by Zackery Cuevas on (#5RPCN)
Best answer: There's no word on controller support yet, but because PUBG Mobile doesn't natively support controllers, it's safe to bet that PUBG: New State will do the same.A brand new mobile-exclusivePlayerUnknown's BattleGrounds, or PUBG, is one of the first major battle royale titles to hit the scene, ushering in a new genre of multiplayer game. The popularity of PUBG is massive, especially on Android, and Tencent plans to deliver a bigger and better experience with PUBG: New State, a brand new, mobile-exclusive game set in the PUBG universe. As the first true successor to the original PUBG, players can expect updated visuals, dynamic gunplay, and new unique mechanics such as dodging, drone calls, and support requests. It's quite possible it ends up as one of the best Android games available when it arrives.PUBG: New State is set in the year 2051, meaning it's a "near-future" war setting, allowing developers to introduce changes based on upcoming technology. Amusingly, t...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5RPAK)
The new solution is not only more effective than vapor chamber solutions, but also frees up space for a bigger battery or a larger camera module.What you need to knowXiaomi has introduced an innovative new heat dissipation solution called Loop LiquidCool.Inspired by cooling solutions used in the aerospace industry, the new technology uses a capillary effect to improve heat dissipation. Xiaomi says it will launch its first phones with Loop LiquidCool technology in H2 2022. Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has unveiled a new cooling solution for smartphones, which it claims offers twice the cooling capability of vapor chamber cooling solutions that are used in the best Android phones currently.Dubbed Loop LiquidCool technology, the solution "utilizes a capillary effect which draws liquid cooling agent to the heat source, vaporizes, and then disperses the heat efficiently towards a cooler area, until the agent condenses and is captured via a unidirectional closed looped chann...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5RP4J)
Synology's C2 Backup is a robust cloud backup solution for home PCs.Synology is known for making the best home NAS enclosures, and in 2021 the Taiwanese manufacturer is building out its cloud services. C2 Storage debuted several years ago, with the cloud storage service offering NAS users an easy way to back up and store data offsite.Coinciding with the launch of DSM 7.0, Synology rolled out new offerings in the C2 suite. It introduced C2 Password, a free password manager that offers a lot of the same features as the best password managers. C2 Password came with a secure file transfer feature, and for businesses that need to send large files and datasets securely, it introduced C2 Transfer with the ability to share 20GB files.Synology is now offering C2 Backup, a comprehensive solution for backing up Windows machines to the cloud. I've been using the service for a while now, and here's what you need to know.What is C2 Backup?Let's start off with a rundown of what C2 Backup ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5RNX4)
What you need to knowWhatsApp is reportedly preparing to integrate a new digital payments system.The app will likely integrate with Meta's Novi digital wallet and require authentication.WhatsApp payments are currently available in India and Brazil.WhatsApp may be preparing to introduce its peer-to-peer payment system in the U.S., according to code found in the latest app beta.XDA-Developers found code in WhatsApp beta version 2.21.23.10 that points directly to Novi integration and payment transactions. This corroborates similar findings by WABetaInfo late last month, which also showed evidence of Novi integration and even managed to show off what it might look like:Novi is the digital wallet owned by Facebook Meta, and now the company is unifying all of its payment services for its various apps under the Novi brand. From the looks of it, users will be able to manage their Novi account directly from WhatsApp.Since the Novi service is only available in the U.S. and Guat...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5RNSG)
It could be among the first with Qualcomm's new chipset.What you need to knowMotorola is expected to launch the Edge 30 Ultra soon.Qualcomm's unannounced Snapdragon 898 chipset may power the device.The device is expected to be a flagship with two 50MP cameras and a 144Hz display.Motorola may be hoping to make a splash before the end of the year with the rumored flagship Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.According to Nils Ahrensmeier of TechnikNews, Motorola is preparing to launch its next flagship device based on Qualcomm's next premium Snapdragon platform. The chipset will likely be dubbed the Snapdragon 898 and power plenty of the best Android phones in 2022.The device is said to have a 144Hz FHD+ OLED display and two 50MP cameras on the rear. One of them is said to be the same sensor from the Huawei P50, whereas the ultrawide may be the Samsung JN1. The cameras will be rounded out with a third 2MP tertiary sensor and a front selfie camera with a whopping 60MP resolution and 4K ...
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by Marc Lagace on (#5RNSH)
Speaking as a passionate mobile gamer, finding the best smartphone gaming accessories can save you from inadequate controls, a dying battery, tinny audio, and limited internal storage. With cloud-based streaming platforms on the rise and the best Android games adding controller support and more demanding graphics, having the right Android gaming accessories on hand can make or break a gaming session. We've rounded up the best controllers, battery packs, and headphones that you should consider if you want to step your game up.One size fits mostRazer Kishi Mobile Game ControllerStaff PickBuilt to slot in almost any Android phone with a center USB-C port, the Kishi runs off your phone battery and supports pass-through charging. So unlike most Bluetooth controllers, you'll never have to charge it. It collapses into a convenient travel size, input lag is never a problem, and it's less conspicuous than a gaming-clip controller when playing on the go.$55 at Amazon$55 at Best Bu...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5RNPJ)
The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new smartphone protected, but they'll keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or something rugged, you have options with a phone as popular as the Galaxy 21. The best part of all is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for the long term. Here are some of the best Galaxy S21 cases you can buy today.Colorful and well-texturedCasology Nano PopStaff PickThe Galaxy S21 is the first Android phone to get Caseology's Nano Pop Series, and it was 110% worth the wait. The texturing on this case is grippier than Casology's longtime favorite Parallax, and the color combos here are bold, beautiful, and absolutely pop around the camera cutout on the S21.$18 at Amazon $18 at WalmartSlim grip and gritRingke Onyx SeriesIf you want to add some grip to your slippery little Samsung, Ringke's Onyx series has two va...
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by Samantha Nelson on (#5RNPK)
Enjoy the rush of competition from the comfort of your living room.The PS4 has an immense catalog of great games that let you relax, visit a new world, or hang out with friends online. That includes a vast number of sports games catering to fans and competitors of every type. So whether you want to put together a dream team featuring your favorite professional athletes or play a wild, futuristic sport that will test your reflexes and situational awareness, there's a game for that. We've put together a guide to some of the best PS4 sports games available now so you can enjoy all the thrills.Some of these games even support free upgrades to the current-generation version, meaning you'll have a nice library of PS5 titles waiting whenever you get Sony's latest console. Stock remains supply-constrained but you'll have a good chance if you keep an eye on the PS5 restocks.Jump to:Rocket LeagueRider's RepublicFutureGrindBOXVReFootball Pro Evolution Soccer 2020Everybody's Golf...
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by Matt Shore on (#5RNPM)
PUBG Mobile is a graphics-intensive game that demands a powerful phone. If you want the best results and more Chicken Dinners, you're going to need a phone for that truly stands out from the pack, and in 2021 that's the OnePlus 9 Pro. Not only is it a great phone packed with the latest internals and a 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED display, but you also get the best software on Android right now.Best overall: OnePlus 9 ProPUBG Mobile has been developed to run pretty well on old and new phones alike, but you'll need a phone with admirable specs to run it at the highest graphics settings. The OnePlus 9 Pro fits the bill, with 8GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 888 chipset, which both deliver enough memory and processing power for great gaming performance.OxygenOS continues to deliver a simple and speedy software experience that allows for customization, including the gaming mode, which offers fine controls for avoiding distractions while gaming. You can limit notifications to alarms and calls or ...
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by Michael L Hicks on (#5RNKT)
We break down which phones will get Android 12 by manufacturer, with our best-educated guesses as to when.After a seemingly neverending beta period, Android 12 arrived on eligible Google Pixel phones on Oct. 19 — much later in the year than usual. The longer wait is giving other Android devs less time to get their Android 12 skins ready on schedule, but most still plan to release the new OS on their most recent flagships by December 2021.Most of the top Android OEMs are well into their Android 12 betas by this point. For example, the Samsung One UI 4 beta has added new features and its spin on the Material You design to the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy Z Fold 3, while the OxygenOS 12 beta on the OnePlus 9 has shed its usual identity in favor of a ColorOS clone.You're here to read which of the best Android phones will get Android 12 — and when. Unfortunately, companies haven't officially announced this information yet, and it will depend on how long it takes to iron out bugs in...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5RNKV)
Going up against Google Tensor.What you need to knowQualcomm Tech Summit has been scheduled for November 30 in Hawaii.The chip manufacturer is set to launch the next-generation flagship Snapdragon chipset.Xiaomi is expected to be the first to launch a phone with the new chip.The dates for the Qualcomm Tech Summit were revealed on Monday, where the company is expected to unveil the successor to the Snapdragon 888 platform.The event will take place from November 30 to December 1 in Hawaii, where the summit is usually held.Qualcomm teases that it will "debut the latest Snapdragon premium tier mobile platform," which is likely to be the Snapdragon 898 (or 895 as some rumors have called it). This chip is expected to power the best Android phones in 2022 and will go head-to-head with Samsung's next-gen Exynos chip and Google Tensor."Snapdragon remains at the center of delivering premium mobile experiences," says president and CEO Christiano Amon in a statement. The company ...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5RNKW)
If you're looking for a great streaming device, we've ranked the best Amazon Fire TV Sticks that you can buy right now. A streaming stick is a great, low-cost option to bring all of the content you want into your living room, and there really isn't a better option than a Fire TV Stick. Even though it's a couple of years old at this point, we still believe that the best choice overall is the Fire TV Stick 4K. It comes with a handy Alexa Voice Remote and is the best all-around version of a Fire TV device.Best overall Fire TV Stick: Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice RemoteLet's not mince words here; this is the Fire TV stick that you want to get. Period. Yeah, the others work just about as well, but with the Fire TV Stick 4K, you are future-proofing yourself. As more and more video content is available in better formats like 4K, UHD, HDR 10+, and Dolby Vision, you're going to want to have a device that can support and stream that content, especially if and when you upgrade your ...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5RNHJ)
Why mess with a good thing?When it comes to smart speakers, the first products that come to mind for most people are likely one of Amazon's Echo devices. Amazon introduced and popularized the category with the original Echo speaker and then did the same for smart displays with the original Echo Show. Now that we're nearly seven years removed from the first cylindrical Echo and four years have passed since the first Echo Show debuted, we've had time to see these products and their product categories mature.As with other mature product categories (like the best Android phones), once you get to a certain point, there aren't that many opportunities to drastically change or improve upon the established form factor(s). The Echo Show line is the perfect example here. With the exception of the new Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), the rest of the Show line has retained a design consistency for nearly three years. The latest updates to the lineup — the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen), the Echo Show 5 Kids,...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5RNF4)
Manners matter.What you need to knowMore of our readers say "please" and "thank you" to smart home assistants than not.Users tend to say "thank you" more than "please" when asking to perform tasks.Roughly a quarter of responses think it's unnecessary to be polite with smart home assistants.We know that most of our readers use smart home products around the house, so over the weekend, we asked whether or not our readers say "please" and "thank you" to their smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. We wanted to know if our readers thought it was important to practice good manners with some of the best smart speakers and displays since they make our lives just a bit easier.Out of more than 1200 responses, it seems our readers are more polite than not, with 35% and nearly 40% voting yes and sometimes, respectively. Only 24% voted no.Some users have commented that saying "please" and "thank you" to devices like the Nest Hub Max is pointless and akin to...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5RNF5)
The Galaxy A53 5G is expected to be announced sometime early next year.What you need to knowThe first CAD renders of Galaxy A53 5G have appeared online.The renders suggest the upcoming mid-ranger will not look all that different from its predecessor. It will be slimmer than the Galaxy A52 5G, but won't include a headphone jack. The Galaxy A52 5G, which was launched in March this year, is one of Samsung's best budget Android phones. CAD-based renders of the Galaxy A52 5G successor have now surfaced, courtesy of trusted leaker @OnLeaks and Digit.The renders suggest Samsung's next big mid-ranger will not bring any significant design changes. Like its predecessor, the Galaxy A53 5G will have an Infinity-O screen with a centered hole-punch cutout. On the back of the phone will be a quad-camera array that appears to be much better integrated into the rest of the rear panel. The area around the camera bump will also have smooth curves for a more seamless look. Disappointi...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5RNF6)
Best answer: No, Arlo cameras do not require a subscription to operate and can store footage locally when paired with an Arlo base station. However, if you subscribe to Arlo Smart, you'll get additional AI-powered motion detection options, cloud storage, and customizable motion zones.What Arlo cameras can do without a subscriptionArlo makes some of the most capable smart cameras on the market, even if you're not looking to pay extra for a subscription. All of Arlo's cameras can connect to an Arlo Base Station — including the Arlo Video Doorbell — which enables better battery life, longer-range wireless connectivity, and the addition of local storage. Videos are stored on either USB sticks or SD cards, depending on which base station you have.If you don't want to spend money on an Arlo Secure plan every month, most Arlo cameras store footage locally for free.Some older Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro 2, come with a free base cloud storage plan, which includes the following...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5RNAX)
The Smart Clock 2's improved sound and new dock add helpful utilities to an already great nightstand buddy.Lenovo has done a great job of cornering the Google Assistant-enabled small smart display market. The first Lenovo Smart Clock launched in November 2019 as a solid budget option. Its successor, the 2020 Lenovo Smart Clock Essential, lacked a touch display but gave you a cheap smart assistant for your bedroom. Now, Lenovo is giving the two-year-old Smart Clock an update with the new Lenovo Smart Clock 2, and it's bringing a friend with a new dock.I owned two of the original Lenovo Smart Clocks for about 18 months. They served their purpose, but it became clear to me that a few areas could be improved. With the Smart Clock 2, Lenovo aimed to do just that: it adjusted the form factor a bit and introduced a dock that bundles a wireless charger and a nightlight. But are these adjustments enough to make the Lenovo Smart Clock 2 a true upgrade? Let's dig in and find out.Lenovo ...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5RNAY)
You can now send and receive messages using the service even if your smartphone is dead.What you need to knowWhatsApp's multi-device capability is now rolling out to the stable version of the app.The feature allows you to use the service even with your smartphone turned off or disconnected from the internet.However, the feature is still limited in a number of ways, including the inability to link a secondary phone or tablet.WhatsApp has gained a new update that pushes its multi-device capability to the stable version after a few months of limited availability, allowing you to sign in to multiple devices at the same time and send messages even without your phone.The feature's expanded availability was discovered by WABetaInfo, which also noted that the option to opt-out of the multi-device beta program was removed in the app's most recent beta update (v2.21.23.10). Installing the new update prevents those who participated in the beta program from exiting the program at thi...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5RNAZ)
While Black Friday tends to bring deals on everything from Chromebooks to cars and beyond, not everything is destined for a doorbuster deal on November 26. Google has made its best Pixel ever this year, by a wide margin, and that means that many of you will likely be hoping to save a few hundred on one this holiday shopping season. Unfortunately, like everything Google sells, Black Friday Google Pixel deals are a bit more complicated than most. Here's why and how you can find the best deals even when they're scarce.Jump to Black Friday Google Pixel deals:Pixel 6 and 6 ProPixel 4a and 5aPixel BudsPixelbookWhere to find the best Black Friday Google Pixel dealsGoogle Pixel deals are going to mostly be found from two places: the Google Store and at your local carrier. While Amazon has traditionally seen the best deals on Google Pixel phones around, Amazon can't seem to keep Pixel phones in stock right now. The Google Store has better availability, but fewer deals. Other ...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5RN8M)
The Google Pixel 5a packs a big battery into a very familiar design, and while it might look a little boring on its own, that's what cases are for: protecting your phone and making it look even better! The limited release of the Google Pixel 5a had me concerned we wouldn't see many big-name, high-quality cases, but those fears were unfounded. We've got the best Pixel 5a cases right here to help you protect your new phone, whatever your tastes prefer.Sage colors, serene patternsCaseology Parallax Compatible with Google Pixel 5a Case (2021)Staff PickSince the Pixel 5a lacks color options, Caseology has given us the best of the Pixel 5's colors along with its tried and true favorites. The Parallax features a fun cubist pattern across the back that adds grip and style. The bumper here has a new ultra-textured section, but some might find it abrasive.$16 at Amazon $16 at WalmartGrippy and understatedSpigen Liquid Air ArmorIf you want grip without a case that glows like...
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by Brendan Griffiths on (#5RN8N)
Black Friday SSD deals will be in hot demand this year now that Sony has finally unlocked the storage expansion bay of the PlayStation 5. Users can upgrade the console's internal storage capacity beyond the measly amount the PS5 launched with.Picking up one of the best PS5 SSD options around on Black Friday may save you a bit of cash compared to the normal MSRP, but at the same time, the 'deals' might actually just be managing to find stock in the first place as many of our favorite models have been selling out. Don't worry, though; we're constantly testing new PS5-compatible SSDs, so we'll let you know which ones are available too beyond the old favorites likes the Samsung 980 Pro, WD SN 850 Black, and the Firecuda 530.If you're going to have a look around yourself, we've listed some retailers below that we'll be checking for Black Friday PS5 SSD options for the next few weeks. Be careful, though; you'll want to make sure the specs of the SSD meet Sony's particular requirements....
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5RN5X)
Google Pixel 6 ProUltimate camera phone$899 at Best BuyProsGroundbreaking cameras120Hz AMOLED screenInternal hardware on par with rivalsAndroid 12 out of the boxWater resistance and wireless chargingCosts less than other flagshipsConsBuild quality inconsistenciesLimited availabilityWon't get as many updates as the iPhoneThe Pixel 6 Pro nails the fundamentals while delivering the best cameras you'll find in any phone today. Google went with an all-new design with a large camera bar at the back that makes the phone stand out. There's a stunning 120Hz AMOLED screen, custom Tensor hardware with the latest cores, Android 12 out of the box, and all the extras.iPhone 13 Pro MaxThe ideal all-rounder$1,099 at AmazonProsOutstanding battery lifeSmooth 120Hz OLED panelFastest internal hardwareStandout cameras for photos and videosFive years of iOS version updatesAll the extrasConsCostlier than the Pixel 6 ProStill uses a Lightning connector Mi...
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by Brendan Griffiths on (#5RN5Y)
We're now within firing range of the Black Friday Sony WH-1000XM4 deals and you might not even have to wait until the day itself to save yourself a lot of money on these excellent noise-canceling headphones. We've already seen some retailers jump the gun with some big discounts on that high MSRP recently.Priced at $350/£350 before reductions, they're certainly a premium piece of kit. But given the exceptional audio quality and improved noise-canceling, they really are a pair of headphones you'll adore for years. We use them for commuting, working, and casual use in-between. They're that comfortable, and the 30-hour battery life won't have you irritably reaching for a recharge in the middle of a workday. Even the best wireless earbuds continue to disappoint with their batteries compared to the best wireless headphones. That, and a fully-realized soundscape with zero compromises. So yes, we like them a lot, as you can see with our detailed Sony WH-1000XM4 review.At the time of wri...
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by Ted Kritsonis on (#5RN3R)
Anker looks to challenge more expensive brands with these earbuds.Anker has been on to something with its Soundcore brand, particularly with wireless earbuds that aim to offer more for less. Undercutting the competition on price is nothing new, but when you do it in ways that add value to every dollar spent, some people will start to notice. That's really where the company wants to position the Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro.These feature-packed earbuds present well on paper, given everything they offer relative to what they cost. With fewer compromises and more reliable performance, striking the right balance is supposed to deliver something not all other earbuds currently provide.Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceAnker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro ...
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by Brendan Griffiths on (#5RN3S)
Disney Plus prices have just received an epic cut on the monthly subscription cost. Prices over at the official sign-up site have just been cut to $1.99 / £1.99, but you'll have to be quick as the offer expires on November 14.This is likely to be the best offer you'll see for quite some time, especially given the Disney Plus free trial was canceled a long time ago. Disney Plus is usually $7.99/£7.99 a month, so getting it for this price is pretty much a free trial. After your month is up, prices will auto-renew at the standard price, but you're free to cancel at any time, there are no obligations or long-term contracts involved at all.This is a great time to sign up too as both Jungle Cruise and Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings are both coming to the service on November 12 at no extra charge. They were both previously on the Premier Access tier (or viewable at movie theaters), requiring an expensive extra payment to watch them on Disney Plus. Most modern smart TVs can access th...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#5RN1M)
Can Google's Tensor work magic, or is it just a dog and pony show?Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are stunning phones with a cutting-edge processor from Google that's designed to process AI-based features like nothing else on the market. Among the many features that Google debuted on the Pixel 6 series coinciding with the launch of its Tensor processor was Magic Eraser, a feature that was teased back in 2017 and finally delivered in at least some capacity on these phones.Magic Eraser is designed to help you erase things from photos that just shouldn't be there, whether it was a photobomber that ruined the perfect moment, distracting folks in the background, or even an object that got in the way of the perfect shot.But Google isn't the only one who has been working on this kind of tech. In many ways, Adobe Photoshop has been able to do it for years — although the new object selection tool in Photoshop 2022 is designed to make this "content-aware fill" function better — and ...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5RN1N)
The Pixel 6 comes equipped with an optical fingerprint scanner, not an ultrasonic one.What you need to knowGoogle has responded to complaints from Pixel 6 owners about the phone's unreliable fingerprint sensor.The company says the Pixel 6's fingerprint sensor uses enhanced security algorithms, which require "more direct contact with the sensor." It isn't clear if Google will release a software update to improve the performance of the in-display optical fingerprint reader. Google's Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are among the most impressive phones released this year, offering great value and class-leading camera performance. However, the fingerprint scanners on the two phones aren't the most reliable. Google has now finally responded to complaints regarding the slow and unreliable fingerprint sensors on the Pixel 6 series (via Engadget).We're sorry for the hassle. The Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor utilizes enhanced security algorithms. In some instances, these added protections can take ...
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by Michael L Hicks on (#5RN1P)
Access your favorite playlists directly from the PS Control Center.For the past year, Spotify was the only dedicated PS5 music app, but Sony and Apple finally gave us a second option in Apple Music. Downloading the app on the PS5 is straightforward, but using it seamlessly while gaming can be confusing if you don't know how. Here's what you need to know about using Apple Music on the PS5.How to download and use Apple Music on PS5From the main menu, scroll up and select the Media tab.Scroll left to the All Apps icon.Scroll down to Video and music apps, where the Apple Music app should be on the top. Select it and choose Download, then Start.Open the app. Follow the on-screen instructions on how to log into your Apple Music account; you can log in using your own device or the PS5 browser.Keep in mind that to use Apple Music on PS5, you'll need at least a paid Individual account. You can't use Apple Music Voice, and there isn't a free, ad-supported option.Once logged in...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5RMQ0)
OnePlus's latest limited edition phone is its most ambitious yet.OnePlus is known for creating some of the best limited edition phones in the industry; the Chinese manufacturer partnered with Disney for the OnePlus 5T Star Wars and OnePlus 6 Avengers Edition, and then switched gears to team up with Formula 1 outfit McLaren for the OnePlus 6T McLaren and OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren.For 2021, the brand is leveraging another beloved franchise for a limited-edition variant of the Nord 2. OnePlus is partnering with Bandai Namco to introduce the OnePlus Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition, which is one of its most ambitious efforts yet.The Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition is set to launch soon, and ahead of its debut, I had an email interaction with Oliver Zhang — who oversees OnePlus's product portfolio — to talk about what the company is doing to differentiate the limited edition model. Zhang noted that OnePlus's special edition products have to deliver in two areas: they should meet the "signature Fa...
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by Marc Lagace on (#5RMA9)
NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)A compact redesign$150 at Amazon$150 at Best Buy$150 at WalmartProsClever and compact designUpdated remote is fantasticStill the best Android TV experienceImproved AI Upscaling is greatConsMight run into issues running some Android gamesNot novice-friendly out of the boxThe most striking change for the 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV refresh is its unique tube shape and the redesigned remote. This streamlined and portable stream box with upgraded processing power still delivers the best Android TV experience you can buy.NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019)Subtle upgrade$200 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 at B&H PhotoProsSleek Shield TV designMore RAM and double the onboard storageOffers USB ports for external storageThe one you'll want for Plex and gamingConsLess internal storage than older Pro modelMore expensive than the tubeNot enough new features to justify upgradingThe NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) looks and runs nearly...
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by Keegan Prosser on (#5RM8X)
It's been almost two years since the Disney Plus streaming service launched -- and its global rollout is ongoing! It's safe to say the platform has established itself as one of the premier streaming platforms, thanks to its exclusive family-friendly offerings from Disney itself and Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios.While the catalog size may not rival Netflix and the competition just yet, some awesome Disney+ originals are available, and there are plans for at least 10 Marvel and 10 Star Wars series to hit the platform over the next few years.Odds are you're interested, but still unsure how much a Disney+ subscription costs, right? Thankfully, Disney+ has several different plan options for Disney+, with fees ranging from $7.99 to $19.99 per month. You can also sign up for an annual plan to save a little extra. Let's take a second to break down the current offers and then get into the details about Disney+ -- including where it's available, ho...
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by Alex Dobie on (#5RM76)
Despite some early software wonk, Google's new handsets dominate at their respective price points.The Google phone has been a long time coming. Almost 15 years ago, the first rumors of the "gPhone" were swirling before the T-Mobile G1 emerged in 2008. Then, a year later, the Nexus program began, bringing a range of even Googlier Google phones to market. Then the original 2016 Pixel was plugged as the true "phone by Google."Even with that storied history, I'm here to tell you that the new Google Pixel 6 devices — and the larger Google Pixel 6 Pro in particular — feel like the first, honest-to-goodness Google flagships. The new Pixels are among the best phones on the market and make a strong statement about Google's future intentions as a smartphone maker.The unique Googliness of these devices starts on the outside, with the new Pixel design identity and camera bar. Google, thankfully, has moved on from the past generation of Pixel design language, which basically saw the com...
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by Jim Metzendorf on (#5RM77)
Facebook has changed their corporate name to 'Meta', and we have thoughts! The gang chat about this and its impact on Oculus.They also check out some Samsung rumors, One UI 4 beta, and some lingering issues with Pixel 6.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Facebook changes company name, is now called 'Meta' | Android CentralIs a Meta rebrand enough to heal the toxicity of the Oculus name? | Android CentralFacebook's Meta rebranding could start a trademark battle with a PC company | Android CentralOculus Quest to become Meta Quest, drop Facebook login requirement in 2022 | Android CentralGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas is coming to Oculus Quest 2 | Android CentralMeta acquires popular VR exercise app Supernatural, a sign of things to come | Android CentralBeat Saber surpasses $100 million in revenue on the Oculus Quest platform | Android CentralMeta says it's shutting down the Faceboo...
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by Anthony Spadafora on (#5RM5K)
It's been eight years but now America's favorite serial killer is back in an all-new limited series and we have all the details on how you can watch Dexter: New Blood on TV or online.Starring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, Dexter first premiered back in 2006 and the original series ran until 2013 with a total of eight seasons. The original show tells the story of an orphan who was adopted by a Miami police officer who immediately recognized his trauma after witnessing his mother being brutally murdered with a chainsaw at age three. After watching Dexter develop sociopathic tendencies, officer Harry Morgan taught the boy to channel his bloodlust into vigilantism by killing criminals who managed to slip through the justice system.Without getting too far into spoilers, in the show's finale, Dexter is presumed dead after he went missing in the eye of Hurricane Laura. However, he actually survived and the last time viewers saw Dexter, he was hiding out and living under a fake name in...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5RM3Z)
Best answer: A Ring Protect Basic plan costs $3 per month per device and provides 60 days of video history. The Protect Plus plan covers all of your Ring cameras for $10 per month and extends your warranty on each product.Breaking down Ring Protect plansWhile the best Ring products, including Ring's Video Doorbells and Security Cams, work well independently, they work even better with a Ring Protect Plan. Free Ring accounts will let you connect all your Ring products, but you'll be forced to rely on your fast reflexes to view live footage since these devices require a cloud account to save recordings. So to get the most out of your cameras — like the excellent Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 — you'll want to consider a Ring Protect plan. If you only have a couple of Ring cameras, Ring Protect Basic offers plenty.If you have fewer than four Ring cameras, you'll probably be best suited with the Ring Protect Basic plan, which costs $3 per month per device (or $30 per device wit...
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by Kevin Lynch on (#5RM2A)
Having already inflicted a 17-10 defeat on San Francisco back in Week 5, Arizona will be hoping this tie can get them back to winning ways.Read on for full details on how to watch Cardinals vs 49ers, no matter where you are in the world.The Cardinals saw their unbeaten record go up in smoke last weekend against the Packers, and their hopes of getting back on a positive footing here have taken a blow thanks to a pair of bombshell injuries.A shoulder injury definitely rules out defensive end J.J. Watt for this game, while there's set to be an anxious wait for Arizona over the fitness of quarterback Kyler Murray who is currently nursing a sprained ankle.The last meeting between these two teams was a relatively close affair, and those injuries, plus the fact that Jimmy Garoppolo will be available at quarterback for the 49ers after missing the game in Arizona four weeks ago, should give San Francisco plenty of confidence going into this fixture.Read on as we explain below how to ...
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by Kevin Lynch on (#5RM18)
While what should have been a QB match-up for the ages has been denied by the joy-killer that is the pandemic, this intriguing clash at Arrowhead Stadium should still deliver the goods to gridiron fans.Read on for full details on how to watch Chiefs vs Packers, no matter where you are in the world.Make no mistake, the absence of the Packers MVP Aaron Rodgers swings the pendulum firmly in the favour of the Patrick Mahomes led Chiefs.Coronavirus-ravaged Green Bay nevertheless showed last weekend that when their numbers are low and the chips are down, they can still pull a result out of the bag, with their win over the unbeaten Cardinals coming without key men Davante Adams, Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.The Chiefs may be facing rookie quarterback Jordan Love on his first ever career start, but their recent defensive displays suggest they may offer him an easy ride.Kansas City's backline is one of the worst in the league and their fortuitous 2-6 win over the Giants o...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5RKGJ)
Next-gen immersion in a hands-on fashion.The PS5 doesn't just bring in better graphics and higher framerates — it also gives players a new controller, the DualSense. This successor to the DualShock 4 features a higher-quality built-in microphone, a refined touchpad, an improved battery, and most importantly, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.Those latter two features can be used by game developers in unique ways. For example, haptic feedback can give unique sensations, like the pattering of rain or a blast of energy, in a way that is more focused and accurate than rumble motors. Meanwhile, adaptive triggers can provide a variety of functions with different weapons due to the special physical functions that were implemented.To provide a couple of examples, adaptive triggers are being used in Arkane Studios' Deathloop so that if a gun jams, the trigger physically locks. Meanwhile, in Insomniac Games' Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, you can pull a trigger partially to fire on...
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by Rachel Mogan on (#5RKBV)
GET ENERGIZED! Literally. It's a game mechanic.October has officially ended and I suppose it's finally time to exit the haunted forest and venture back out into the wide world of non-spooky mobile games. I've been sitting on this one for a little while now, so I'm very excited to get to talk about Nova Island this week.Fast-paced and absolutely gorgeous, Nova Island will whisk you away to a colorful world of deck building and 1v1 card battling. It can be challenging to bring new ideas into the card gaming space, especially up against titanic competitors like Slay the Spire, but Nova Island makes a noble effort to breathe some fresh air into the genre with its stunning graphics, peppy soundtrack, and unique mechanics. This one's going on the list of best card games for sure.The first things that most players will notice about Nova Island are its lovely graphics and art direction. The UI has a sleek, simple interface and the characters and cards are, frankly, adorable. Almost...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5RKAH)
Manners are important.For those who use smart assistants or own smart speakers and displays, you know they can be very handy to have around the house. They perform various tasks such as controlling the lights, answering the door, securing your home, and so much more. It seems like virtual assistants gain new abilities every day, especially if you own devices powered by Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.While we know these smart assistants aren't sentient (yet), we understand that some people like to practice their manners when asking them to perform an action or answer a question. Some Android Central staff even say "Please" and "Thank You" to their assistants, so that got us wondering just how many of our readers practice good manners with theirs.Do you say 'please' and 'thank you' to your smart home assistant?Saying "Please" is easy enough on smart assistants, but saying "Thank You" requires an extra step. Usually, once a virtual assistant performs an action, they stop list...
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by Anthony Spadafora on (#5RKAG)
Following the promotion's return to Fight Island last weekend, UFC is back with another numbered event featuring a highly anticipated rematch between two of its best welterweight fighters and we have all the details on how you can watch Usman vs Covington 2 on TV or online at UFC 268.At UFC 245 in December of 2019, Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman and Colby "Chaos" Covington met in the Octagon for the first time. Despite suffering a broken jaw in round three of the fight, Covington kept fighting until the referee declared Usman the winner by technical knockout (TKO) in round five. In the years since, the rivalry between Usman and Covington has only gotten worse but the two fighters will settle things once and for all tonight.Going into their welterweight championship fight, Usman has an 18 fight win streak after defeating Jorge Masvidal by TKO in round two back at UFC 261 in August while Covington won his last match in September of 2020 after defeating Tryon Woodley by TKO i...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5RKAJ)
The regular Pixel 6 was the only one to get actual color options and not just metallic shades, and we deserve to flaunt those fun colors and bold accents around that eye-catching camera bar stretching across the back. This is one of the best Android phones with half a decade of updates ahead of it, and if you want your new phone to last that long, you need to grab one of the best Pixel 6 cases you can.Come to the dark sideCaseology Parallax for Google Pixel 6Staff PickWhile not many cases yet highlight that pop of red at the top of the Kinda Coral Pixel 6, Caseology leaped right in. So whether you're tracking rebel scum across the galaxy or lording over your domain, the Parallax will help you keep an iron grip upon your Pixel 6, thanks to the new diamond grip pads along the bumper.$15 at AmazonKickstands kick buttPoetic RevolutionThe Revolution is already a heavy-duty case with heavy-duty thickness, but Poetic makes excellent use of it by adding a kickstand that w...
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by Kevin Lynch on (#5RK8E)
Will history be made tonight as four-weight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez looks to become the first ever Super-Middleweight fighter to hold all four belts at once in the 168lbs division?Read on for your full guide to watching a Canelo Alvarez vs Caleb Plant live stream.The Mexican ring king currently holds the WBA, WBC and WBO super-middleweight belts and is a strong favorite to complete his haul tonight.Standing in his way is American IBF champ Caleb Plant who has his own aspirations on making his own piece of boxing history.The 29-year-old from Tennessee has an unbeaten record to protect and underlined how much of a threat he poses to Canelo during his impressive win over Caleb Truax back in January.Fireworks are expected, with the pair's acrimonious pre-fight press conference descending into chaos after Canelo landed a blow on his opponent's face after Plant said something that drew that appeared to offend the Mexican.Read on to find out how to watch Canelo Alvar...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#5RK6R)
The Fairphone 4 is 100% e-waste neutral, includes a full, no-B.S., five-year warranty, and its goal is to provide six years of software support. It's also the only phone that ships with a screwdriver.The past few phone launches from almost every manufacturer spent a reasonable amount of time explaining how each company was working toward smartphone sustainability. We heard things like "X-% of our phones are made from recycled materials" and "you don't need a charger because you already have one" to show that these companies are getting serious about the environment. But it still felt like more could be done. These are giant corporations with seemingly unlimited resources, after all.Meanwhile, another small phone maker from the Netherlands seems to place sustainability at the same level as profits. Fairphone has been making products with meaningful commitments toward sustainability and eco-friendliness with little fanfare. Though the company isn't selling phones in North America, ...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5RK6S)
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...
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by Keegan Prosser on (#5RK5E)
All the best movies streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all of HBO's exclusive content. It features a rotating lineup of hundreds of television series and movies from Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and more. HBO Max will also launch brand new films from WarnerMedia in 2021 without waiting for them to play in theaters first. Here are the best movies on HBO Max right now, from new drama and comedy films to the best in action franchises and documentary films.The best movies on HBO MaxJust added on HBO MaxBest action filmsBest comedy filmsKids & family filmsBest documentary filmsMovies and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind new releases and old favorites on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC, among other studios. Subscribe now to check out new blockbusters or your longtime faves.Just Added on HBO MaxWarnerMedia announced at the end of 20...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5RJVN)
What you need to knowJerryRigEverything puts the Pixel 6 Pro through a durability test.The Pixel 6 Pro is made with aluminum on the edges and glass on the front and back, with plastic used in some parts.The phone manages to stay structurally sound throughout the video, despite some damages.The time has come to watch one of the latest smartphones get put to the ultimate test as JerryRigEverything handles the Google Pixel 6 Pro to see just how durable it is.While the software has been the main focus on the phone, thanks to the Tensor chip and the latest Android 12 additions, the hardware remains just as important. Our Nick Sutrich states in his review of the Pixel 6 Pro that it's "probably the most unique-looking phone of the year and certainly the most unique design Google has ever made for a Pixel."But how does that unique design hold up? Especially when there's a protruding camera bump to take into account?Surprisingly well, actually. The phone is constructed with Gori...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5RJRH)
It's a feature Samsung is familiar with.What you need to knowGoogle Messages may tap into Google Photos for MMS.This is likely to send the recipient a link that will open to higher-resolution video.This method may be similar to how Samsung shares high-resolution media with its Messages app.Anyone who sends a video over MMS would know that the result can be hit or miss, and it's not great even when it's a hit. However, according to code found in the latest beta version, Google seems to be preparing to fix that by integrating Google Photos into its Messages app.9to5Google dove into Google Messages version 10.4 APK and found a new setting that would allow users to "share sharper clarity video in text (SMS/MMS)." The setting is marked under Google Photos, meaning the apps would somehow integrate to share high-quality videos.It's unclear how this feature would work whenever Google rolls it out, but it could potentially create a link for the video file that's shared to the ...
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by Charlie Wacholz on (#5RJRJ)
The Meta Quest 2 is coming to a Star Wars Disneyland exhibition in 2021.What you need to knowMeta has begun to call its VR headset the Meta Quest 2 in advertisements, removing the Oculus brand ahead of schedule.We first spotted the Meta Quest 2 name in an ad for an upcoming Star Wars VR installation at Downtown Disney.Meta previously announced it would ditch the Oculus brand in 2022. The headset is still listed as the Oculus Quest 2 on storefronts.All Meta VR products will eventually follow the same naming conventions.Following last week's announcement that Facebook was changing its name to Meta, the social media and data collection conglomerate has begun rebranding some of its products and services. The Oculus Quest 2 is one of the first products to see an initial change.In an Oculus blog post, the company announced that Downtown Disney would have a free demo of Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge in VR, outside of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Specifi...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5RJMH)
A fun take on a viral throwback feature.What you need to knowThe Google Arts & Culture app adds a new Pet Portrait feature.The new feature matches an image of your pet with museum art.It's similar to the Art Selfie feature that went viral in 2018.Google recently updated its Arts & Culture feature with a new feature specifically for animal lovers dubbed Pet Portraits, which takes an image of your pen and matches it to artwork.The latest update, which started rolling out on some of the best Android phones this week, opens directly to the new Pet Portraits mode when selecting the camera icon. When selecting "Take a photo," you can either capture a picture of your pet with the viewfinder or upload one using your phone's gallery.The feature will analyze the image and compare it and compare it to various museum artworks, listed based on the percentage of likeness. From there, you can either retake, save, or share the image. You can even enter a slideshow to display al...
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