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What you need to knowAT&T's current nationwide 5G network uses low-band spectrum to cover 250M people.AT&T has 80MHz of C-band spectrum that it plans to begin lighting up later this year with a planned December launch.By the end of 2022, AT&T expects to cover 70-75 million people with C-band 5G. Up to 200 million by the end of 2023.AT&T has unveiled its plans for the next phase of its 5G+ expansion. The moniker refers to the carrier's mmWave 5G, but the company announced that its upcoming C-band spectrum would fall under 5G+ as well.C-band spectrum sits between mmWave and low-band 5G and provides much better coverage and speeds than mmWave and low-band spectrum, respectively.Back in February of 2021, AT&T purchased 80MHz of C-band spectrum in an FCC auction to be used for 5G. Since then, AT&T has been aggressively testing C-band deployment so it could be ready to go as soon as the spectrum became available for deployment.This spectrum, also known...

Any child, teen, parent, or guardian can request to have search results for image URLs removed — though there are exceptions.What you need to knowGoogle has implemented a policy to "give young people more control over their digital footprint and where their images can be found on Search."You can remove any photo search result "with the exception of cases of compelling public interest or newsworthiness."This removal only affects Google Search, not the site where the photo is posted.Google already allows adults to remove personal information as well, specifically related to personal info, doxxing, or sexually explicit content.Google will allow anyone under the age of 18 to remove any photos of themselves from Google Search thumbnails and Google Images. Parents, guardians, or an "authorized representative" can make the request as well, though they'll need to explain their relationship to the minor in question.To remove the offending images, you'll go to this Google suppor...

Free trials are currently limited to 30 minutes but that could change.What you need to knowStadia now allows games to offer free trials so players can try a game before purchasing or subscribing to Stadia Pro if it is available on the service.Multiplayer construction game Hello Engineer is the first Stadia title to offer a 30-minute free trial.Google says it is experimenting with the feature and game trials could change time allotted or what players can access them.Google Stadia is now offering free game trials for players to try a game before buying it, starting with one game and potentially expanding over the next couple months.The company quietly added the feature, as 9to5Google reports, with multiplayer construction game Hello Engineer being the first title. Stadia players can sign in and click on the free trial option from the game's store page to begin a 30-minute trial. It is important to note that pausing within the game does not pause the trial, so the 30-minute ...

The latest Google Camera update currently doesn't work on older Pixel phones.What you need to knowGoogle Camera v8.4.167 is now rolling out to Pixel phones.The update finally brings support for Bluetooth microphones, along with new toggles for white balance and exposure. You can download the update from the Google Play Store.Google has released an updated version of its Camera app with some new features and improvements, just a day before the Pixel 6 series phones finally go on sale. Along with new features, the latest Google Camera update (v8.4.167) also brings performance improvements and other enhancements.For now, however, the update appears to be limited to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. While you can sideload the app on older Pixels, the app crashes just a few seconds after being launched.As you can see in the screenshots shared by Mishaal Rahman on Twitter, the update brings toggles for manual white balance and exposure controls. There is also a new Timer light feature t...

The latest Feature Drop isn't just for pixels.What you need to knowAndroid 12L is a feature update to Android 12 specifically built for foldables and Android tablets.With this new update, Android will better scale UI elements, make notifications and other information denser, and enhance multitasking in significant ways for devices with big screens.Android 12L will debut early in 2022 to coincide with "a new wave of foldables and tablets."Android 12L, a special version of Android 12 made just for tablets and foldable devices, aims to create a better UI for these large screen devices when it launches early in 2022. If you're using one of the best Android tablets or a foldable device like the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Android 12L could be the very thing you've been wishing for.On devices with large displays, Android 12L will automatically scale information to better fit the display. The notification shade, for instance, will be split into two panels to show more toggles and denser no...

If you were waiting to get in on the One UI 4 beta, you might be out of luck.What you need to knowSamsung has ended One UI 4 beta enrollments for the Galaxy S21.This comes just as the company prepares to launch the beta for its foldables.Samsung is expected to launch the stable One UI 4 before the end of the year.There are more signs that Samsung is gearing up for the full stable One UI 4 (Android 12) launch on its best Android phones as the company puts an end to the beta program.TizenHelp spotted a Samsung community post where a Beta Operator states that "the recruitment of S21 beta participants has ended."While current Galaxy S21 beta users shouldn't be affected by this, it does mean that anyone who has held off on installing One UI 4 beta has more or less lost their opportunity to enroll.This may only apply to those in South Korea, although it's likely that this will affect other regions as well, especially given how closely beta updates appear in other regions ...

The best Verizon MVNOs all have great coverage on the Verizon network, with plans that work for most people. Instead of going through the expense of spending billions developing and maintaining a mobile network, these carriers use Verizon's network to deliver outstanding service and coverage without the cost of Verizon's plans. With these carriers, you can even use most of the best Android phones. When it comes to carriers powered by Verizon's network, Visible stands out as the best overall choice with unlimited data and great savings opportunities. Here are some of the best Verizon MVNOs.Best overall: VisibleVisible is the first and most unique prepaid carrier on this list. Rather than going into a store to get started with your new phone service, everything with Visible is handled through its mobile app. This includes creating an account and paying your bill.There's just one plan to choose from at Visible, and it costs $40 a month. For that price, you get unlimited talk, te...

The Oculus Quest 2 might ship with everything you need to use it but, to get the very best experience, there are a few extra accessories that you've definitely got to have. Thankfully, Black Friday is making the quest to get a better Quest 2 experience cost less than ever. Whether you're looking to get a more comfortable head strap, some great in-ear headphones, controller grips, or even just a charging dock, these are the best deals you'll find.Oculus Quest 2From $299 at AmazonFrom $299 at Best BuyFrom $299 at WalmartThe Oculus Quest 2 is the latest standalone VR headset from Facebook, and it offers a compelling way to get into VR gaming and apps without all the hassle and expense of a PC. This year, Facebook replaced the old 64GB SKU with a new 128GB model, doubling the storage capacity without changing the price.The Oculus Quest 2 is an excellent standalone headset, but you can make it even better with the right accessories. From keeping your controllers charged up t...

If you're like me, your Kindle Paperwhite is practically attached to your hand. My library is on one of these little babies that last forever, so a little extra protection never hurt. But, of course, protection doesn't mean a lack of style or versatility. Want a thin, rugged, leather, or artistic case? There's an option available for every budget and style wish. Here are some of our favorite choices for your next best Kindle Paperwhite case.Leather loverAmazon Genuine Leather CaseStaff PickIf money is no object and you prefer all-natural materials, you'll want the Amazon Genuine Leather Case. The exterior is 100% genuine leather, and it's sharp as can be while also remaining light and thin. This leather case feels like an actual book has auto sleep/wake and comes with magnetic closures. It's a little pricey, but it makes a perfect gift for any refined reader who enjoys the good things in life.$40 at AmazonBrighten your worldFintie Slimshell CaseCrafted from durabl...

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 ...

Along with the introduction of the new Portal Go back in September, Facebook also announced a new, redesigned Portal+. It's the top of the Portal line, and right now you can save $100 when you buy two. That means you can get two Portal+ devices for just $598 total instead of the $698 it would normally cost. You also get free shipping and the ability to ship to multiple addresses free if you want to send one to a family member or friend.This is a great deal that applies to every member of the Facebook Portal lineup. You can even mix and match and get a Portal+ for yourself and a Portal Go for your family. If saving money is the ultimate goal, go with the Portal TV. It only costs $149 to begin with, so saving $100 off two means you're essentially getting a second device for just an extra $50. You can also find this sale at Amazon.Facebook Portal+ smart display | $100 off 2The new and improved Portal+ is eligible for this sale and offers the best value considering it's the most ...

Superior display, better cams, AI-backedGoogle Pixel 6$599 at Amazon$599 at Best BuyProsLarger display with 90Hz refresh rateMore affordableTwice the RAMAI tools like Magic Eraser and Instant TranslationAmazing photography qualityAndroid 12 softwareConsSlower performanceExtra cost for mmWave 5GCan struggle in direct sunlightCamera bar will be polarizingThe Pixel 6 is a more traditional flagship than past Google phones. Its 6.4-inch, 90Hz display looks great, its 8GB of RAM and Google Tensor contribute to a performance that rivals the best Android phones, and the new Android 12 software looks fantastic.Faster performance, longer battery lifeiPhone 13$800 at Best Buy$800 at AppleProsOutperforms the Pixel 6 in benchmarksMore pixels per inchCinematic Mode produces great videoBattery life improvements over 12Bright display handles direct sunlightMore color optionsCons60Hz refresh rateA smaller notch is still a notchFewer MP tha...

Amazon Echo and Google Home/Nest are some of the best smart speakers that crossed over from the early adopter phase and took their rightful place within mainstream culture. Today you can build your smart home with the help of these devices, along with the best smart plugs for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. If you're like me, you might not be convinced which company's voice assistant is right for you, which is why I've got both Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible speakers in my home. If you're in the same boat, it's essential to buy smart home accessories that are compatible with both AI assistants, so we've rounded up the best smart plugs for Alexa and Google Assistant.No hub requiredKasa Smart Plug Ultra MiniStaff PickThe Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini is a super affordable smart plug for Google Assistant and Alexa. It's just as reliable as larger smart Wi-Fi plugs and lets you set schedules for any devices plugged into the plug, as well as operate your plugs even when y...

What you need to knowThe inaugural Disney Plus Day will be held on Nov. 12.The celebration commemorates the streaming service's second anniversary. Festivities include sweet deals and new content for Disney+ subscribers. The Walt Disney Company recently announced it would celebrate the inaugural Disney+ Day on Friday, Nov. 12. As part of the global celebration, Disney+ subscribers will gain access to a ton of new content across the streaming service's Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star brands. But what does that mean for current and new subscribers? Here's the rundown.What is Disney+ Day?The first-ever Disney+ Day will commemorate the second anniversary of the Disney+ streaming service. It will be celebrated both online and at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world. Among other things, the festivities will include the rollout of fan-favorite classics and brand-new original programming from Disney-owned brands on the platform. You can also e...

The Echo Frames are now available in 13 different color and lens combinations.What you need to knowAmazon has introduced new color options and features to make its Echo Frames smart glasses "more adaptive and stylish."Echo Frames are now available in two new modern colors: Quartz Grey and Pacific Blue. Echo Frames users can also now make a phone call by long-pressing the touchpad with the new "Top Contact" feature. Amazon on October 27 announced the addition of new colors and features to its Echo Frames smart glasses, making them "more adaptive and stylish." It is also rolling out a few new features that will make it easier for users to stay connected.You can now get the Echo Frames in two new colors — Quartz Grey and Pacific Blue with prescription-ready, sunglasses, or blue-light-filtering lenses. Along with the new colors, the Modern Tortoise Echo Frames are now available with sunglasses or blue-light-filtering lens options. Thanks to these new additions, the Echo Fra...

If there's anything I've learned in all my years of gaming, it's that headsets can make or break your gaming experience. Not only do you want good sound quality when searching for the best PS4 headsets, but you also want a comfortable fit and a microphone that won't make you want to rip your hair out. We did all the research for you to make sure you get the most out of your money without having to go through trial and error. Now, if you've upgraded to a PS5, we have a few more recommendations for the best PS5 headsets.Long battery lifeAstro A50 Wireless Gen 4Staff PickWith Dolby 7.1 surround sound and a built-in MixAmp DAC, the A50 produces some of the finest sounds you can find in a gaming headset. Featuring 15 hours of battery life, this headset charges back up in its magnetic cradle. As far as wireless is concerned, it connects to the PS4 through a base station using a 5GHz wireless transmitter.$274 at AmazonBest budget optionRazer Kraken X UltralightThis is ea...

The feature will soon be available on more Android devices.What you need to knowWhatsApp's cross-platform chat history migration feature is now available on all Pixel phones.Google has also confirmed that the feature will be available on all new phones launching with Android 12. Until now, the feature was limited to Samsung phones. Back in August this year, WhatsApp introduced the ability to transfer chats from iPhones to Android phones. While the feature was initially available only on the best Samsung phones, it is now expanding to all Pixel phones — including the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.If you have a Google Pixel phone, you can now easily transfer your WhatsApp chat history from your iPhone. To get started, you'll need a USB-C to Lightning cable. Once you have connected both phones, you'll be prompted to scan a QR code on your iPhone to begin the transfer process.After you are done scanning the QR code, all your conversations and media will be moved over to y...

At $150 extra, you get a whole lot more phone.Google's Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are the hot new Android phones of the moment and with good reason. These are the best handsets Google has ever put out, raising the bar for what we can expect out of a high-end Pixel. But these new Pixels will share shelf space — and plenty of key software features — with the recently-launched Pixel 5a. The 5a is currently available in the U.S. and Japan, with laser-focused upgrades over the 4a and a head-turning price tag of $449.But beware of false economy: Although the Pixel 5a is a great buy, the Pixel 6 is arguably even more competitive at its $599 base price. The new best Android phone under $600 is so good it's also the best under $800. And that means there are plenty of compelling reasons to take the plunge and get the slightly more expensive Pixel.1. Faster screenBoth the Pixel 6 and Pixel 5a feature Full HD+ screens with around 800 nits of peak brightness, meaning they're plenty sharp and b...

Thanks to the included microSD card slot, you can grab one of the best memory cards for the Amazon Fire Tablet quickly to expand the storage. Whether you picked up one of the best Amazon Fire Tablets for yourself or your kids, you've probably noticed that the internal storage doesn't go very far. Unfortunately, you can quickly fill it up with some games, a few apps, and media, which is a bit disappointing. So make sure to pair one of the best Android tablets with the best memory cards and bump up the storage.Simply the bestSanDisk 64GB Ultra MicroSD CardStaff PickA 64GB capacity is often the sweet spot for many folks when it comes to microSD cards. It has plenty of room for apps, music, and games without spending too much.$19 at Amazon $14 at Walmart $12 at B&H PhotoPlenty of spaceSilicon Power 256GB MicroSD CardSilicon Power may not be a household name for many, but the company makes some pretty great storage options, including microSD cards. This Silicon Pow...

You can get it for $99 with Palm's pre-order discount, if you don't mind the generic design.What you need to knowPalm is shifting its focus to audio with the Palm Buds Pro, featuring active noise cancellation and "studio grade audio".The wireless earbuds are designed by the people behind Beats by Dre and Samsung's headphones.Palm Buds Pro retails for $129, with shipping scheduled in November.Since launching the Palm Phone in 2019, the company that makes palm-sized smartphones has remained silent for the better part of the past two years, until today. Palm has made a comeback with a rather new product, the Palm Buds Pro.Palm claims that the new wireless earbuds are built by the same people behind Beats by Dre and Samsung's headphones, and the resulting product doesn't appear to disappoint, except for its generic design. The Palm Buds Pro's standout features are its active noise cancellation and dynamic 10mm drivers for bass-heavy audio. However, its battery life ma...

PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people. It doesn't help that stock levels remain really tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we here at Android Central have seen PS5s stay in stock is between 15 to 20 minutes (often just a few minutes, though). That's also at random times, so finding a PS5 is a truly challenging task. Sony warned it will be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, but retailers promise more are coming and that Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called the system a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. And after spending a few months with the PS5, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games to the DualSense haptic feedback. So you'll definitely want t...

This limited-edition smartwatch is an enticing collector's item, but it has the same flaws as the standard model.My family is obsessed with the world of Harry Potter. I went through the first four books in a week back when I was a teenager, and lined up at a local bookstore to pick up Order of the Phoenix on launch day. I was so eager to get started that I read the first 100 pages at the bookstore itself (I wasn't the only one), and I did the same for the following books in the series.So when OnePlus said it was launching a Harry Potter variant of the OnePlus Watch and asked if I'd be interested in taking a look, I immediately agreed. I did so knowing full well that the standard model of the OnePlus Watch is inherently flawed; it fails at basic tasks, doesn't integrate with services I actually use, and the interface is laughably amateurish.So if you're thinking that OnePlus somehow sorted out the issues for the Harry Potter version, you'd be mistaken. This smartwatch has the sa...

Pikmin Bloom, the latest collaboration between Nintendo and Niantic released just in time for spring in the Southern Hemisphere.What you need to knowPikmin Bloom is the second collaboration between Niantic and Nintendo following Pokemon Go.The project was initially announced earlier this year, but there wasn't a name or any other info.Its rollout is starting in Singapore and AustraliaTuesday evening, Nintendo and Niantic uploaded a brief video presentation to a new YouTube channel to detail more about their upcoming AR game, called Pikmin Bloom. In the brief, five-minute video, Niantic CEO John Hanke provides a quick introduction to the world of Pikmin and a tease at what the game entails with some help from Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto. This marks the first time Nintendo or Niantic have talked about the game since it was announced earlier this year.Pikmin Bloom marks the second collaboration between the two after the worldwide phenomenon, Pokemon Go. Unlike Pokemon Go...

Cross-platform play still disabled until the upcoming November update.What you need to knowOutriders on Stadia has been patched with updates that other platforms have received since its release last April.The game received a few updates after launch, but was seemingly ignored while other versions continued to get updates.Cross-platform play between Stadia and other platforms will be coming in the November update.Square Enix announced that the Stadia version of its third-person action RPG Outriders has been updated to be almost feature-parity with the PC and console versions.The looter shooter from developer People Can Fly had not received major updates on Google's streaming games service since its launch last April. The game initially launched on Stadia with an outdated version compared to other platforms, a giant list of bugs, and broken cross-platform play. Outriders on Stadia was eventually patched to match the PC and console counterparts, but did not continue to recei...

Google Pixel owners in more countries can now filter out robocalls, albeit manually.What you need to knowGoogle's Call Screen has finally arrived in new markets, coinciding with the release of the Pixel 6.The capability, which was unveiled in 2018, is now available in more countries such as the UK and Germany.However, only the manual version of the call screening feature is available in those territories.Google has finally begun rolling out its anti-spam call feature to countries other than the United States, Canada, and Japan. Call Screen is now available to Pixel owners in seven additional countries.The announcement came shortly after the Google Pixel 6 series was unveiled this week. It's now available in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Italy, and Spain (via 9to5Google). However, users in those countries can only access the manual version of the feature, not the automatic version.For the uninitiated, this feature allows you to screen phone calls from unkn...

Samsung's foldables will get a taste of One UI soon.What you need to knowSamsung is preparing to launch the One UI 4 beta for its foldable smartphones.The beta will allow Samsung to try out its new software on a new form factor before the stable release.Samsung is expected to launch the stable One UI 4 update before the end of the year.Owners of Samsung foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 can rejoice, as they'll soon have a chance to try out the One UI 4 beta.The announcement comes from a Samsung community manager, (via SammyFans), who says the "One UI beta program for Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 will start soon, so please be patient."Not much information is provided about the program, including when it'll kick-off. Given the announcement, it should be any moment now.Samsung has taken to the virtual stage on Tuesday to discuss its plans for foldable phones, highlighting ways that developers can take advantage of the experiences that they will offer, such as Flex Mode ...

Google's revenue grew only slightly from last quarter.What you need to knowAlphabet releases its Q3 2021 financial earnings report.The company made more than $65 billion in revenue, up 41% from the same quarter last year.Overall revenues grew only slightly from Q2, which brought in $61 billion in revenue.Alphabet, Google's parent company, announced its Q3 2021 financial earnings on Tuesday, reporting revenue of more than $65 billion.That represents a growth of 41% compared to the same quarter last year, which raked in just over $46 billion. As usual, those numbers were driven by ads, primarily with Google Search, while YouTube contributed more than $7 billion.Compared to last quarter, growth seems fairly stagnant, with much of Google's divisions growing in revenue only slightly. During the earnings call, there were questions about whether iOS 14's privacy shanges had a negative effect on Googe's revenue for its services. However, according to Google CFO, Ruth Porat, the...

PlayStation VR is increasingly becoming a larger platform, especially with the upcoming PS5 VR release. But no matter where you play your VR games, whether they be on PS4 or PS5, you're in for an incredible experience. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's easy to get overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games slated to hit PSVR in the coming months. We look forward to adding some new titles to our best PlayStation VR games list, and we hope some on this list catch your eye, too.Jump to:After the FallPuzzling PlacesStrideZenithWandererPuzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation OdysseyAfter the FallHave enough post-apocalyptic experiences? Well, you're in for another one. Developer Vertigo Games (creators of Arizona Sunshine) is bringing After the Fall to PlayStation VR. Set 20 years after a viral outbreak caused by designer drugs, Los Angeles is infested with these so-called Snowbreed. As a survivor who seems immune, you'...

Like most of Samsung's top-tier smartphones, the Galaxy S10 has aged quite well. So even if you buy one (new or refurbished) today, the 2019 flagship will most likely serve you well for the next year or two, provided you get one of the best Galaxy S10 cases to protect its gorgeous glass and aluminum body from getting damaged. In fact, we also suggest taking a look at the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors, as they'll help in keeping that 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen safe.Reliable everyday protectionSpigen Tough Armor caseStaff PickFeaturing a dual-layer construction, Spigen's Tough Armor case comes with a soft TPU shell and a hard polycarbonate exterior. It uses "Air Cushion" technology and conforms to the MIL-STD-810G standard, giving your Galaxy S10 maximum protection from hard falls and other kinds of damage.$16 at AmazonSlim yet durableOtterbox Commuter Series caseOtterbox's Commuter Series case sports a sleek yet rugged design that allows it to slip in...

Apparently, it's better at this than a GoPro.What you need to knowOne Twitter user attached his Pixel 6 Pro to his drone and flew it around for some extra testing.The results showed that Google's best camera ever doubles as an excellent action cam, delivering quality visuals and impressive stabilization.If you're going to try this yourself, you might want to drop a case on it before attempting the feat.Most of us would be content with a solid camera upgrade, but OriginaldoBo on Twitter decided his hands weren't a good enough test for Google's best camera ever. So, instead of just walking around to test the new stabilization features, he attached his Google Pixel 6 Pro to a drone and flew it around.Despite being a fairly weighty phone, the Pixel 6 Pro passed the test with flying colors and, per OriginaldoBo's own Tweet, the Pixel 6 Pro seems to have done a better job than his GoPro in several areas.Pixel 6 Pro has better dynamic range and stabilisation than my GoPro lol ...

The DanYee Cat 7 Ethernet cable is the perfect Ethernet cable for your PlayStation 4. While the category doesn't make a huge difference, the braided cord means it's durable and should last you the life of your console.Our pickDanYee Cat 7 Ethernet cable$10 at AmazonGreat for any jobThe Braided cord and premium connectors make the DanYee Cat 7 cable a great choice for your PlayStation 4 needs. The price is right too.Who should buy this Ethernet cable?With so many products on your Wi-Fi network these days, you need a strong connection to your PlayStation 4, so you play multiplayer games without lag disrupting your seemingly perfect ambush. With this cable, you can get the speeds you need at a price that's right.Is it a good time to buy this cable?Right now, Cat 7 cables are the best you can purchase, so if you are going to have an Ethernet cable, it may as well be the best.Reasons to buyBraided cord for strengthPremium connectorsAvailable in varying lengths...

With Gigi Sohn as the nominee for the second Democratic commissioner.What you need to knowPresident Joe Biden has nominated Jessica Rosenworcel as the FCC Chair.Rosenworcel has sat as Acting Chair since the onset of Biden's presidency.Gigi B. Sohn is nominated as an FCC commissioner.President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Jessica Rosenworcel as the official FCC Chair. This comes less than a year after being appointed as acting Chair while Biden sought to fill the remaining FCC vacancy.Rosenworcel is a known advocate for net neutrality and making broadband more affordable and accessible. As a result, the FCC has increased its focus on just that since she's sat as acting Chair, implementing initiatives such as the Emergency Broadband Benefits program and directly asking consumers to detail the availability and quality of their broadband services.Additionally, Biden has nominated Gigi B. Sohn as the FCC's second Democratic commissioner, a seat that has been va...

We've reached that point in the year where retailers start rolling out some excellent deals leading up to the biggest shopping day of the year: Black Friday. Some of the most widely discounted products to expect during this time are smart home gadgets. One of the greatest things about all these sales is it doesn't matter if you're looking for some of the best Alexa devices, awesome Google Home-related tech, or even more futuristic smart lights to build out the smart home of your dreams — it's all going to be on sale. We'll keep an eye out for the best Black Friday smart home deals as the season progresses and update this list accordingly, so be sure to check back for the latest.Black Friday is a fantastic time to pick up smart home devices. So whether you're just getting started and need an excellent smart speaker to manage your devices, like a Nest Hub Max, or you could use a super helpful smart plug in your automated home — you'll be in luck.While it can be time-consuming a...

As much as we love playing with and testing the latest and greatest phones here at Android Central, there's something we can universally agree on that we're not fans of: paying full price for the best Android phones. If you're in the market for a quality Android phone, but don't want to spend a thousand dollars, you could check out the best cheap Android phones, or you can grab one of the best refurbished phones as these offer a great experience at a fraction of what you'd typically spend. Here are our favorite options!Still a stunnerGoogle Pixel 4a Smartphone 128GBStaff PickAlthough the newer Pixel 5 and Pixel 6 series are already out, the Pixel 4a is still a fantastic value buy. The device sports the same main camera as the Pixel 3a and 3 XL, along with a clean design that you're accustomed to. Plus, you'll still get a few more major software updates down the line.$316 at Amazon From $309 at Back Market From $345 at Walmart2020's bestSasmung Galaxy S20 FEIt's to...

Qualcomm upgrades its cheapest 5G chipWhat you need to knowQualcomm launches new mid-range smartphone chipsets.Plus variants of the Snapdragon 778G and 480 offer boosted GPU and CPU performance.The Snadragon 695 and 680 are the latest 5G and LTE chipsets from Qualcomm.Qualcomm has announced a slew of mid-range chipsets with boosted specs and upgrades to usher mid-range devices into 2022. Two of the chips are upgrades over existing platforms, while the other two are brand new chipsets.The upgraded Snapdragon 778G+ and 480+ bring improved performance over their non-Plus counterparts. The 778G+ has a slight bump in CPU speed over its predecessor, which powers premium mid-range phones like the new Honor 50. This takes it from 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz with "boosted" GPU performance that Qualcomm says is 20% faster, making it ideal for mid-range gaming smartphones.While the Snapdragon 480 performed reasonably well on devices like the OnePlus Nord N200, the Snapdragon 480+ also gets a...

Jen, Rebecca, and Carli celebrate spookiness by sharing their favorite horror and Halloween-themed games.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Activision requests pause in lawsuit to investigate alleged ethics violation by DFEH | Windows CentralReport: Activision Blizzard fires 20 employees in response to harassment claims | Windows CentralOverwatch's McCree gets a new name: Cole Cassidy | Windows CentralStardew Valley developer announces new game, Haunted Chocolatier, now in development | Windows CentralBack 4 Blood review: The Left 4 Dead 3 we've been waiting for | Windows CentralResident Evil Village for PS5 review: A showcase for series fans and horror newcomers alike | Android CentralBest Nintendo Switch Halloween games 2021 | iMoreNew Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark coming to Pokémon Legends: Arceus | iMore...

Which games have features only available on Stadia?Google Stadia allows players to access games through the cloud through PC, Android TV or Google TV devices, and smartphones. No downloads are required whether starting a game for the first time or when there is an update. The streaming platform also enables games to include special features that cannot be implemented in the PC or console versions such as launching gameplay from a screenshot or joining games through YouTube livestreams.The four Stadia exclusive features are Crowd Choice, Crowd Play, State Share, and Stream Connect. While the list of games that use any one of these features is small, it does contain some of the best Stadia games and will continue to grow as more titles are being added to the Stadia store.Crowd ChoiceCrowd Choice allows YouTube streamers to include their audience when it comes to making decisions in-game. Polls can be created at specific points while playing. Then, viewers can pick the best an...

Over 20 Stadia games use the streaming service's unique features.What you need to knowThe Stadia versions of Doom Eternal and Serious Sam 4 have added exclusive features not found on other platforms.Doom Eternal players can share their Horde Mode challenges with State Share, and YouTube streamers can play Serious Sam 4 with their audience using Crowd Play.There are now 24 games in the Stadia catalog that use the platform's exclusive features such as Crowd Choice, Crowd Play, State Share, and Stream Connect.Google revealed today that Bethesda's Doom Eternal and Croteam's Serious Sam 4 will take advantage of Stadia exclusive features with State Share and Crowd Play, respectively.Doom Eternal released its appropriately themed 6.66 update today with two new master levels, a refreshed version of its Battlemode, and the new Horde mode. The single-player, arcade-styled Horde mode offers waves of enemies to defeat to earn player skins and high scores, and Stadia players can now u...

30 hours of GPS activity and a 1-ounce design make the Pace 2 a proper workhorse.Most hardcore runners, cyclists, and triathletes tend to stick with Garmin smartwatches; that brand gives you quality hardware, tons of metrics for various sports, suggested workouts based on your stats, and other intangibles. But Californian brand Coros has made waves in recent years, partnering with top ultramarathoners and mountain climbers to push its watches as rugged, long-lasting devices for "serious" athletes.The Coros Pace 2 is a no-nonsense fitness smartwatch that's best for athletes who want to strap on a watch and then forget about it. Weighing 29g (1 ounce) with the nylon strap, the Pace 2 feels incredibly light on my wrist, making it perfect for long races or training sessions. Its epically long battery life — I have yet to recharge it after weeks of testing — also makes it well suited for active lifestyles.An easy pick for one of the best running watches available today, the Coro...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsCheaper monthly ratesLots of plan optionsUnlimited talk and textFree hotspot accessWorks with most unlocked phonesConsCoverage isn't quite as dense as Visible'sOnly 5GB hotspot data on unlimited planMint Mobile uses T-Mobile to power its network, and with its extensive 5G coverage that means you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plans are sold in bulk, meaning you have a bigger upfront cost but save a lot of money month-to-month. And, unlike Visible, you can use Mint Mobile with just about any Android phone.No data limitsVisibleFrom $40/mo. at VisibleProsUnlimited talk, text, and dataVerizon's LTE and 5G networkFree hotspot accessTaxes and fees includedSave more with Party PayConsOnly works with select Android phonesNo roamingHotspot speed capped at 5MbpsWant access to Verizon's incredible LTE network for a fraction of the cost? That's what Visible brings to the table. For j...

The phone has the specs to give the best Android mid-rangers a run for their money.What you need to knowThe Honor 50 has finally been launched globally.Honor had launched the phone in China in June this year. It is set to go on sale in Europe from November 12 for a starting price of €529 (about $614). Former Huawei sub-brand Honor has finally announced the global launch of the Honor 50, a premium mid-ranger that was released in China earlier this year.Honor's answer to the best mid-range Android phones comes with a 6.57-inch curved OLED display featuring FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by Qualcomm's 6nm Snapdragon 778G processor, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.On the back of the phone is a quad-camera setup that includes a 108MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies, the phone comes equipped with a 32MP front camera. Keeping the lights on is a 4,300mAh battery with support ...

While Amazon Fire Tablets aren't the most expensive tablets around, they aren't cheap either. So keep yours protected from potential damages with one of the best Fire HD 10 cases for both the latest 2021 release and previous generations. We love how easy the Fire HD 10 tablet makes it to look up recipes, watch your favorite shows, surf the internet, play games, or purchase items from Amazon. We've researched and determined which were the best Fire Tablet cases on the market. See which one fits your needs.Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)Rainbow of choicesMoKo CaseStaff PickMoKo Cases offer excellent protection for your tablet while also making it easier to use. The front cover can flip back and fold up to prop up your tablet to make watching your favorite shows hands-free. Not only will the case keep your tablet safe, but it also looks great in 7 vibrant colors.From $18 at AmazonMake it officialAmazon Fire HD 10 2021 Tablet CoverAmazon's first-party cases always lo...

Amazon might be developing a new app that aims to "democratize" the radio.What you need to knowAmazon is rumored to be working on a new app that allows everyone to become a DJ.The new app is codenamed "Project Mic" with the goal of democratizing the radio.Amazon will reportedly roll out the upcoming service in the United States first.Amazon is reportedly dabbling in the live audio segment, a space currently dominated by Clubhouse, with other tech giants such as Facebook and Twitter following suit later with their own similar offering.Dubbed "Project Mic," the upcoming app will allow users to create their own radio show and act as DJ with access to Amazon's music library for a complete program setup, The Verge reports. For listeners, the live audio program will be accessible through the core Amazon app, Amazon Music, Twitch, and Audible.Listeners can also tune in through the best Alexa devices, where they can interact with the program using their voice. They may even be ...

The best Android tablet available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. But, of course, it's pricey and not the right pick for someone who prefers a smaller, more portable tablet. Still, as an all-around device, it can't be beaten. For those with different needs (or budgets), a few other picks work just well for media consumption and won't break the bank.What is the best Android tablet for you?Picking a quality Android tablet typically boils down to either Samsung or Amazon models. Samsung dominates the premium and mid-range tablet market, while also competing with Amazon's budget offerings with its cheaper A models. So when weighing the best Android tablet for you specifically, start with Samsung unless you don't have much money to spend.There's much more to a tablet than just its display, but it's hard to deny how important a role that particular spec plays. The Galaxy Tab S7 has...

The Galaxy S22 and S22+ are both tipped to feature flat displays.What you need to knowA new rumor suggests the Galaxy S22 and S22+ will both have a similar design to the iPhone 13.Both phones are tipped to have a flat display with "symmetrical bezels." Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S22 series sometime in Q1 2022. Samsung's next Android flagship will look a lot like the iPhone 13, according to a new tweet from tipster Ice Universe. The tipster claims both the Galaxy S22 and S22+ will look like the iPhone 13 without a notch.S22 and S22 + look like iPhone 13 without notch. The front and rear are flat and symmetrical bezel— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) October 26, 2021Both the phones will apparently feature flat displays with symmetrical bezels. Since no other details have been revealed so far, it remains unclear just how similar the two phones will be to the iPhone 13.While no renders of the Galaxy S22 and S22+ have surfaced online yet, we did get our first...

Samsung brings color, comfort, and ANC to its entry-level earbuds.I have a theory that may or may not be true, but it's one I think makes sense. Samsung, in its quest to build the AirPods of the Android world (or at least the AirPods for Samsung users), switched to a jewelry box design because it wants users to think of its products not necessarily as the best wireless earbuds but as a natural extension of the phone itself, much like earrings or a necklace accent the wearer's features without drawing overt attention.AirPods are so good because wearers don't have to dwell on the mechanics of how they work. From pairing to pausing to transparency, they just do. And the magic comes from Apple's ownership over the entire technology stack.Samsung's been increasingly approaching that level of seamlessness with its Galaxy Buds lineup, but never before have all the pieces been so effortlessly integrated than with the Galaxy Buds 2, the new $150 earbuds that complement the existing Buds...

Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)Goldilocks zone$130 at AmazonProsGreat compromise sizeMuch improved cameraPhysical cover/off switch for microphones and cameraSimilar specs to the larger and more expensive Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)ConsNo Dolby processingNeed a stand to adjust viewing anglesThe Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) has the same 13MP camera and privacy controls as the larger and more expensive Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) but costs nearly half as much. A better camera, better display resolution, and better speakers make this an excellent buy over the smaller Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen).Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)Bedside buddy$85 at AmazonProsCompact design to fit anywherePhysical cover/off switch for microphones and cameraImproved camera over first-generationConsAuto-brightness isn't well-tunedIf all you want is an Echo with a clock, the Dot with Clock is almost 1/2 the priceThe Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is an incremental update over the first-generation speaker, bri...

It's that time of year again. Black Friday is nearly upon us, if you can believe it! Much like last year, many of the best deals will not only be availabe in person at retail stores, but online as well. It's never too early to start looking for bargains on the best Android phones, so here is a running list of Android phone deals that we've got our eye on leading up to the biggest shopping weekend of the year. We'll be keeping this guide updated regularly leading up to Black Friday, so be sure to check back frequently if you don't see the phone deals that you're looking for.Every year, there are some pretty stellar Black Friday phone deals, though you have to know where to shop if you want to find the best offers. Whether you're hoping for the best Samsung deals, Google Pixel deals, some other Android phone, or even an iPhone (gasp!), this is truly the best time of the year to find one.We'll be scouring all the usual retailers and phone carriers to scope out any worthy offers and ...

The third time might be the charm with the new Oura Ring.What you need to knowOura Health launches its third-generation health tracking ring.The new Oura Ring features enhanced sleep monitoring and SpO2 sensing.The ring also has temperature sensors to help detect if you're sick.Oura Health is pairing the ring with its new membership with access to more features and content.When you think of wearables, rings don't usually come to mind, but Oura Health is still trying to make it a thing with the third-generation Oura Ring.The wearable offers many of the features you'd find in some of the best fitness trackers but in a small, inconspicuous package. Despite its small size, it offers all-day tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, menstrual tracking, and even temperature sensors to help determine whether or not you might be sick.The Oura Ring's infrared sensor is now met with red and green LEDs that will enable more accurate sleep monitoring ...

Our favorite e-reader dials it up to 11.After an impressive 14-year run, it might appear to the casual observer that Amazon's line of Kindle e-readers reached its pinnacle, with nothing left to offer in terms of iteration or innovation among a crowded landscape of gadgets and gizmos. After all, the best Android tablets — including Amazon's own Fire Tablets — are already great reading devices, and many people are happy to rely on their Android phone's large displays to read e-books, rather than lug around another device like a dedicated e-reader.I understand that e-readers may have lost their sizzle for some. However, I still vastly prefer reading on the E-Ink displays of the best Kindles to any LED or OLED screen. I've also grown to appreciate them for unitasking when I want to escape and unwind from the myriad notifications and distractions on my smartphone.I've been using a beat-up 2017-era Kindle Paperwhite for over four years now, so I was keen to get my hands on the n...