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Protect all of the data and information on your Android phoneMost people use the terms privacy app and VPN (a virtual private network) interchangeably. While these programs give you a wide range of tools like data encryption, secure browsing, and location shields, there are other programs out there that also give you ways to secure your Android phone.The top 3 apps1. Bitdefender Mobile Security2. ExpressVPN3. Tor BrowserMore options1PasswordBlokadaFolder LockGoogle Find My DeviceGlasswireThese are the best privacy apps for AndroidBitdefender Mobile Security is the best privacy app for Android because it has most of the privacy tools you need in one app, including a VPN, safe browsing, and remote locating and locking of your device.Our favorite VPN service is also one of the best privacy apps for Android in ExpressVPN. With this installed, you'll be able to access streaming service libraries in other countries while protecting your browsing history.If y...

What you need to knowThe 8Mbps speed limit has been removed from plans allowing for unlimited speed.Cricket has added 5G support on the AT&T network to all of its data plans.Cricket has added 2 million subscribers in the past two years and now has over 12.4 million total.Cricket Wireless, the prepaid carrier owned by AT&T, is updating its cheaper data plans with faster download speeds. Previously, LTE-connected devices on plans other than the most expensive unlimited plan were limited to just 8Mbps on LTE. As of October 29, 2021, this limit has been removed allowing customers to download at much higher speeds and putting Cricket's network performance much more in line with AT&T.Cricket has also added 5G support to all of its plans so as long as you have a compatible phone, you can connect to AT&T's 5G network. Adding 5G and removing the old speed cap from the $30, $40, and $55 has removed the biggest weakness from some of the best cheap plans you can get. Ke...

Genshin Impact is already great in many ways, but it could be better.As someone who tends to favor one-and-done single-player games, a persistently evolving and expanding experience like Genshin Impact shouldn't have appealed to me... but I haven't been able to stop playing it. That's a testament to how fun developer miHoYo made the game. Its ever-expanding story actually serves to its benefit, and updates usually bring meaningful gameplay changes and additions as well. There's a good reason it's become one of the best Android games out there, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. There are a few features I think it lacks that I'd love to see make their way to Genshin Impact.Ability to trade charactersFirst and foremost, I think it's a massive detriment that Genshin Impact doesn't allow players to trade characters. I've shamefully spent well over $150 for Genesis Crystals, an in-game currency that can be redeemed for Primogems, which can then be redeemed for Wishes, which can t...

You can get a lot of phone for a modest price these days, and to prove it, we've rounded up a list of the best Android phones under $300 for your consideration. Motorola has been a leading name in mid-range options for years, and that holds true with its excellent Moto G Power (2020). You get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out for an extremely competitive price. Plus, it has a massive battery and convenient USB-C charging.Best overall Android phone under $300: Moto G Power (2020)Motorola launched a few different Moto G phones for 2020, but the one that stands out as the best pick for most people is the Moto G Power (2020). This phone nails all the basics, has a very affordable price, and a cool trick up its sleeve — battery life.A 5,000 mAh battery is crammed inside of the Moto G Power, meaning you can get between two and three days of use out of the phone before needing to charge it up. In a world where a lot of $1,000 flagships...

Goodbye Oculus, we hardly knew you.What you need to knowFacebook has rebranded to Meta and will also sunset the Oculus branding.The Oculus Quest will become Meta Quest in 2022.Meta Quest will no longer require a personal Facebook account sometime in 2022. This rollout begins with work accounts later in 2021.You'll be able to delete your existing Facebook account and still maintain your VR library, according to Reality Labs VP Boz.Updated with additional info on October 29 at 8:28 am.Facebook announced a number of new concepts, technologies, and software at Connect 2021 — including its new name, Meta — but none may be quite as surprising as the company's move to drop the Oculus branding and, even further, to remove the Facebook login requirement for Quest headsets including the Oculus Quest 2.In a blog post shared on Facebook, Facebook Reality Labs VP Andrew Bosworth (Boz) talked about how rebranding to Meta will affect the company and its many users going forward, ...

Samsung's smartphone shipments declined 14.2% YoY in Q3 2021.What you need to knowWorldwide smartphone shipments declined 6.7% YoY in Q3 2021.Smartphone vendors shipped 331.2 million units during the July to September period. Samsung was the top smartphone vendor during the quarter, with a 20.8% share of the global market. The global smartphone market declined 6.7% YoY in the third quarter of the year, according to the latest Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker from IDC. A total of 331.2 million smartphones were shipped during the quarter.The decline in shipments was mainly due to the chip shortage that has been affecting many industries for months. While smartphone makers have also been dealing with shortages for the last few quarters, they weren't severe enough to limit the rate of growth until now. Several leading smartphone vendors were also affected by power supply constraints in China and other manufacturing challenges.The severity of the impact, however, var...

Google's 2019 flagships were the weakest Pixels in the series' history, with gimmicky features, undercooked hardware, and dreadful battery life.After a few generations of hit-and-miss Google phones, Android fans had big hopes for the fourth-generation Pixels. Topping wishlists were features that had eluded previous Pixels, like multiple rear cameras and strong, all-day battery life. In the summer of 2019, a tidal wave of leaks helped prepare the ground for the Pixel 4, with many of its major spec points becoming known months ahead of time. Would this be the year Google finally nailed it and produced the best Android phones?Well, no.In October 2019, the Pixel pattern continued: The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL brought excellent new Google features like astrophotography mode and the brand new Assistant — and even live audio transcription supported in every app. Yet with those high-level advancements came more weird hardware compromises. Motion Sense, a make-or-break feature for t...

This studio is working on a mobile Call of Duty game, but not Call of Duty: Mobile.What you need to knowActivision Blizzard acquired Digital Legends, a mobile game development studio located in Barcelona, Spain.This studio is going under the Activision publishing wing and is working on a mobile Call of Duty game. Every Activision owned studio is currently working on something in the Call of Duty universe.Activision Blizzard acquired Digital Legends, a mobile game developer, as shared on Thursday. Digital Legends is located in Barcelona, Spain. The team is currently working on a new mobile Call of Duty game alongside Beenox, Activision Shanghai and a new internal team called Solid State."This is an incredible team of development pros at Digital Legends, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome them to the Activision team," said Rob Kostich, president at Activision. "This is a great step forward as we continue to build additional world-class development resources focused ...

A Facebook Meta smartwatch exactly surprising but also it's kind of surprising.What you need to knowMeta's planned smartwatch has allegedly leaked.The device features a square design with a notch for a camera.Meta has formerly spoken about its plans to extend its investments in wearables.Facebook only just announced that it's being rebranded as "Meta" and has already suffered its first major leak.An image obtained by Bloomberg shows a smartwatch that is allegedly being designed by Facebook Meta. The device features a square design not unlike the Apple Watch, although, unlike Cupertino's wearable, it features a notch design with a camera embedded at the bottom of the display.There also appears to be a button on the side and at the top of the device.While this wouldn't be the first smartwatch with a camera, this could give Meta a step up over some of the best Android smartwatches on the market, including the Apple Watch. It would bring an additional level of communica...

Amazon missed analyst expectations and doesn't expect things to get much better.What you need to knowAmazon announced its Q3 financial earnings ending in September.The company reported just over $110 billion in revenue, missing analysts' expectations by nearly $1 billion.Amazon expects a weak Q4 due to labor shortages and higher wages.While Amazon continues to rake in billions each quarter, the company also continues to miss analyst expectations, as shown by Thursday's Q3 financial earnings report.Amazon reported more than $110 billion in revenue, up 15% from the same period last year. However, that falls just short of analyst estimates of nearly $112 billion. CFO Brian Osofsky says that while Amazon's operations are normally well-staffed and optimized, "labor shortages and supply chain disruptions upset this balance and resulted in additional costs to ensure that we continue to maintain our service levels to customers."Here we go @amazon. Miss on top and bottom, but st...

Even in a city as big as New York, finding love can be difficult but we have all the details on how you can watch a brand-new protagonist search for love in the Big Apple in season two of HBO Max's Love Life.Created by Sam Boyd, Love Life was one of the first shows to debut on HBO's streaming service HBO Max when it launched last year. The romantic comedy anthology series follows a different person each season throughout their entire journey of finding love from their first romance until their last romance.While the first season of Love Life followed Darby Carter (Anna Kendrick) as she searched for love in NYC, season two of the show will focus on Marcus Watkins (William Jackson Harper) though Darby will show up in several cameos. After his first marriage imploded unexpectedly, Marcus is on a mission to rebuild his life brick by brick while trying to find a love that will last once and for all.In addition to Anna Kendrick, season two of Love Life will also see the return of ser...

Magic Eraser comes to more phones if you're cool with installing a modded APKThis has been updated with new information confirimg that the APK in question is actually signed by Google.What you need to knowAn updated Google Photos APK enables Magic Eraser for non-Pixel 6 devices.Magic Eraser was intended to be a Pixel 6-only feature.With Magic Eraser, you can remove objects from your image within Google Photos.One of the biggest reasons to consider picking up the Pixel 6 is to sit back and enjoy all of the wonderful camera features. From updated hardware to added software features like Magic Eraser, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro can handle anything you throw at them. But now, you don't even need a Pixel 6 in order to enjoy the headlining feature that was intended to only be available on the Pixel 6.A modded APK file is making its rounds (via Mishaal Rahman), that enables Magic Eraser on any compatible Android device. After installed, this APK tricks your Android phone into think...

One of the most keenly anticipated clashes of the season so far takes place under the lights of State Farm tonight as two of the league's most in-form teams go head-to-head.Read on for full details on how to watch Packers vs Cardinals, no matter where you are in the world.Green Bay come into this match looking to make it seven straight wins in a row, but their preparations for this crucial game have been thrown into disarray, after a number of key players were placed on the sidelines due to COVID-19 .Key wide receiver Davante Adams has been ruled out alongside fellow WR Allen Lazard, neutralising one of the league's most potent receiving corps, while their backline must also do without defensive coordinator Joe Berry, who has also tested positive.With Kyler Murray in red-hot form, the Cardinals will be looking to capitalise on the Packers woes and continue their unbeaten streak.Arizona started slow against the Houston Texans at the weekend, before notching up a somewhat stra...

The Galaxy S21 FE is coming, after all, but at the expense of the Galaxy S22.Update, Oct 28 (5:00 p.m. ET): More hints of S22 launch delayWhat you need to knowSamsung is reportedly still preparing to launch the Galaxy S21 FE.The launch could take place in January, which would lead to Samsung delaying the Galaxy S22 launch.If true, the Galaxy S22 series could launch in February, sometime around Mobile World Congress.Apparently, the Galaxy S21 FE is still on. According to the latest from SamMobile, the device is still set to be launched, although it may arrive later than expected, which could affect the Galaxy S22 launch.SamMobile says that the Galaxy S21 FE could launch in January, meaning it'll miss the holiday season, a crucial time for companies to promote and sell their best Android phones.This would be around the time the Galaxy S22 series was expected to launch, which would likely conflict. Instead of following the Galaxy S21 series with a January launch, Samsung...

The best wireless chargers are a bit of a dream, breaking you out of the old rut of having to plug in your phone every time to sit down to work or sleep. Ditch your cables and quit wearing out your phone's charging port by getting yourself a handy wireless charger. It's easier than ever now that more wireless chargers are switching to USB-C so you can stick to one cable.Cool and compactAnker PowerWave AlloyStaff Pick$31 at Amazon $31 at WalmartThis Qi charger can output 15W for the few devices that support it right now, plus 10W/7.5W/5W for everyone else as needed, from Samsung to Apple and beyond. It's got a sleek look and takes Power Delivery or Qualcomm QuickCharge wall adapters.Best for PixeliOttie iON Wireless Duo (Made For Google Edition)iOttie is better known for its car mounts, but it actually makes the best current Pixel stand on the market — yes, even better than Google's. The 15W EPP coils on the stand will charge your phone up to 15W, while the 5W pa...

Ready for Saints Row or Dead Island in VR? It could happen.What you need to knowVertigo Games will launch multiplayer action FPS game After the Fall on December 9 on Oculus Quest 2, PSVR, and PC VR.These devs will partner with Oculus (soon to be Meta) for five upcoming games in the years to come, though they won't be exclusive to Oculus platforms.Some of these games will take place in "fan favorite game worlds from Deep Silver," which could include Saints Row, Metro, or Dead Island.Today, Meta (formerly Facebook) announced some major initiatives focused on its Metaverse. It made the shocking decision to convert the Oculus Quest 2 into the Meta Quest 2, and promised to add 2D apps and work profiles to the Quest platform. But honestly, the most exciting news coming out of Connect 2021 had to do with new games coming to the platform.Along with a GTA: San Andreas Quest 2 port and other major game launches like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad, we learned today that Vertigo Games ha...

Take advantage of these awesome games for a few bucks a month.Google Play Pass continues to offer great value for Android users looking to save on premium apps and indie-developed games in 2021. It's only $5 per month and gives you access to tons of premium content. Plus, if you need to take a break and cancel your subscription, all of your favorite games and apps, as well as their save data, will be waiting when you return.There are a ton of great games that have already been added to the service across multiple genres — from intense strategy games and action-packed indie platformers to relaxing puzzle experiences and immersive RPGs. Of course, this isn't a full list of Play Pass games, just the ones we think you should check out first. If you're looking for other great games to try, be sure to check out our collection of the best Android games!Note: All games on this list are included with your Google Play Pass for no additional charge. The prices shown are what you would p...

A good headset can transform your gaming experience, allowing you the sound quality you won't get from your TV's speakers while enabling you to communicate with other players easily. As a bonus, headsets keep your gaming sessions quiet if you're sharing a space, and they look pretty awesome. We've rounded up several choices depending on your priorities and budget. Now, if you're in the market for one of the best PS5 headsets, we've got you covered on that front too.Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7Let's be honest; gaming headsets tend to be gaudy. You've seen the unwieldy ones that light up in every color imaginable and look like sturdy bludgeoning weapons. That's not to say they aren't good headphones, but they certainly aren't the most stylish. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 benefits from its sleek design. You won't be embarrassed to wear this one no matter the occasion, and its style only scratches the surface of its desirable features.Headsets are more than just about looks, ...

Goodbye Oculus, we hardly knew you.What you need to knowFacebook has rebranded to Meta and will also sunset the Oculus branding.The Oculus Quest will become Meta Quest in 2022.Meta Quest will no longer require a personal Facebook account for some tasks, but specifics are unclear right now.Facebook announced a number of new concepts, technologies, and software at Connect 2021 — including its new name, Meta — but none may be quite as surprising as the company's move to drop the Oculus branding and, even further, to remove the Facebook login requirement for Quest headsets including the Oculus Quest 2.In a blog post shared on Facebook, Facebook Reality Labs VP Andrew Bosworth (Boz) talked about how rebranding to Meta will affect the company and its many users going forward, including retiring the Oculus branding in 2022. "For this reason, we're simplifying our brand architecture and shifting away from the Oculus brand. Starting in early 2022, you'll start to see the s...

From gaming screens to the silver screen.Sony Interactive Entertainment is responsible for the PlayStation division of Sony, manufacturing consoles like the PS5 while PlayStation Studios is hard at work on a slate of upcoming first-party games. Meanwhile. PlayStation Productions is helping turn some of those same games into movies and TV shows, spreading PlayStation characters and worlds across different forms of entertainment. Here's every project that PlayStation Productions is confirmed to be working on so far.Jump to:What is it?Uncharted movieGhost of Tsushima movieThe Last of Us TV showTwisted Metal TV showWhat is PlayStation Productions?PlayStation Productions is a part of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Founded in 2019, PlayStation Productions aims to help produce movies and TV shows from Sony-owned PlayStation IP, meaning some of the best PS5 games have a chance of turning into a show or blockbuster film.While Sony has previously produced media based o...

But only on Google Fi.What you need to knowGoogle Fi is launching end-to-end encryption for phone calls on its network.Calls between Fi customers will include a special tone and symbol when protected.The new end-to-end encryption is rolling out first on Android phones.Google announced that its Google Fi service is enabling enhanced protection for calls with end-to-end encryption on the best Android phones.In Thursday's blog post, Google says that the feature will work between smartphones on its network, and will include audio and visual cues so that users know immediately that their calls are end-to-end encrypted. That means no one should be able to listen in on your calls and that your private conversations can stay that way.When making a call to another Fi customer using Google's Phone app, users will hear a unique ring sound to indicate that the call is encrypted. There will also be a lock symbol on the call screen to visually indicate that your call is protected. Si...

A fix is still out of sight.What you need to knowA new update to Chrome OS Canary is said to be bricking a number of Chromebooks.Some Chrome OS devices are left stuck on the startup page after being updated to the latest Canary version of the operating system.Google has yet to release a fix for the issue.The latest version of Chrome OS Canary is reportedly rendering some Chromebooks useless, according to 9to5Google, leaving affected laptops stuck on the "Chrome" logo on startup.A number of Chromebooks are currently bricked after being updated to the new Chrome OS Canary build. For those who aren't on the Canary version of the system, this issue should not be a major concern.However, for developers and Chrome OS fans who don't mind unstable software just to get the latest features through the Canary channel, installing the latest update is the last thing they want to do. The report says version version 97.0.4682.0 of Chrome OS Canary is responsible for the bricked laptop...

Best answer: Android 12's Private Compute Core is a feature that exists in its own separate and secure space where information and data for AI-driven functions like Live Caption, Now Playing, and Smart Reply can stay on your device instead of in the cloud.On-device machine learningMuch of what makes Android such a great operating system for the best Android phones is how Google can leverage machine learning to anticipate our next move or to study and learn our habits. A machine can't really learn (yet). Still, computers are excellent at recognizing repeating patterns, and once a way to figure out those patterns is found, predictions can be used to make things flow faster and use fewer resources.This is great, but the idea of your phone sending details about every little thing you do to a server somewhere to be analyzed is a bit creepy. That's why it's imperative to do as much of the "learning" as possible right on your device and do it in a way that the data it collects and wha...

Facebook is now "Meta"What you need to knowFacebook announced a significant company shift during its Connect conference.The company will now be known as Meta.The change highlights Meta's focus on the metaverse and connecting users.Facebook has a new name. Not the app, but the company. At the annual Connect conference on Thursday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company's new name is "Meta."The name is meant to evoke the new focus on building the metaverse, what Meta envisions as the natural evolution of the internet where users interact using all sorts of devices from AR to VR and even the best Android phones.It's also meant to separate the company from the social media app, and better envoke the various platforms and projects Meta is involved with beyond Facebook. During the presentation, Zuckerberg spoke about how the company has grown beyond just a social media app and has transitioned into a company focused on connecting people, whether through WhatsApp, Inst...

Meta calls it a high-end headset, not a Quest 2 replacement.What you need to knowMeta announced a next-generation Oculus Quest headset called Project Cambria at Facebook Connect 2021.Project Cambria is designed to be a high-end headset with cutting-edge technology, not a replacement for the Oculus Quest 2.Cambria will feature realistic face tracking, eye tracking, and even body tracking.Cambria is designed with new smaller lenses and "pancake" optics.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg — or, more appropriately the company now known as Meta — took to the virtual stage at Facebook Connect 2021 to tease Project Cambria, a next-generation standalone VR headset. Zuckerberg said that Cambria isn't designed to replace the existing Oculus Quest 2 but will be compatible with existing Quest software.Project Cambria is a high-end headset that's designed for the best possible experience rather than for a lower price point, as current Oculus Quest headsets are. Cambria will feature a ...

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

Rockstar and Facebook are joining forces.What you need to knowGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas is coming to the Oculus Quest 2 as an exclusive VR port.Mark Zuckerberg announced the port during Facebook Connect 2021.It will ship in 2022, and will be fully revealed at Oculus Gaming Showcase 2022.During Facebook Connect 2021, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is coming to the Oculus Quest 2, most likely in 2022. This popular 2004 title, originally a PS2 and Xbox title later ported to Android, will get new life in virtual reality.Oculus has started a trend of bringing classic video games to its VR headset. Earlier this month, it ported Resident Evil 4 to the Quest 2, converting its third-person gameplay to first-person. It's very possible that you'll be stepping into CJ's shoes, and that Rockstar or a third-party developer will convert its third-person gameplay to first person.The game won't arrive in 2021. Mark Zuckerberg announced the game during F...

Beat Saber remains the most profitable Quest title, with others not far behind.What you need to knowBeat Saber is the first game to hit $100 million in revenue from the Quest platform alone.The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners has amassed $50 million in revenue across all VR platforms.Several other developers have reported record sales, citing huge growth in the Quest player base, in particular.At Facebook Connect 2021, the company's annual AR and VR conference, Facebook announced that Beat Saber had amassed over $100 million in revenue on the Oculus Quest platform alone. Earlier this year, we saw that only six games had surpassed $10 million in revenue, and the quick milestone of $100 million for one of the best Quest 2 games shows just how much the market has grown in 2021 alone.While Beat Saber has been out for well over four years on the PC, it took a while to make its way to other VR platforms like the Oculus Quest 2. Over the years, Beat Saber has become synonymou...

Get ready for hundreds of progressive web apps to infiltrate your VR headset through App Lab.What you need to knowOculus is enabling 2D panel apps on the Horizon Home screen, including popular productivity apps like Slack and Dropbox.Facebook, Instagram, Smartsheet, and Spike are the first wave of apps arriving today, October 27.Theoretically, any Android app can be submitted to the Oculus Store through the App Lab.These apps are part of Oculus's push to make the Quest 2 a more work-focused machine. It will launch Work Accounts on the Quest 2 in 2021 as a beta, with plans for a full Quest for Business 2023 launch.At last year's Oculus Connect 2020, the company showed off a concept video for Infinite Office on the Oculus Quest 2. In essence, it would let you use your entire point of view as one large workspace, with windows for different apps spread out in front of you in VR. It wasn't a real feature yet, but Oculus brought us one step closer this summer by letting Quest 2 ...

It's a lot easier to check certain settings.What you need to knowFitbit is rolling out a new update for the Verse 3 and Sense smartwatches.Update 5.3 adds new status indicators for sleep, do not disturb, and low battery.The update also brings a new outdoor exercise mode to the Exercise app.A new update has begun rolling out for the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3, which brings a few visual changes and features for the devices.The update is adding new status indicators to the watch that will make it easier to discern when certain settings are turned on, like do not disturb or sleep mode. Additionally, users will not be able to more easily determine when their battery is low thanks to the new low battery indicator. A final new indicator will show when your watch isn't connected to your phone.These status indicators will appear at the top of the watch face and will disappear after three seconds. Fitbit notes that in order to make them appear again, you just swipe right, and the...

The Presence Platform is Facebook's way of giving developers better tools to make better experiences.What you need to knowFacebook is launching the Presence Platform for Oculus Quest, which includes three new development kits.Insight SDK, Interaction SDK, and Voice SDK are designed to make these experiences easier for developers to successfully implement in their apps.Users should see better hand tracking and AR experiences in the future, as well as the ability to use their voice for more natural input.At Facebook Connect 2021, the company announced a brand new trio of software development kits designed to help developers create better AR and hand tracking experiences, as well as adding in the ability for players to use their voice for search and control. Facebook calls this trio the Presence Platform, and it's one of the many ways the company is working to create a better Oculus Quest 2 platform for all players.Hand tracking has been around since before the Quest 2 launc...

Uninstalling a game to save storage space will no longer delete your progress.What you need to knowOculus announced a new cloud save system coming to the Oculus Quest and Quest 2 "later this year" at Connect 2021.All games will now support Cloud Backup unless the developer opts out, including older titles. Previously, game developers had to use their own cloud save system, which most didn't.For years, whenever you deleted a game from the Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2, it would remove your save files and progress permanently. Uninstall Beat Saber, and all of your high scores would vanish like the wind.Oculus technically had a Cloud Storage (v2) feature that developers could opt into, but it broke earlier this year. Oculus eventually warned developers that cloud saves were "causing some applications to not launch" and told them to disable the feature, promising a new version in the near future.Finally, a proper cloud save system in on the horizon. Announced during Connec...

It isn't clear if the issues are widespread or affect only a small number of units.What you need to knowA few Pixel 6 users are experiencing weird screen flickering issues.The flickering happens when the power button is pressed while the phone is off. Some owners are also complaining about a green tint on the screen. Some customers who received their Pixel 6 and 6 Pro phones earlier this week have noticed a weird screen flicker problem on their phones.According to complaints from owners on Reddit, the display flicker issue appears when pressing the power button while the phones are switched off. For now, It doesn't look like Google's best Android phones of 2021 exhibit the same behavior when they are turned on.A few Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners are also reporting a green tint on the display. While the flickering issue hasn't been reported on previous Pixel phones, some Pixel 5a and Pixel 4 XL devices were also affected by the green tint issue. Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra and...

Your home room is about to get a little more crowded.What you need to knowOculus Home is becoming Horizon Home in the next Quest update.Horizon Home uses existing Oculus Home locations but allows you to bring your friends along for some quality virtual hang out time.Oculus is improving how parties work, making it easier for players to invite their friends to Horizon Home and then quickly jump into parties within games from there.Oculus Avatars should be making an appearance in more games soon, as they're being added to Unity and Unreal engines for developers to use.If you've ever turned on your Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 and wondered why you're all alone in an empty virtual room, don't worry, Facebook has been thinking the same thing. That's why Horizon Home will be replacing the existing Oculus Home, giving you a fresh new home location to spend time with friends or by yourself, if you so choose.Horizon Home is the next extension of Horizon Worlds and Horizon Workro...

Released on Oct. 28, the new Google Pixel 6 is already being praised as the best Android phone under $600. Among other cool perks, Google's latest Pixel smartphone boasts Tensor's AI optimization, voice typing abilities, and the best camera yet. But all of that is moot if you can't keep your Google Pixel 6 charged while you're on the go. So with that in mind, we've rounded up a list of the best car chargers for Google Pixel 6 available right now.The premium car chargerAnker 36W PowerDrive III DuoStaff PickFeaturing 18W of charging power, the Anker 36W PowerDrive III Duo plugs into your car's accessory socket and can charge two devices simultaneously at speeds up to 1.5 hours faster than standard chargers. In addition to being compatible with the Google Pixel 6, the Anker 36W charger also works with other USB-C and legacy USB phones, tablets, and other devices. It also comes with two USB-C cables.$40 at Amazon $40 at Best Buy $23 at TargetBelkin's bestBelkin Boos...

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 leapt 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 wor...

Free TV series and movies you can watch on VuduVudu recently announced it's launching its movie and TV store in conjunction on Oculus devices. While the Vudu movie and TV store offers a ton of content for sale and for rent, the platform also offers a variety of ad-supported free content. In celebration of Vudu finally coming to Oculus devices, we've compiled a list of some of the best free content streaming right now.Free content on VuduFree movies on VuduFree series on VuduMore on VuduFree Movies on VuduIn addition to the various movies you can buy or rent in the Vudu movie and TV store, the on-demand platform boasts an impressive library of movies that are available for free with ads. Here are some of the best free movies available on Vudu right now.Big Eyes (2014)Directed by Tim Burton, Big Eyes follows the early '60s artist Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), who rises to fame for his unique portraits of big-eyed characters. It's soon revealed, however, that K...

We've researched, tested, and reviewed dozens, if not hundreds of devices and compiled the following list of what we consider the best Alexa devices. With so many options to choose from, starting with the little Echo Dot up to the recently announced Echo 15 with a 15-inch display — it can be tough to sort through it all. If you don't already have an Echo smart speaker, we recommend you pick up the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) to get started. It sounds great and comes in at a reasonable price. But, if you already have an Echo and want to see what else is available, well, we've got you covered there too.Best Amazon Alexa smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)The original Amazon Echo that debuted in late 2014 gave us our first introduction to Alexa, and we've been hooked ever since. What started as a stark, black tube has evolved over three generations to a softer, gentler-looking Alexa vessel and has spawned an entire line of other Echo devices.This "regular" Echo (4th Gen) is the be...

Get ready for some bigger, tastier snax.What you need to knowBugsnax first launched alongside the PS5 back in November 2020.During the October 2021 State of Play, developer Young Horses announced a free DLC update.This update adds, among other things, massive new Bugsnax.The Isle of Bigsnax is slated to arrive in early 2022.There's a big new update coming to Bugsnax, as announced during Sony's Oct. 2021 PlayStation State of Play. PS4 and PS5 players will be heading to a new region filled with Bugsnax megafauna. You can check out the trailer for The Isle of Bigsnax below:This mysterious island came up from the bottom of the ocean, giving the Grumpuses reason to start exploring. Part of this update's improvements will also be found back on Snaktooth island, bringing customization options for players so they can deck out their huts how they see fit."We're beyond excited to be working with our beloved voice cast again! Yuri Lowenthal, Casey Mongillo, Debra Wilson, and ...

Putting the focus on third-party developers this time around.After a packed September showcase that revealed a Knights of the Old Republic Remake alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man and Wolverine games, PlayStation held a smaller State of Play to show some love to third-party developers. This one ran around 20 minutes in length, as is the norm for showcases like this. New and previously announced titles made appearances, though none were jaw-dropping. We'll run through everything that's been announced in one convenient place.Deathverse Let It DieState of Play kicked off with the announcement of Deathverse: Let It Die, a multiplayer melee survival action game set to release for PS5 and PS4 in Spring 2022.We Are OFKWe Are OFK follows the indie pop band as they "attempt to break into the music business, fall in and out of love, and figure out how to pay rent and make art in Los Angeles," according to PlayStation. It is set to release in 2022 for PS5.Bugsnax: The Isle of...

The holiday of candy, costumes, crazily scaring people — and best of all, PUMPKINS!!! is upon us — and you should be celebrating! Not all of us get to dress up to the nines and beg for candy anymore, but that doesn't mean your phone can't get a cute costume, too! There are lots of ways to theme dress up a phone without getting tacky cases, and that's why we're bringing you a variety of sweet and simple wallpapers that remind us that not only is Halloween here, but it's for more than just horror shows. Here are the sweetest and spookiest Halloween wallpapers for your Android phone to dress up with.Get festive, not garishWallCandyWallCandy isn't as sweet as the name suggests; some of the best wallpapers in here are wonderfully macabre, like this grinning grim reaper taking a new spin on a classic phrase.Free (w/ ads) at Google PlayOminous timesSupermoon over the Washington MonumentNormally, I'd try to select something more ominous from the vast astrophotography se...

The update should be ready for users that pick up their Pixel 6 on release day.What you need to knowGoogle is issuing a day-one update for Pixel 6 devices.The update will be necessary in order to get all the device features.It should automatically install after completing setup, although it may take some time to complete.Google wants to make sure that you're getting the most out of your brand new Pixel 6, so it's pushing out a day-one update that will be available out-of-the-box.9to5Google spotted a community support post detailing the update, which is apparently necessary in order to get all of the features, although the post doesn't specify exactly what the update brings.According to the post, the update should automatically download once the setup process is complete, although it can take up to 50 minutes, depending on your connection. That should give you plenty of time to futz around with the device before having to reboot it.If it doesn't automatically download ...

By now, you've probably seen iOS users tweeting and posting about Clubhouse, an audio-based social network that, for the moment, is limited to iPhones only. No need to feel too left out, though. Twitter has developed its own version of the platform called Spaces, which integrates directly into the Twitter app you likely already have on your phone. The whole layout may seem a bit confusing at first, but it's addictingly simple to use once you get the hang of it. Let's take a look at how to use Twitter Spaces for Android.How to use Twitter SpacesAlong with the Clubhouse service that inspired it, Twitter Spaces essentially acts at an interactive conference call that connects listeners with their friends, favorite creators, and public figures. So whether you've set out to pick up on small bits of insider secrets or you just want to have a casual group conversation, Spaces offers a quick and direct way to converse with others. These are the steps you need to take to use Twitter Spaces...

Have a carrier in mind, or just looking for a cheap plan? Here are the most affordable data plans you can get.If you want to save money on your cell phone plan, there are more options than ever with new ways to save on major carriers and even smaller, prepaid carriers. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) or alternative carriers lease coverage from the larger networks and resell it for less. That being said, depending on your average usage and needs, a plan from one of the Big Three could still be your least expensive option. Here are the best cheap cell phone plans in the U.S. right now.Before choosing a planBefore choosing a carrier and/or a wireless plan, determine your needs and usage habits. If this is your first smartphone, I'd like to firstly welcome you to the 21st century and secondly encourage you to try out your options without getting yourself into any yearly or multi-year contracts. There are a ton of cheap Android phones to choose from that will give you the f...

Galaxy S21The familiar choice$820 at AmazonProsSublime 120Hz AMOLED panelFast internal hardware with global 5GGreat camerasFast wired and wireless chargingThree guaranteed Android version updatesConsPlastic backNo microSD slotNo charger in the boxThe Galaxy S21 delivers the best features of the S21 Ultra at a more affordable price point. You get a stunning 120Hz AMOLED screen backed by the latest high-end hardware from Qualcomm, fast wired and wireless charging, amazing cameras, and three guaranteed Android version updates. Sure, it has a few rough edges, but as an overall value, you are getting a lot here.iPhone 13A worthy alternative$829 at AmazonProsFastest internal hardware on a phoneHigh-quality OLED panelStandout camerasFive years of software updatesGlobal 5G with mmWave as standardConsScreen still at 60HzNotch is unsightlyNo always-on modeStill uses a Lightning connectorThe iPhone 13 doesn't change too much from its predec...

Google gives app developers access to Material You.What you need to knowGoogle is bringing Material You design to third-party app developers.Dynamic colors will soon be available outside of Google's first-party apps.Google is also making it easy to design apps for larger displays.With Android 12 available on Pixel smartphones, Google is hammering down on app support for its new Material You design language.During the Android Developer Summit, Google announced Material Design 3 availability in Jetpack Compose, which will enable third-party app developers to implement Material You design into their apps.This will bring support for dynamic color theming on Android 12 to more apps outside of Google's own apps. Google has already been updated plenty of its first-party apps with Material You support, but going forward, you may start seeing these changes appearing on your favorite apps as well.To help developers, Google is introducing a Material You Theme Builder, which will...

Google's latest phones are powered by its custom silicon, and there is a lot to like here.Google makes some of the best Android phones money can buy, and a large part of what makes its phones stand out is the cameras. Although Google hasn't changed the hardware sensor itself in over three years, it was able to leverage its software prowess to deliver truly outstanding photos from Pixel phones, including the Pixel 5a.While Google likes to focus on software as a differentiator for its phones, the company is now turning to custom silicon to give Pixels an added edge. With the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Google delivers huge advancements for its camera tech, and at the foundation of that change is the Tensor SoC, a custom silicon platform that Google built in collaboration with Samsung.The custom chipset could end up eventually powering all of Google's phones and even make its way to Chromebooks. For now, the Pixel 6 series gives us a good look at what the search giant is aiming to achieve ...

World War Z: Aftermath on Stadia comes with cross-platform play.What you need to knowWorld War Z: Aftermath and Fire Commander will be coming to Stadia.World War Z: Aftermath is an upgraded version of co-op shooter World War Z coming this winter.Fire Commander is an isometric RTS about fighting fires and managing a fire station coming sometime in 2022.Google announced two more games coming to the Stadia store over the next year with World War Z: Aftermath and Fire Commander.World War Z: Aftermath is an upgraded version of the 2019 third-person cooperative zombie shooter and adds all of the content from the Game of the Year edition, three new locations, new characters, a revised melee system, and a first-person mode. The Stadia version will also receive the Horde Mode XL game mode, where players fight endless waves of zombies, in a post-launch update.The game originally launched last September for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and will be c...

While it's inevitable that plenty of great Black Friday tablet deals are forthcoming in the next few weeks, lots of retailers are already offering up early Black Friday sales.In many cases, the deals are for older-model tablets, and not just for Android tablets either. So if you have been looking for a budget tablet you can use to knock around with at home, a premium one to use for work or bring on vacation, or one you can comfortably hand over to the kids, now is the time to save. A tablet is a great gift under the tree, ideal for playing games, watching videos, or, with some models, even for doing work when you attach a keyboard or use a stylus pen.Major online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are already giving a sneak peek into the kinds of deals they will be offering and even starting to discount items.Have a look through this list to see some deals you can get right now, and check back as we'll be updating it as new deals become available.Best Tablet Deals A...

It's no secret that Android tablets have waned in popularity over the past few years. Despite that, Samsung regularly releases new tablet options, channeling its Android know-how into respectable software hosted on killer hardware. So whether you choose our top overall pick — the Galaxy Tab S7 — or any other option in this roundup, the best Samsung tablets all have plenty to recommend compared to iPads, Fires, and other popular brands.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7You have a large number of Galaxy Tabs to choose from, but above everything that's on offer, the Galaxy Tab S7 stands out as our go-to recommendation. It's one of the newest tablets in Samsung's lineup, and for most folks, it'll be the best one you can buy.The most important aspect of any tablet is its display, and in this regard, the Tab S7 has a lot going for it. You're treated to an 11-inch LCD panel with a 2560x1600 resolution and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. So whether you play a lot of games o...