes to try and offer different kinds of content, like games or TikTok-style shorts. It's not finished apparently because the company has confirmed to TechCrunch that it will be bringing Netflix Kids Clips, which are short videos for (you guessed it) kids. I can't help but think this whole idea of chasing TikTok is pretty silly.A look at TikTok and it's pretty clear why it's successful: Its mobile-first launched everywhere all at once and has a top-secret algorithm that decides ...

The music streaming app has picked up 'Energize' mood in its activity bar.What you need to knowYouTube Music now features the "Energize" mood in its personalized mixes, its fifth mood filter.The new mood is intended to perk you up after a long day, especially if you need some motivation.It currently has four featured playlists based on your personal preferences.YouTube Music has a new way to save you from boredom with the addition of a new mood filter to its personalized daily mixes. The new "Energize" mood joins the music streaming app's existing four filters for curated personalized playlists.The new mood includes personalized daily mixes from various genres and artists that match your mood, especially if you want to listen to something upbeat (via 9to5Google). It appears at the top of the app's home page, alongside the existing mood filters, which include "Workout," "Relax," "Commute," and "Focus."Google launched these new personalized mixes late last year, taking a ...

The wait is finally over and Paramount Network's hit show is returning with a brand new season and we have all the details on how you can watch season four of Yellowstone on TV or online.The American television series, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, first debuted back in June of 2018 and stars Oscar-winner Kevin Costner as John Dutton, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton and Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton. In addition to being the patriarch of the Dutton family, John Dutton is also a 6th generation billionaire who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the U.S., Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.However, the ranch is in constant conflict with the growing town, Indian reservation and national park it borders. The Dutton family ranch is also quite secluded and John Dutton has to fight to protect his ranch from those who would try to take it at all costs.Without going too far into spoilers, season three of Yellowstone ended with all of the members of...

"You look like you're talking into a piece of toast."The Samsung Galaxy Note celebrates its 10th birthday this month with no current handset on sale and the series's strong likelihood of being completely retired in early 2022. Although the spirit of the Note will live on through the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it still feels like the end of an era.It's fitting, then, that the apparent cancellation of the Note comes as every high-end phone is a Galaxy Note — or at least offers the first Note's prominent standout feature: An enormous screen for more productive work and immersive play. For a pretty long time, the Note was the only place to get that experience. And it started in late 2011 with the launch of the first phone in the series.Since the S Pen was the main feature that gave the Note its name, the phone was so enormous for the time that much of the early coverage focused on its sheer size. A trailblazing phone held back by the Android of the time.The first Note was easily on...

The HS80 combines a comfortable design with amazing sound and rock-solid wireless connectivity.Corsair is doing all the right things when it comes to headsets. The Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is easily one of the best PS5 headsets available today, and the brand has a range of solid options targeted at various price points.With the HS80 RGB Wireless, Corsair is rolling out its most comfortable headset yet. I used the most recent launches in the Virtuoso series and the Xbox-focused HS75, and the HS80 is just in a league of its own when it comes to comfort. The more gaming headsets I use, the more I realize that comfort is the biggest factor in extended use — at least for me.In that regard, the HS80 outshines its immediate rivals. But that's not the only area where Corsair's latest headset wins out; it has the same Slipstream tech that allows for low-latency wireless connectivity, Dolby Atmos and spatial sound, and an omnidirectional mic that is outstanding. Corsair ticked all the ...

Challenging, satisfying puzzles against a relaxing backdrop — who could ask for more?We're taking a break from all the crazy new games the kids are playing these days and throwing it back to some classic mobile puzzling. If you go back far enough, you'll find that Tetris was the first mobile game ever created, so it's not a stretch to say that puzzlers are the birthplace of mobile gaming. Of course, things have come a long way since then, but every now and then you just want to play a simple game that holds all of its magic in its core concept: the puzzles. Two Eyes - Nonogram does exactly that, bringing a popular type of puzzle, nonograms, effortlessly into the mobile space.This gem executes its ideas with finesse and even adds a little fluff into the margins with a touching story. Two Eyes - Nonogram can get its hooks into you very quickly, simply by virtue of how fun the puzzles are. This is a contender for one of the best puzzle games on Android, without a doubt.Nonog...

Andy Farrell's Irish side have been on a hot streak, but they'll need to be be at their absolute best if they want that run to continue this afternoon as they face formidable foes in the form of the All Blacks - read on for full details on how to stream Ireland vs New Zealand online, and watch the rugby action, no matter where you are in the world.New Zealand have lost just one match in 14 over the course of the last 12 months, and have notched up an impressive 205 points during their most recent three fixtures against the USA, Wales and Italy.The Irish, nevertheless also come into this game in good form, having marked Johnny Sexton's 100th cap by demolishing Japan 60-5 in Dublin last weekend.With six successive Test wins on the spin, this afternoon's game should provide a decent barometer for how far the Irish have really progressed under Farrell, with this game coming two years after the last meeting between these two sides which saw the All Blacks dish out a 46-14 humbling in ...

Still rocking the October security update, though.What you need to knowVerizon updates the Galaxy Note 20 series with eSIM support.The update allows Galaxy Note 20 devices to work on two networks at once.The update follows T-Mobile's rollout of eSIM support earlier this year.Carriers in the United States continue to provide eSIM support for more of the best Android phones, with Verizon adding support for the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series phones.The update brings support for Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), which allows the phone to work on two separate carriers at once using a physical SIM and eSIM. Using this will enable calls and messages to be received using both numbers, although only one can be assigned at a time for data.The update also brings support for Verizon's BYOD, meaning Galaxy Note 20 owners on other U.S. networks can easily switch to the countries largest carrier by subscribers. Just pop in a Verizon SIM, and the phone will adapt to the network.T-Mobile w...

In addition to battle royale, New State features 4v4 Team Deathmatch among other multiplayer modes.PUBG: New State is out for Android and iOS devices, giving a futuristic spin to the popular battle royale franchise. While its bread and butter is its 100-player battle royale map, New State also features 4v4 modes like Team Deathmatch, allowing you to team up with friends and compete against other players.Like PUBG Mobile, New State doesn't fully support controllers, meaning you can't use some of the best mobile controllers out there to play with your friends. If you're okay with touch controls, then hop on in.How to add friends in PUBG: New StateYou can add as many friends as you want, but keep in mind that you can only team up with up to three other players at a time.On the left of the lobby screen, select Add Friend if you don't have any yet.If you do have friends and want to add another, select the icon in the upper right. Select Add Friend in the lower right hand...

Who doesn't need more socks?What you need to knowGoogle is shipping out free swag to Pixel Superfans as a "small token of our appreciation."The exclusive merch references the recently released Pixel 6 Pro and Google Tensor SoC.US-based adults can request to join the Superfans for access to private events, groups, Q&As, and future swag.Back in September, right before Google unveiled the Pixel 6, it opened up the Pixel Superfans program, promising private Q&As, direct feedback to the Google hardware team, and "occasional gifts" for whoever joined.On Thursday, an Imgur post (spotted by 9to5Google) showed off one of those perks: a pair of multi-colored socks with the words "Google Pixel 6 Pro" inscribed on them, plus a shiny sticker depicting the Google Tensor SoC."Your feedback helps inform future feature drops and products, so we truly couldn't do this without you," reads the note accompanying the free swag.Pixel 6 socksThis isn't the first perk that Google ...

Spotify is on its way to becoming an all-encompassing audio platform.What you need to knowSpotify announced that it is acquiring Findaway.Spotify plans to "supercharge" its audiobook distribution platform to "revolutionize the audiobook space."The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year.Spotify is expanding its audio prowess with the purchase of Findaway, a leading audiobook platform. The platform is used for both audiobook distribution and self-publishing for independent authors.The move represents the first significant step into a new endeavor for Spotify, which has dominated the audio space with music and podcasts on the best Android phones. Spotify's Chief Research & Development Officer, Gustav Söderström, said on Thursday that the acquisition will help accelerate Spotify's plans to break into audiobooks."We're excited to combine Findaway's team, best-in-class technology platform, and robust audiobook catalog with Spotify's expertise to revolut...

Best answer: Google Stadia launched in 2019 as a way for players to access the games they love without needing a console or dedicated gaming PC. Since its initial launch, Stadia's modest amount of playable games continues to grow, with a ton of new titles available in the months to come and many more on the horizon.Full Google Stadia game listA Place for the UnwillingARK: Survival Evolved Assassin's Creed Odyssey Assassin's Creed OriginsAssassin's Creed SyndicateAssassin's Creed UnityAssassin's Creed ValhallaAttack on Titan 2: Final BattleAVICII InvectorBaldur's Gate III Early AccessBorderlands 3Cake BashCelesteChronos: Before the AshesControl Ultimate Edition Cosmic Star HeroineCraytaCthulhu Saves ChristmasCyberpunk 2077Darksiders Genesis Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition Dead by DaylightDestiny 2Destroy All Humans!Dirt 5 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut DOOMDOOM 64DOOM EternalDragon Ball Xenoverse 2Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive AgeDreamWo...

Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, is fast approaching, and it's expected that some of the most widely discounted products during this time are going to be smart home gadgets. One of the greatest things about all these sales is that it doesn't matter if you're looking for some of the best Alexa devices, awesome Google Home-related tech, or even more futuristic smart lights to build out the smart home of your dreams — it's all going to be on sale. We'll keep an eye out for the best Black Friday smart home deals as the season progresses and update this list accordingly, so be sure to check back for the latest.Jump to Black Friday Smart Home dealsNest Hub dealsAmazon Echo dealsSmart light dealsSmart plug dealsSmart Speaker dealsRobot vacuum dealsHome security dealsWi-Fi router dealsBlack Friday is a fantastic time to pick up smart home devices. So whether you're just getting started and need an excellent smart speaker to manage your devices, like a ...

But it's got all the trappings of a proper flagship phone.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has leaked once again, showing off all the colors it'll launch in.Samsung looks to offer multiple variants of the phone, but none appear to include a telephoto camera.Rumors have been pointing to a January 4th 2022 launch at CES for some time now.It seems that every week brings a new Galaxy S21 FE leak, and this week's is the most detailed yet. CoinBRS managed to get their hands on what appears are official marketing slides, as well as a spec sheet detailing the most important components inside the phone.While everything looks better than the regular Galaxy S21 at first, the lack of a proper telephoto camera is a bit surprising. Given the impressive Galaxy S21 Black Friday sales that have already started, losing out on the telephoto camera could be a huge bummer for would-be buyers.According to the leak, Samsung is changing out the 12MP main camera sensor on the Gala...

The Netgear Nighthawk RAX48 is a Wi-Fi 6 Nighthawk variant exclusive to Best Buy with an AX5200 connection including a 5GHz band capable of 4.8Gbps. Best of all, it's 50% off, or just $150 for Best Buy's month-long Black Friday sale.If you've been following WI-Fi 6 router news for a while the AX5200 speed may strike you as a bit odd but when you break it down, this router has plenty of speed right where you need it. The 5GHz band tops out at 4.8Gbps thanks to 160MHz band support and 1024-QAM. The 2.4GHz band is a bit slower than other Wi-Fi 6 routers at 460Mbps thanks to a lower 256-QAM. This slower 2.4GHz band will more than likely go unnoticed by most people since most of our devices use 5GHz primarily.The Nighthawk line of routers has always been top-notch when it comes to design and the RAX48 is no different with matte and glossy black plastics used on top with a vent towards the back to keep things cool. Around the back, there are four adjustable antennas making wall-mounting ...

Gaming is simply better with a controller in your hands.Gaming on Android typically requires you to settle for using touchscreen controls. However, some gracious game developers take the time and effort to add support for Bluetooth gamepads — and we love them for it. Since so few games provide this feature, we've taken the time to test as many as we could. Here is our list of the best games that let you play with the best Bluetooth controller in your hands.We'd also recommend getting a Style Ring or PopSocket, which can help prop your phone up at a good angle for gaming.You might recognize some of these games from the best Android games roundup, and for good reason. But you're here for the best games with controller support, after all, so here I present to you the best you can find on the Play Store.The gamesBombSquadBrawlhallaBridge Constructor PortalCall of Duty MobileCastlevania: Symphony of the NightDandaraDead CellsDoom & Doom IIEvoland 2 FortniteGRI...

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is here with outstanding camera upgrades, instant dictation/translation thanks to Google Tensor, and a curved 6.7-inch screen with a variable refresh rate. Anyone who's ever owned a curved-screen phone knows, protecting the sides of that phone is crucial to keep it intact and alive. With that in mind, here are the best Pixel 6 Pro cases to keep your shiny new flagship safe.Slim, but secureSpigen Liquid Air Armor Designed for Google Pixel 6 ProIf you don't want to bulk up your super-sized Pixel 6 Pro, what you want is something slim but still thick enough to provide some impact protection and significantly add grip. The Liquid Air Armor has great textures both across the back and on the sides, which is why I recommend it over its classic Rugged Armor sibling.$16 at AmazonTerrific two-toneCaseology Parallax Protective Case Compatible with Google Pixel 6 ProWhile the Caseology Parallax isn't packing quite as colorful a lineup as it has for previo...

OnePlus is ramping up its beta program.What you need to knowOnePlus has begun recruiting OnePlus 8 owners for the OxygenOS 12 beta.The closed beta will only accept 200 people with the OnePlus 8/8 Pro and 200 8T owners.The beta program will be short-term ahead of the stable Android 12 release for OnePlus 8 devices.OnePlus has begun recruiting more beta testers for its OxygenOS 12 update. This time, the company focuses on the OnePlus 8 series devices.The company announced the closed beta program on Friday, stating that it will be a short-term program as opposed to previous long-term beta programs that the company has conducted. This suggests that the company may plan to release the update sooner rather than later for anyone still rocking some of 2020's best Android phones.The closed beta is limited to only 400 OnePlus 8 owners; specifically, the company wants 200 OnePlus 8/OnePlus 8 Pro owners and 200 OnePlus 8T owners to participate.To participate, you obviously need a...

Choosing the right Wi-Fi router can be a challenge with a ton of options but most people will be very happy with a reasonable Wi-Fi 6 setup like the AX1800 TP-Link AX21 which is $75, 25% off. With 5GHz speeds of up to 1201Mbps, this router can keep up with the majority of internet connections with more than enough speed for 4K streaming and large game downloads. Not only that, but with Wi-Fi 6 support, it's a great companion to a PS5.The Archer AX21 is a simple router that stays focused on what matters most in a router. Besides its fast wireless connection, it also has four gigabit Ethernet ports around the back, flanked on either side by four adjustable antennas. You can also easily wall-mount your router thanks to some mounting holes on the bottom if you want your setup to be a bit cleaner.This router can be easily set up in a few minutes with the TP-Link Tether app. Even if you've never set up your own router before, you can follow along with the app on Android or iOS to be up a...

In October, Google announced a series of new features that allow users to make more sustainable choices while navigating Google Search and Maps tools. Revealed during the Sustainable with Google event as part of the tech giant's goal to operate carbon-free by 2030, the new features specifically allow users to plan "greener" travel. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of tools that will help you plan a more sustainable vacation with Google search.How to plan a more sustainable vacation with Google searchAs part of its rollout to help users plan more eco-friendly getaways, Google promotes a new set of features that allow users to search for flights, hotels, and activities that put their carbon footprint at the forefront. Here's a detailed breakdown of those tools.Finding sustainable flights with Google searchGoogle makes it easier to find more sustainable flights by displaying carbon emission estimates on your flight search results and booking pages. Here's what you need...

Mesh Wi-Fi systems are one of the best ways to make sure you have great WI-Fi coverage around the entire house. The TP-Link Deco X20 is a mega deal on a mesh system at just $200 for three nodes with a total of 5,800 square feet of coverage. This mesh kit comes with three dual-band nodes with AX1800 speeds and works great with Wi-Fi 6 devices as well as older Wi-Fi devices.The TP-Link Deco X20 can help keep your home connected even if you have a lot of ground to cover or just have a home layout with a lot of interference. The best mesh Wi-Fi 6 systems like the Deco X20 use multiple small nodes to fully blanket your home in Wi-Fi coverage rather than relying on a single router to do all the work. This also allows for smaller nodes that can be easily hidden around the home.The Deco X20 comes with TP-Link's HomeCare software which provides antivirus protection for your whole network. HomeCare is free and can be easily set up and managed via the Deco app on Android. Not only that, HomeC...

Your screenshots are now one click away on Google Photos.What you need to knowGoogle Photos' home page now includes a new shortcut to the screenshot folder.The new shortcut may appear only after you have taken new screenshots on your phone.Google is apparently rolling out the shortcut as part of a server-side update.Google Photos now makes it easier to access the local folder for screenshots. On the service's home page, there is now a large shortcut button that now takes you directly to the screenshot folder.The most recent update, discovered by the Google News Telegram group, provides quick access to screenshots saved on your device and synced to Google Photos. The shortcut is located directly at the top of the home page, making it much easier to notice.Previously, you had to go to the bottom of the screen, tap the Library tab, and then open the Screenshots folder to view this type of image. The process is by no means complicated, but the new update is much handier a...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to multi-gigabit 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds up to 2.4Gbps per device to provide a better experience and more extensive coverage at home. Not only that, but most of these routers come with great software, including parental controls, to make your life easier. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops. So now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The Asus RT-AX82U is an AX5400 dual-band WI-FI 6 router that will work for just about any family thanks to its fast speeds, great extra software, and easy expansion options. This router has plenty of speed to take care of a family's streaming needs as well as the option to optimize traffic for gaming. You also get free security with AiProtection Pro for the life of the router.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, ...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsT-Mobile LTE networkUnlimited talk and textFree calls to Canada and MexicoHotspot on every plan5G on all plansConsMinimum term is three monthsUnlimited plan is slowed at 35GB5GB hotspot cap on unlimited planSave money by buying in bulk. Plans come with unlimited talk, text and have no overages after you've used your data. Speeds are lowered, but you can upgrade your plan mid-cycle or easily add more data.One month at a timeCricket WirelessFrom $30/mo. at Cricket WirelessProsAT&T LTE networkService in Canada and Mexico (unlimited plans)Unlimited talk and textMulti-line discounts 15GB hotspot data (unlimited plan) ConsSD quality videos (unlimited plans)Speed limits5G is only on the most expensive planTake advantage of the massive AT&T network without the contracts. You can start as small as just talk, text, and 2GB of data, then go all the way up to unlimited data wi...

Curse of the Pixel was certainly due for another sequel.What you need to knowGoogle Photos version 5.67 removes the Magic Eraser feature on Pixel 6 phones.Reverting to version 5.66 or earlier fixes the problem.This isn't the first time Google has pushed a problematic update, although it's likely this update will be pulled in the near future if it wasn't already been removed from the Play Store.If you're the proud owner of a brand new Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, you might want to hold off on pressing that update button for the Google Photos app. The latest version of the app, version 5.67, seems to have been erroneously pushed out by Google and, according to some users on Reddit, has completely removed the beloved Magic Eraser feature.If you noticed the feature was missing and were worried that you might have done something wrong, don't worry, it's easily fixable. More than likely, this version was intended for Android phones that aren't a Pixel 6 but appears to have be...

Android Central alumni Russell Holly and Daniel Bader join Ara, Jerry, and Michael Fisher for an epic gab session! They chat about Google's Pixel 6 messaging, Meta and the changing shape of the open web, and some of their favorite new tech in 2021.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:The Pixel 6 is facing a lot of criticism, but that's good for Google | Android CentralMeta acquires popular VR exercise app Supernatural, a sign of things to come | Android CentralSponsors:Codecademy: Join the millions of people learning to code with Codecademy and see where coding can take you. Get 15% off your Codecademy Pro membership when you go to Codecademy.com and use promo code ANDROID....

The Pixel 6 is still a great phone; it just has early-adopter jitters.What you need to knowA majority of poll responses show that our readers did not cancel their Pixel 6 orders.A smaller percentage have either canceled or are thinking of returning the phone.More than 30% of respondents never ordered a Pixel 6.While the Google Pixel 6 series has had quite a bit of fanfare since launch, it's also faced its share of criticism, as our Shruti Shekar points out. A lot of that has to do with the number of bugs that early buyers have dealt with. So we asked whether or not our readers ended up canceling their orders, for whatever reason.Of more than 800 responses, 30% say that they already received their Pixels and love the device, which isn't too surprising. Despite the early-adopter bugs that even the best Android phones deal with, the Pixels are still fantastic devices. An additional 18% say that they did not cancel their orders, as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are still hard t...

Xbox Cloud Gaming channels Mexico in miniature to a 6-inch smartphone screen.Forza Horizon 5 barely needs any introduction. The open-world racer tightropes between exacting car realism for gear heads, zany arcade-style gameplay for casual fun, and endless side missions and multiplayer content for completionists. Our Windows Central colleagues have already waxed rhapsodic about the game's many virtues in their full Forza Horizon 5 review.What we're more curious about is how Xbox Cloud Gaming handles this next-gen title. Microsoft promises that players will be able to get Xbox Series X-level performance on Android phones or in web browsers without needing powerful (and expensive) hardware. But it's still in beta, and a gorgeously rendered, blistering-paced game like Forza Horizon 5 wouldp rovide the ultimate test for Microsoft's servers.Long story short, it's amazing how well Forza performs on even the smallest and weakest of phones. Input lag is noticeable but it's minute and ea...

The feature has been available on older Pixel phones since March.What you need to knowThe Pixel 6 series phones have received "early access" to Google Fit's heart and respiratory rate tracking features.The camera-based tracking features were first announced in February this year. Google warns that the features are "being fine-tuned and may be removed."Earlier this year, Google announced a new feature that makes it possible to measure your heart and respiratory rate using your smartphone camera. While the features weren't available on Pixel 6 series phones at launch, they are finally making their way to Google's best Android phones of 2021.As reported by 9to5Google, the heart and respiratory rate tracking features are now available in "early access" for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users. Google warns that both the camera-based features are being fine-tuned and may be removed. The cards for the new heart and respiratory tracking features show up at the bottom of the Home tab i...

Many great Chromebooks have come in the last two years, but Google's clamshell ultrabook remains one of the most premium and most comfortable to write on for long periods of time. It also remains one of the least-discounted Chromebooks on the market outside Black Friday Chromebook deals and it many weeks of deals. The dry spell has broken with discounts of the Pixelbook Go at Amazon and Best Buy.Debuting in 2019, the Google Pixelbook Go is the most recent Google-made Chromebook. Premium outside and well-configured inside, the Pixelbook Go remains among the cream of the crop because it has one of the best typing and in-lap experiences on a Chromebook to date.You can get $50 off the base m3 model, $100 off the i5/8GB model, and $150 off the i5/16GB model. The configuration with i7 and 4K display is sadly not part of this deal — but that's okay, there's another 4K Chromebook on sale you can buy instead, and we'll get to it in a minute.Save up to $150 on Pixelbook GoGoogle Pixelb...

Even with a Gorilla Glass Victus screen and a Gorilla Glass 5 rear panel, the Google Pixel 6 is a glass phone, which needs extra protection. To avoid scary spiderweb shatters, impact protection is crucial, but keeping out dust, sand, and dirt is essential. If rough particulate matter slips between the case and phone, it can lead to ghastly scratches once you take your phone out of this Fort Knox of a case. Balancing protection, style, price, and slimness, here are the best heavy-duty Pixel 6 cases.Technicolor toughnessPoetic RevolutionWhile many of these manufacturers are just sticking to basic black, Poetic gives us the color variety we deserve with the Poetic Revolution. With five colors, silicon flaps to guard your USB-C port, and a built-in screen protector, the Revolution is ready to go to war with you.From $15 at AmazonHigh diverIncipio GripWhile most cases are only drop-tested from 4-8 feet, Incipio goes above and beyond with the Grip's 14-foot drop protectio...

Last year, the best Black Friday Fitbit deals mostly topped out at about $50 off on the best brands. With these latest deals on the Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Sense, we're already matching that number in the weeks leading up to the main deals event.If you've been thinking of buying one of the best fitness trackers as a holiday gift or to get a jump-start on your 2022 fitness goals, our number one pick across all exercise brands is the Fitbit Charge 5. At full price it's a bit expensive, but it's currently $50 off on all major storefronts.Fitbit Charge 5$129 at Amazon$129 at Best BuyFitbit didn't leave anything out of the Charge 5. It has 5ATM water resistance, a week of battery life, NFC for tap-to-pay, onboard GPS, HRM, ECG and EDA health sensors, and all the Fitbit software features you love. It's perfect if you want a device that you'll barely feel on your wrist while running, but still looks readable in direct sunlight.Currently, the largest price cut is on the Fit...

The app will now notify you when a movie or show you saved in the watchlist goes free.What you need to knowThe Google TV app now includes a new feature that notifies you when a previously bookmarked movie or show becomes available for free.The new feature is hidden deep in the app's settings, though it is enabled by default.You'll also be notified when content from a third-party streaming service linked to the app becomes available for free viewing.Google has quietly pushed a new update to the Google TV app, formerly known as the Google Play Movies & TV app, that sends you a notification when a TV show or movie on your watchlist becomes free to watch.The app's watchlist tab functions as a bookmark, allowing you to save movies and TV shows to watch later on many of the best Android phones or laptops. According to 9to5Google, the new feature is enabled by default on the Google TV app, as well as the Play Movies & TV app if you're still using it.You can also turn o...

Amazon's smart plug brings a new meaning to the term "plug and play."I've been using the Amazon Smart Plug for a few days, and I'm convinced it's the best hardware product Amazon has ever made.I'm no stranger to smart plugs. I have an assortment of them in my house, ranging from hard-wired old-school Wemo and Insteon plugs to inexpensive iHome socket adapters to "green" models like Edimax's offerings. They're a great way to transform any dumb device into one smart enough to turn on or off on command. They work because they're simple: it's hard to build something that only does one thing which doesn't work.What's usually not simple is setting things up. Some plugs are harder than others to get working well, especially with something like a voice assistant, and every one I've tried has needed some tech literacy to install and get working properly. Until now.Amazon Smart Plug review:Price and availabilityWhat is a smart plug?What's good What you won't likeThe competitio...

Whether you're looking to become the next big streamer or need to look professional for an online meeting, a clear webcam is a must. Aluratek's 4K Ultra HD Live Broadcast Webcam is just $60 at Best Buy, $120 off. This webcam not only has a crisp high-resolution image, but also dual stereo microphones with noise canceling.This Aluratek webcam is compatible with just about every operating system including Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS so you can even use it with one of the best Chromebooks. For example, if you have a home office setup powered by a laptop, you can leave the laptop closed and keep your desk clear for meetings. You can also take it with you and clip it to your monitor if you're working from the road.Aluratek makes mounting easy with a grippy clip that can hold on to the top of a monitor or sit on a flat surface. It also comes with mounting for a tripod so you can make sure you get the perfect angle with any desk layout. This webcam also comes with a physical privacy cover...

If you are looking for a smart speaker that offers more than playing your favorite audio, answering your questions, and helping you to control all the gadgets you picked up during the Black Friday smart home sales, then you should take advantage of this deal on the Lenovo Smart Clock 2 from Best BuyLenovo released the Smart Clock 2 this year, and when I got the chance to review it, I was pretty impressed. I have used the original Smart Clock for a couple of years, and it has been nice, but the improvements that Lenovo made for the second generation were great! While the updates to the smart speaker itself were minor, primarily the improved audio — it's the new dock that really steals the show.The Smart Clock 2 is a perfect bedside or office desk companion because the new dock brings so much additional functionality to the already helpful speaker. This dock brings a wireless charging pad to keep your phone topped off, a soft glowing night light when you need it, and a USB port for...

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a foldable phone with many promises. S Pen support makes it a natural choice for creators on the go who want to sketch out ideas wherever the muse strikes them. The improved durability and water resistance mean that you don't quite have to baby the Fold 3 the way you did the Fold 2 (just don't take it to the beach or the desert). Of course, you can bolster that protection with a great case, and these are the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases we've been able to find so far.Protect everythingSpigen Tough Armor Designed for Galaxy Z Fold 3 5GStaff PickMost Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases leave the phone's hinge totally exposed, but Spigen provides a couple of options with that extra bit of protection. The Tough Armor's version should still sit flat on a desk in tablet mode. It also offers a nice lip around the outer screen and the camera.$50 at AmazonGet the Note experienceSamsung S Pen Folio CoverWhile the Galaxy Z Fold 3 supports the S Pen, it...