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Making Android and Google Assistant more accessible.What you need to knowGoogle is asking for people with speech impairments to volunteer for the Project Relate.It is training its speech recognition algorithms to recognize atypical speech patterns.The Project Relate app will listen to your words and repeat them more clearly for others to understand.Project Relate will help people use Google Assistant more easily as well.For people with physical disabilities, a voice assistant can be much more accessible for daily life than tapping away at a small smartphone screen. But for those with conditions that make speech difficult — such as ALS, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson's disease, or post-stroke brain damage — Google Speech recognition isn't properly equipped to understand their verbal tics.Google's Project Relate initiative could change that. It is "a new Android app that aims to help people with speech impairments communicate more easily with others and interact with the Go...

We're starting to track the best PS5 Black Friday deals right now, but even if the big day isn't here yet, you can save a lot right now. For anyone that's looking to try some multiplayer games on PS5, or hasn't made the upgrade yet but still wants to maintain a membership on PS4, CD Keys has 12-month PlayStation Plus subscriptions for just $41.99.This is generally the best deal that can be found on PlayStation Plus memberships, so if you want to get the maximum value for your money, you'll want to act quickly and grab a card (or two!) before the deal is gone. PlayStation Plus normally runs for $10 a month, so if you swap over from a monthly subscription, you could save almost $80 on a year-long membership.While some of the best PS5 games available do include multiplayer or online functionality of some kind, such as Bluepoint Games' Demon's Souls remake, PlayStation Plus has other benefits, with free games offered for members every month, including new PS4 and PS5 titles.A year of...

For the longest time the SteelSeries Arctis 7P headset was sold out at most retailers, which was no surprise given that it's easily one of the best PS5 headsets on the market. Ahead of Black Friday, SteelSeries has it back in-stock on its own storefront, and you can currently purchase it for just $100.This will likely be the cheapest you'll find this headset this holiday. Though a newer model, the Arctis 7P+, recently released, you shouldn't expect the 7P to drop in price any further. The Arctis 7P usually sells for $150, and in the past some companies have taken to price gauging because it was so difficult to come by in-stock.Save $50 on the Arctis 7P headset for PS5SteelSeries Arctis 7P $100$100 at SteelSeriesSteelSeries found the perfect balance between comfort and audio quality with the Arctis 7P, and now it's even more affordable for those looking to get a new headset. It features 3D audio support, 24 hours of battery life, and comes in two different colors. The ski-...

Protecting the Samsung Galaxy S9's curved display is no easy task — tempered glass offers the best protection, but a PET film can generally flex around the edges of curved displays better. There's also a price difference, so there's a lot to consider when you're buying. These are the best Samsung Galaxy S9 screen protectors.Best overallWhitestone Dome Glass Galaxy S9 Screen Protector (2-pack)Staff PickWhitestone's UV-curing wet-install Dome Glass kit is the best on the market. The patented liquid glass disperses over the entire screen and hardens to create an impenetrable edge-to-edge barrier for unmatched protection.$50 at Amazon$75 at WalmartEasy to installamFilm 3D Curved Glass Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S9AmFilm simplifies the install by providing an installation tray so you can line up the perfect fit. You'll receive one tempered glass screen protector, one tray, dry wipes, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and dust removal stickers.$10 at Amazon$1...

YouTube hopes this will help creators stay motivated.What you need to knowYouTube is hiding the dislike count from the site.The move was introduced to help stop abuse of the feature.Users should start noticing the change today as it gradually rolls out for users.YouTube announced on Wednesday that it will begin hiding the dislike count on videos. This was done in response to some users of the service abusing the feature.In general, viewers have used the dislike button to help gauge the quality of content on a particular video, and creators use it to assess their own content and work out how they can improve. However, there has been a trend of some using it for less-than-helpful purposes.Some will dislike a video simply because they don't like the author, while others will conduct dislike attacks just to drive up the count for no particular reason. The latter move, in particular, can harm creators, and YouTube experimented earlier this year with hiding the dislike count ...

T-Mobile recently announced that current and new T-Mobile and Sprint customers can get a one-year free subscription to Paramount+ if they subscribe to one of the carrier's postpaid wireless or home internet plans. Here's what you need to do to claim your free year of Paramount+ on T-Mobile.How to claim your free year of Paramount+ on T-MobileStarting Nov. 9, T-Mobile is offering customers a free one-year subscription to Paramount+'s Essential plan, which usually costs $4.99 a month, includes limited commercial interruptions, and lacks local live CBS stations. If this sounds like a good deal, you'll want to take the following steps to claim your free year of Paramount+ on T-Mobile.Navigate to the Paramount+ Plus Deal Page at T-Mobile.com. Check the terms see that the promotion applies to your T-Mobile plan. If the terms apply, choose to Redeem the promotion. Create a new Paramount+ account or Sign in to Paramount+ using existing credentials.You'll be asked to provide yo...

With the launch of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Google improved its already impressive Live Translate feature on Pixels with additional languages and faster local processing. If you don't have a Google Pixel 6, don't fret. Google Live Translate still works and will just need an active internet connection to function, instead. That's because Google Live Translate is processed through Google's cloud Tensor processors, while the Pixel 6 has its own Tensor processor on-board.How to translate a single phraseSometimes you just need to translate a single phrase into another language. This can be something as simple as "where's the bathroom" or "where can I find pizza?" Whatever you need, Google Translate can help with that quick request.Open the Google Translate app.At the bottom of the screen, above the microphone, select your language as the first language.Select the other person's language as the second option.Press the microphone button and begin speaking.When finished spea...

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 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 Nest Hub Max, or yo...

There are a lot of things to consider when looking for the best cheap phone plans in 2021, whether you need a ton of data or just enough to get by when you're away from Wi-Fi. Two of the most important considerations are coverage and phone compatibility. Mint Mobile's 4GB plan is the best of both worlds, offering great coverage with 5G support and just enough data to get you by with a little discipline. These are some of the best cheap phone plans to ensure you stay connected while paying for only what you need.Best overall: Mint Mobile 4GBT-Mobile's network is home to some of the best cheap phone plans in the industry, and Mint Mobile takes things a step further with great discounts for those who are willing to pay a little more upfront. Mint Mobile comes with unlimited calling and texting in the U.S., and mobile hotspot is enabled if you need it. With the 4GB plan coming in at a low $15 per month when you buy 12 months, it's hard to find a much better value.While the total ...

If you've been holding out on buying your first streaming stick or just waiting to upgrade your current device during Black Friday, now is the time to make that purchase. Amazon's already low-priced Fire TV Stick 4K is currently selling for $24.99 — that's a $25 savings for one of the best streaming devices you can buy!It's pretty amazing how much tech and the number of features that Amazon has been able to fit into this small HDMI dongle. Aside from the crystal-clear 4K Ultra HD picture, the Fire TV Stick 4K is capable of, it also supports other impressive cinema-quality formats. With Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ all in tow, your living room can go from a place you watch your shows to your personal movie theater hotspot.Not to leave out the audio side of a theater experience, the Fire TV Stick 4K also has Dolby Atmos. This makes anything you watch that is in a Dolby Atmos format a fully immersive experience to make you feel as if you are in the scene of your favorite movies no ...

Christmas decorations are going up and Chromebook prices are going down, which can only mean one thing: Black Friday is almost here! While last year's Chromebook shortage didn't give us quite as many deals as we'd like, this year, you can already get hundreds off many of the best Chromebooks around. There are tons of choicese to consider such as the bright and beautiful Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (both generations are on sale), to the compact and kid-friendly Lenovo Flex 3 and Flex 5. There's a Chromebook deal for everyone this Black Friday, and we're here to help you find the best one for you or your little munchkins.Jump to Black Friday Chromebook deals:AcerASUSHPLenovoPremiumStudentWhere to find the best Black Friday Chromebook dealsChromebook deals are found everywhere, from retail giants like Amazon and Best Buy to your local electronic stores and mega-marts (I miss you, HEB), but they come more reliably from a few outlets. The stores below are known for their C...

While you'll have to wait till Black Friday itself to see some of the biggest deals on the big-ticket items, deals on the best Chromebooks kick off early because Chromebooks usually have great sales almost every week. This week, Walmart has dropped the 2019 Samsung Chromebook 4+ down to $209, and While this could be a great Chromebook for some kids, if you want a big-screen Chromebook for your grandparents who need big fonts, the 4+ will not serve you well.The Samsung Chromebook 4+ features a Celeron N4000 processor, which we've seen in dozens of good budget Chromebooks like the Lenovo C340-11 and ASUS Chromebook Flip C214. This processor is great for homework and casual, but not for heavy use or for video calls with more than 4 participants. If your kid needs a Chromebook they can use for class-wide Google Meet calls when there's a bad weather day or the school is closed for a local outbreak, they won't have a great time on the Samsung Chromebook 4+. Granted, they can always do what...

Familiar takeGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series$100 at Best Buy $99 at GoogleProsSame sound quality for lessIntegration with Android and Google AssistantLightweight build and comfy fitFast chargingConsNo swipe gesturesNo wireless charging caseNo change in battery lifeStill no active noise cancelationGoogle brought its Pixel Buds back, only instead of an improved sequel, it opted for a more affordable variant. The A-Series leave a few things behind, but the major pieces are still in place, and that's what makes them such an attractive target for your ears.Second outingApple AirPods (2nd Gen)$119 at Amazon From $130 at Best Buy From $119 at WalmartProsGreat microphone qualitySuper compact designWireless charging caseUp to 24 hours battery life with caseConsPoor sound isolationNo easy media controls No customizability on non-Apple devicesMore expensiveApple breathed real life into the wireless earbuds category with the AirPods, and the...

The €2.42 billion fine imposed on Google has been upheld by the General Court.What you need to knowEurope's second-highest court has dismissed Google's challenge against a 2017 ruling by the European Commission.The European Commission had imposed a €2.4 billion (about $2.8 billion) fine on Google for abusing its dominant position to favor its own comparison shopping service. Google can now choose to appeal against the ruling with the EU Court of Justice (CJEU). In what comes as a huge setback for Google, Europe's second-highest court on November 10 dismissed the search giant's appeal against a 2017 ruling by the European Commission.The European Commission had found that Google had abused its search dominance to promote its own comparison shopping service over those of its rivals. In respect of the infringement, the Commission imposed a hefty €2.4 billion (about $2.8 billion) fine on Google and its parent company Alphabet.The court found that Google had indeed viol...

Will Samsung defy expectations and announce a Galaxy S22 chipset?Update, Nov 10 (8:15 a.m. ET): No chip announcement on November 19What you need to knowSamsung Exynos is planning to announce something on November 19.Its Instagram post suggests something to do with gaming graphics.We previously learned Samsung and AMD were partnering on the Exynos 2200 with major gaming improvements.We also have heard leaks that Samsung is struggling to produce the 2200 to scale for the upcoming Galaxy S22.Samsung is teasing a gaming related-announcement for November 19. In an Instagram ad, Samsung Exynos promised that it will show you "what entertainment will look like in the future," specifically related to improved gaming graphical performance.From the looks of it, it sounds like Samsung is gearing up to announce a new Exynos chipset. Back in May, we learned that Samsung and AMD planned to co-develop the Exynos 2200 with RDNA2 technology. Previously added to the PS5 and Xbox Series X...

Recent leaks point to a change in direction for Samsung's hardware design. So is that a bad thing?Thanks to Jon Prosser of FrontPageTech and a tester with a flagrant disregard for Samsung's famous anti-leaking sticker, we recently got our first look at the hardware of Samsung's upcoming 2022 flagship phone, the Galaxy S22 Ultra. This could be one of the best Android phones of 2022, and as such, it is a pretty big deal.In addition to confirming features like a built-in S Pen and hole-punch selfie camera, the leaked photos reveal a fairly ho-hum rear design for Samsung's next "Ultra" handset. The phone appears to be clad in black frosted glass, similar to the S21 Ultra, only without that device's prominent camera hump. Samsung takes a leaf from LG's design book.Whereas this year's flagship features a large raised portion covering almost a sixth of the surface area of the rear panel, next year's will instead opt for something closer to the LG Velvet's back design. If you'd fo...

You've picked a superb time of year to check out the latest cheap VPN deals as most of the best providers have already launched their Black Friday deals with the lowest prices of the year. Thankfully,some of the finest VPN offers are from providers you'd find riding high on our best VPN guide. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering. Many even come with a money-back guarantee, so if it doesn't work the way you want, you'll be able to get out of the deal.Best cheap VPN Deals Right NowExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off)PureVPN: $2.91 per month (73% off) Surfshark: $2.49 per month (81% off)IPVanish: $3.20 per month (70% off)NordVPN: $3.67 per month (69% off) PIA VPN: $2.08 per month (83% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)Faste...

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

Casting + StreamingGoogle Chromecast with Google TV$50 at Best BuyPros4K HDR with Dolby VisionBuilt-in Google Assistant in remoteBetter for gaming optionsCasting techGoogle Knowledge Graph delivers better recommendationsConsNo Alexa, AirPlay or HomeKitNo expandable storage No Ethernet connectivityThe Chromecast with Google TV crowds onto Roku's turf with an excellent app library of free content, combined with AI recommendations and Google Assistant navigation to make your faves easy to find. That, along with Google's proprietary casting tech and its 4K + Dolby capabilities, makes the new streaming dongle hard to beat.Universal compatibilityRoku Ultra (2020)$69 at Amazon$70 at Best BuyPros4K HDR with Dolby VisionWorks with Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2 and HomeKitRemote control with headphone jack and find-my-remoteSupports Bluetooth streaming from devicesUSB and Ethernet connectivityConsNot as compact of a streaming dongle...

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...

The Ring Doorbell and Amazon's Echo Show are a match made in heaven. The Ring Doorbell offers a smart doorbell experience that'll let you know exactly who's at the door without actually having to answer it. You can then use that cross-functionality to manage visitors by viewing them through the Ring Doorbell's camera and communicating with them using the Show's microphone. Thanks to Amazon Alexa, you don't even have to use your hands.Products used in this guideAmazon Echo Show 8Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2How to connect your Ring Doorbell with Amazon Echo ShowConnecting your Ring Doorbell with your Amazon Echo Show is easy. It'll just involve adding the Ring Alexa skill through the Amazon Alexa smartphone app. Here's how:Open the Amazon Alexa app.Tap the three lines in the bottom right-hand corner of the app to open the settings menu.Tap Skills & Games.On this screen, tap the search button in the upper right-hand corner.Type "Ring" and hit the search button.Ri...

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, ...

Best answer: AirPods technically work with Android phones, but compared to using them with an iPhone, the experience is significantly watered-down. From missing features to losing access to important settings, you're better off with another pair of wireless earbuds.The perks of using AirPods with an Android phoneThis is a multi-faceted question, so let's start with the positives. Whether you get AirPods or AirPods Pro, they both act as regular Bluetooth earbuds when used with an Android phone. You put them into pairing mode, select them from your list of Bluetooth devices, and you can start using them as you would any other wireless headphones/earbuds.You'll get the same sound quality and battery life that you get with an iPhone, meaning the core experience is mostly the same. Put the AirPods in your ears, pick a song or podcast to listen to, and you can enjoy your audio wherever you go.The regular AirPods, be it the AirPods 2 or AirPods 3, are fairly basic earbuds with a o...

Xbox Game Pass's cloud gaming option on Android (also known as xCloud or Xbox Cloud Streaming) has been steadily expanding ever since Game Pass launched. At the time of writing, you can play over 250 games on your Android device if you're a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber — check out our list of the best games. So if you want to turn your Android phone or tablet into a Game Pass machine, here are a few of the things that will make your gameplay experience better.Best controller attachmentRazer Kishi GamepadStaff PickSome of the games on Game Pass work with touch controls, but for versatility, it's always best to get a controller of some kind. Assuming you're playing on a phone or a phone-sized device, then you can't go wrong with the Razer Kishi. This attachment turns your phone into a Switch-like handheld, has a USB passthrough for charging purposes, and also folds into a small device for easy storage when you're on the move.$55 at Amazon $55 at Best Buy $80 at Microso...

Here's what we know so far about Google's foldable Pixel phone. Or phones, according to rumors.A mock-up of how the Google Pixel Fold could look.For months, over-confident leakers claimed Google planned to release a Pixel foldable phone alongside the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro in fall 2021. Unfortunately, the Pixel launch event came and went without a foldable, but all isn't lost; we're confident Google is actively developing the Pixel Fold and that it'll arrive in early 2022.Google hasn't announced a foldable phone yet — or even that it'll be called the Pixel Fold — but it tipped its hand when it announced Android 12L, a new OS due out in early 2022 that improves the Android experience on tablets and foldables. So just as the Pixel 6 and Android 12 launches coincided with one another, the 12L release could signal when to expect Google's next phone.Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola all pioneered the category of foldable phones, pushing out expensive prototypes to eager consumers. ...

Will Samsung defy expectations and announce a Galaxy S22 chipset?What you need to knowSamsung Exynos is planning to announce a new Exynos chipset on November 19.Its Instagram post claims that "advancements of semiconductors" will give its new SoC a huge boost to gaming "immersion."We previously learned Samsung and AMD were partnering on the Exynos 2200 with major gaming improvements.We also have heard leaks that Samsung is struggling to produce the 2200 to scale for the upcoming Galaxy S22.Samsung will reveal a new Exynos chip on November 19. In an Instagram ad, Samsung Exynos promised that it will show you "what entertainment will look like in the future," specifically related to improved gaming graphical performance.We don't know yet which chip Samsung will announce at the Exynos event, but there are some likely candidates. Back in May, we learned that Samsung and AMD planned to co-develop the Exynos 2200 with RDNA2 technology. Previously added to the PS5 and Xbox Seri...

Best answer: Face Unblur is a new feature on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro that relies on Google's machine learning algorithms to ensure when you take a shot of a moving subject, its face isn't blurry. It does this by taking photos from the primary and wide-angle lenses simultaneously and stitching them together to deliver images with clear detail.Face Unblur makes great use of machine learningGo through your phone's gallery, and you'll find at least a few photos where the subject you're trying to capture is moving too fast, leading to a blurry face. Google aims to solve this problem with the Face Unblur feature on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. This feature relies on the custom Tensor hardware and uses Google's machine learning skills. When it detects a subject moving too fast, it automatically takes an image from both the primary and wide-angle lenses and stitches them together. Here's how Google describes it: Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro simultaneously take a darker but sharper photo on the Ul...

Let's hope we get a matte black option.What you need to knowAlleged renders of the OnePlus 10 Pro have emerged.The render shows a new triple camera array on the rear.The device is expected to launch in early 2022.A new leak may have provided us with the first look at the OnePlus 10 Pro design, showing a different rear camera array than what we're used to from OnePlus.The renders provided by Onleaks (via Zouton) show only the back of the phone, but give us a look at what appears to be a raised stove for the cameras, not too unlike what Samsung has done with the Galaxy S21 series.It also appears that the Pro variant is downgrading to three cameras instead of four like on the OnePlus 9 Pro. Hopefully, that means the company is doing away with its largely pointless 2MP tertiary sensor.Onleaks didn't provide any specs for the device, but it should go head-to-head with the best Android phones of 2022, including the Galaxy S22 series.Onleaks states that the renders are b...

As much as we love playing with and testing the latest and greatest phones here at Android Central, there's something we can universally agree on that we're not fans of: paying full price for the best Android phones. So if you're in the market for a quality Android phone, but don't want to spend a thousand dollars, you could check out the best cheap Android phones, or you can grab one of the best-refurbished phones as these offer a great experience at a fraction of what you'd typically spend. Here are our favorite options!Still a stunnerGoogle Pixel 4a Smartphone 128GBStaff PickAlthough the newer Pixel 5 and Pixel 6 series are already out, the Pixel 4a is still a fantastic value buy. The device sports the same main camera as the Pixel 3a and 3 XL, along with a clean design that you're accustomed to. Plus, you'll still get a few more major software updates down the line.$404 at Amazon From $269 at Back Market $404 at Walmart2020's bestSasmung Galaxy S20 FEIt's toug...

Google really wants you to get a good night's sleep.What you need to knowGoogle is updating its second-gen Nest Hub with more sleep tracking features.The Nest Hub can now detect your sleep stages and show you how long you were in each stage.Users can now set a detection area so that their sounds aren't confused with others.Nest Hub owners will soon have access to Calm meditation content.The Soli-powered Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is getting some love with a new update that enhances its sleep detection features to make it more useful and allow users to get more insights into their sleep patterns and behaviors.With the new update, Google gives users a better look into how they sleep by enabling sleep stage detection. This is a feature found on many of the best Android smartwatches and determines when the user is in light, deep, or REM sleep, and even determines periods when the user is awake.Google says that using this in tandem with other sleep information can "help you better ...

Add some color to your child's life on the cheap without giving up on too much.I absolutely love smart lights as they have the ability to transform a room within seconds. One moment you're in your boring living room, and the next it becomes a mysterious space under the slow brilliance of shimmering smart LED bulbs. It really is a fantastic way to revamp the feel of your home.While brands like Philips and Govee come to mind first, there are plenty of affordable alternatives available when it comes to smart lights. ECOLOR is one such brand and it caters to the budget segment of smart lighting. The company makes everything, from smart bulbs to light strips. A notable difference between more notable brands and ECOLOR is that its products are not compatible with Google Assistant or Alexa, so you don't get the convenience of voice controls.The ECOLOR Smart Table Lamp that this review focuses on has an uncommon form factor for a smart lamp. It is shaped in the likeness of a sickle moo...

Last year's Galaxy flagship preps stable One UI 4 update.What you need to knowSamsung is reportedly rolling out the One UI 4 beta for its Galaxy Note 20 series.The arrival comes just after reports that Samsung was preparing to open the beta program for the S20 series.One UI 4 is on its fourth beta update, which brought plenty of bug fixes.After opening its One UI 4 beta program to its 2021 flagship smartphones, Samsung is now reportedly opening up the beta program for some of its 2020 flagships, namely the Galaxy Note 20 series.SamMobile spotted the update along with the full changelog, which should largely match what we've seen in One UI 4 beta thus far with devices like the Galaxy S21. That includes enhanced privacy settings, updates to the overall look with a new theming engine akin to Material You's dynamic color, new widgets, and more.The latest One UI 4 beta that rolled out for the Galaxy S21 was filled with bug fixes, as we're close to the stable version of the u...

Sara Gitkos is in the house with Rebecca and Carli as they check out the Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2.0 update and Mario Party Superstars. They also talk about Microsoft's take on the Metaverse and delays of Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 as Blizzard continues to hemorrhage executives and customer good will.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Sara Gitkos (@sara_snax) / TwitterDiablo 4 and Overwatch 2 delayed, Jen Oneal leaves Blizzard | Windows CentralMicrosoft is bringing the metaverse to Microsoft Teams with Mesh in 2022 | Windows CentralAnimal Crossing: New Horizon's 2.0 update is now available — and two days early! | iMoreMario Party Superstars for Nintendo Switch review: The ultimate party game for all ages | iMoreIs the N64 Controller worth it for Nintendo Switch? | iMoreNo more N64 controllers to be sold this year, says Nintendo | iMore...

A microSD card for your Android phone lets you easily move your files, photos, and music from device to device without having to rely on steady Wi-Fi or costly data. An Android microSD card also lets you load your phone up with more apps, music, and movies, which is especially useful if your device doesn't come with a lot of internal storage. But which ones are the best? Here's a good selection from which to choose.Best blendSAMSUNG (MB-ME32GA/AM) microSDHC EVO SelectStaff PickThis is our preferred card because it's reliable, fast, and goes on sale frequently. And it offers blazing fast speeds at up to 100 MB/sec. read and 90 MB/sec. write.From $7 at AmazonUltra affordableSanDisk 128GB Ultra MicroSDXCSanDisk has more powerful cards, but the Ultra is the right answer for most, offering up to 100MB/s read speeds.$22 at AmazonGo proPNY 128GB PRO Elite Class 10 U3 microSDXCThis card is an excellent choice for power users who intend to use the card for storin...

The best Wi-Fi routers can be lifesavers. The difference between good Wi-Fi in your house and poor connectivity can be the difference between a good day and a bad one. So whether you need something with a ton of speed and connections or just want to make sure you don't drop your connection when you move around your home, there's a router that's right for you. Here's our reliable guide to some of the best wireless routers you can buy today.What are the best Wi-Fi routers?The TP-Link Archer AX21 is the best Wi-Fi router thanks to its AX1800 speeds being enough for most people and offering the capacity for future Wi-Fi 6 devices. It also has an easy setup procedure thanks to the TP-Link Tether app for smartphones. So if you're looking for something to keep up with most households without going overboard, the AX21 is a great fit.The best value option is the TP-Link Archer A7. While cheaper routers are available, the AC1750 speeds should keep up with HD media streaming and browsing wi...

You still can't use PayPal, though.What you need to knowAmazon will allow users to pay for purchases with their Venmo balance starting next year.You will be able to use Venmo for purchases made on Amazon's website or its online shopping app.PayPal will still not be available to use as a payment method.PayPal has announced that Amazon will begin accepting Venmo payments for online purchases next year, broadening the checkout options for users who use a third-party payment platform.The collaboration between Amazon and PayPal, Venmo's parent company, will enable you to use your Venmo balance to pay for purchases made on desktops or mobile devices, including many of the best Android phones. You can also use a bank account that is linked to your Venmo account.Amazon currently only accepts credit or debit cards, store cards, and checking accounts. For a complete list of accepted payment methods, visit this page. Venmo's inclusion on the list marks Amazon's first use of a thir...

Alphabet's market cap surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in January last year.What you need to knowAlphabet's market cap briefly surpassed $2 trillion on Monday.Apple and Microsoft are currently the only two other U.S.-based tech giants that are part of the $2 trillion club. Amazon's current valuation stands at $1.7 trillion. Alphabet, Google's parent company, surpassed $2 trillion in market cap for the first time on November 8 (via Bloomberg). The tech giant is only the third U.S.-based company to join the exclusive $2 trillion club.Apple achieved the milestone in April last year, while Microsoft's market cap rose above $2 trillion in June this year. Apple and Microsoft are both currently valued at around $2.5 trillion.Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Alphabet has seen its revenue rise at a really fast pace. In the third quarter of 2021, the company reported $65.1 billion in revenue, up from $46.2 billion during the same period last year.Google's search business ...

The X100 will be available starting November 19 exclusively at T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile.What you need to knowHMD Global is positioning the X100 for the "Entertainment Lover in All of Us".The new Nokia X100 features a 6.67-inch display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480 chipset, and a 4,470mAh battery. It will be sold by T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile in the U.S. HMD Global has announced a new affordable 5G phone for T-Mobile customers, dubbed the Nokia X100. Like October's Nokia G300, the new X100 has been designed exclusively for the U.S. market.The Nokia X100 sports a 6.67-inch display with FHD+ resolution and a hole-punch display for the 16MP selfie camera. Powering the X100 is Qualcomm's 8nm Snapdragon 480 chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. Users can also enjoy up to 1TB of additional storage through the microSD card slot.The quad-lens camera system is the highlight of the X100. It includes a 48MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide sensor, a 2MP ...

Fitbit finally rolls out long-awaited features on the new Charge 5.What you need to knowFitbit brings its new ECG app to the new Charge 5.Fitbit is also introducing its Daily Readiness Score for Fitbit Premium members.The new features are arriving with an update to the Fitbit app and the device.When the new Fitbit Charge 5 was launched in August, it touted its built-in ECG sensor and new Daily Readiness Score. Both features, however, were not available at launch, but more than two months later, Fitbit is finally bringing the features to its latest health tracker.The Charge 5 is getting a new ECG app to compliment the first ECG sensor on a Fitbit device. With the app, users will be able to check for atrial fibrillation by opening the app and holding their fingers to the side panels for 30 seconds.The Daily Readiness Score is also coming to the Charge 5 and more of the best Fitbit devices for users with a Fitbit Premium subscription. With this, Fitbit will take various me...

There are a lot of fun new features coming in Android 12, and chief among them is the first major update to Android's design and user interface (UI). Material Design was unveiled in 2014, dragging us out of the beautiful #HOLOYOLO darkness and into the multi-layered blindingly white of most Material Designed apps. Now, we're getting Material You, a fun new evolution that helps bring back a more cohesive look for Android while offering you the chance to make your phone look and feel totally unique and personal.What's new in Material You theming — and who can take advantage of itWhile many parts of Material You will be available to all manufacturers and ROM-builders when Android 12 releases this fall, one aspect — in my opinion, the most important aspect — will be Pixel-exclusive at launch: Dynamic Color themes that will automatically theme your phone with colors extracted from your wallpaper. Samsung's One UI 4 Beta has actually brought the feature to Galaxy phones — but i...

Drop into a new game.PlayerUnknown's BattleGrounds, also known as PUBG, was arguably the first big battle royale games that helped kick off the trend that has since overtaken the video game industry. While the world of PUBG has been brought to the mobile world in PUBG: Mobile, a brand new game, PUBG: New State, is also in development and currently in alpha testing. While fans wait for more information, Tencent hopes that PUBG: New State will follow in PUBG: Mobile's footsteps as one of the biggest and best Android games available.PUBG: New State is an entiretly different game, and features mechanics and gameplay that fans of the original games might not be familiar with. Here's everything we know about PUBG: New State so far.Get ready to playPUBG: NEW STATESee at Google Play StorePlay the new PUBG chapter when it comes out on Android.Pre-register for the upcoming mobile PUBG: New State before it's released later in 2021.Jump to:What is PUBG: New StateWhat...

There's a lot to love about it.There are plenty of reasons you might want to consider one of the best Android smartphones as your next big purchase. Whether it's to have a phone that literally folds in half like the Samsung Galaxy Flip 3 or to get the best camera experience with a phone like the Google Pixel 6 Pro, there's no denying that spending a bit more cash on a more premium experience can have a big payoff.But if you're a parent, you know that even the best phones sometimes have difficulty capturing good photos or videos of your kids. It doesn't matter if a phone has cutting-edge hardware; if the software doesn't know what the camera is looking at, it can't properly take a photo that you're going to be happy with.That's where the Google Pixel 6 line comes in. Inside each Pixel 6 is the AI powerhouse Google Tensor processor, a processor designed specifically to better process machine learning tasks. That means, thanks to Google's years of research, that a Pixel 6 understa...

Except for the design, the M4 Pro 5G is nearly identical to the Redmi Note 11.What you need to knowPOCO's new M4 Pro 5G is a follow-up to the M3 Pro 5G that it launched earlier this year.It features MediaTek's 6nm Dimensity 810 chipset, a 90Hz FHD+ display, and a 33W wired charging. The phone will be available globally, including in Western Europe and Southeast Asia. Back in May this year, POCO launched a "Pro" version of the M3 with 5G connectivity and a high-refresh-rate display. The Xiaomi sub-brand has now introduced a successor to its best budget Android phone, dubbed the POCO M4 Pro 5G.Just as expected, the "new" POCO M4 Pro 5G is actually a rebranded version of the recently launched Redmi Note 11. The phone is powered by MediaTek's 6nm Dimensity 810 processor, which has been coupled with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage.The new POCO M4 Pro 5G also promises an "immersive entertainment experience," thanks to a 6.6-inch FHD+ display featuring a ...

It's that time of year again. Black Friday is nearly upon us if you can believe it! Much like last year, many of the best deals will be available not only in person at retail stores but also online. It's never too early to start looking for bargains on the best Android phones, so here is a running list of Android phone deals that we've got our eye on leading up to the biggest shopping weekend of the year.There are some pretty stellar Black Friday phone deals every year, though you have to know where to shop if you want to find the best offers. So whether you're hoping for the best Samsung deals, Google Pixel deals, some other Android phone, or even an iPhone (gasp!), this is truly the best time of the year to find one.So far, Moto and OnePlus have begun their Black Friday phone deals early. The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro will sell at some of their lowest prices of the year throughout November (if you know where to look). And you can save up to $600 off Motorola phones for its pre-Black ...

Nanoleaf is known for its unique lighting fixtures that range from the tile within a tile look of Nanoleaf Canvas panels to some of the best smart lights that lean more in the traditional smart light bulb category. Its product line literally comes in nearly all shapes and sizes, so picking out the best Nanoleaf smart lights can be challenging — but we're here to help.Endless possbilitiesNanoleaf ShapesStaff PickNanoleaf Shapes offer fantastic opportunities to express your creativity both in the layouts and the lighting possibilities, thanks to the interoperability with hexagons, triangles, and mini triangles. Mix and match the shapes to make your perfect design to match your room's aesthetic.Triangles $200 at Amazon Mini Triangles $103 at AmazonMore than just a lightNanoleaf CanvasThese square panels look like four tiles in one, creating even more expressive layout opportunities. The Nanoleaf Canvas is also touch-sensitive, so you can control the lights ...

It 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 an entirely new mobile line, 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.Jump to Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals:SmartphonesWearablesTabletsEarbudsWhere to find the best Black Friday Samsung G...

The Pixel 6 does charge from zero to 50 percent in a half-hour, but it is not using 30 watts to get there.You know you're a smartphone enthusiast when you pay attention to all the details of every new phone. That describes many of us (myself included), and it also means we love to see how things work in the "real world" compared to how a company says they will work.The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are no different. I read the complaints, have some of my own, and love to see how they will be addressed because that's my job. I would do it even if it weren't, though, especially for batteries and charging. That's why a recent test at Android Authority caught my eye just as it did many others.I'll let you read through it and decide what you want to take away from it all, but I'm also going to put in my two cents because I can't help myself: don't buy Google's new 30-watt USB C charger for your Pixel 6. You can get a better charger for the same amount of money or less, and your Pixel 6 do...

After months of anticipation, TikTok on Amazon Fire TV has officially launched in the United States and Canada. Among other things, the new app allows loyal TikTok users to watch the best in viral content from the comfort of their couch. But what's the easiest way to watch your favorite viral videos? Here's a quick rundown of what you need to do to use TikTok on Amazon Fire TV.How to get TikTok on Amazon Fire TVTo start using TikTok on Amazon Fire TV, you'll need to download the TikTok for TV app on your Fire TV device. Here are step-by-step instructions for getting started.From your the Amazon Fire homepage, navigate to the Amazon Appstore and select Search. Use the Search tool to find the TikTok for TV app. Choose to Get and the app. Once the app has downloaded to your device, you'll be able to Log in with your existing credentials.If you don't already have an account on TikTok, you can create a new account by selecting a username, password, and using that inform...

All things considered, the Moto G Pure is a basic pick when it comes to Motorola phones. While it may not have made the cut for the best Android phones under $200, it's still one of the best cheap Android phones out there. If you bought a unit, we've curated a selection of the best Moto G Pure cases for you. The right pick prevents damage and gives your Moto G Pure a much-needed makeover, killing two birds with one stone.Beauty and brawnDALUX MetKase Hybrid Slim Phone CaseStaff PickThe shockproof MetKase series from DALUX is slim and comes in some beautiful color options. We recommend the Blue Cursed Skull design to compliment your Moto G Pure. It's comfortable to carry and resilient when you drop it.$15 at Amazon $15 at WalmartThe clear choiceFoluu Clear Case for Moto G PureTransparent cases are good for showing off your phone's natural colors. This clear case from Foluu has re-inforced corners and is made of a hard TPU material. As a result, it won't yello...

Get all you need to know about this excellent service from Amazon.Amazon has had some of the best Android tablets for kids for years now, and that's in large part to the services offered as much as it is the hardware. Amazon launched software that turned a regular Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus into a Kids Edition in 2012, called Amazon FreeTime and FreeTime Unlimited. Then, in the Fall of 2020, it was rebranded as Amazon Kids and Kids+. So, what is Amazon Kids and Kids+, and what makes these services so great?In short, it's a service from Amazon that offers carefully curated books, movies, and games for kids paired with excellent parental controls for children ranging ages 3 to 12. As the parent, you determine how much screen time your child gets, and if they need to read before playing games, and what content your child sees based on age range. There are plenty of layers to this fantastic service, so let's get into it.All in one placeAmazon Kids+From $3 at Google PlayEveryth...