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The Galaxy Tab S8 offers a spec upgrade on the S7 series, but largely keeps the same design as its 2020 tablets. And unfortunately, Samsung reduced the number of color options available from four to three, leaving behind popular colors like navy and bronze. So which of the Galaxy Tab S8 colors should you choose? It's a difficult toss-up between two stylish, bright options, with one boring option bringing up the rear. So let's make sure you don't have any regrets before buying one.Colorful and fingerprint-maskingPink Gold Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+Staff PickThis Pink Gold Tab S8 is a pale light shade that catches the light (and the eye) in an attractive way. Originally a color variant for the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy Watch Active 2, Pink Gold gives the Tab S8 some much-needed personality, without being quite as deep a pink as the Mystic Pink on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. And the lighter shade masks fingerprint oils much better than darker shades like Graphite.$700 at Samsung$700 ...

If Carl Pei's startup is making an Android phone, it could be one of the most interesting devices of 2022.Nothing, the London-based startup founded by Carl Pei, is reportedly working on a smartphone to debut sometime in the first half of the year. While nothing (small-n) has been confirmed officially, it makes sense that one of the five products it's planning for 2022 would be a phone.Pei, a co-founder of OnePlus, is smartphone nerd royalty and undoubtedly has the connections and experience to bring such a product to fruition. Last October, Nothing inked a partnership deal with Android chip giant Qualcomm. And earlier in 2021 it gobbled up the remains of Essential, the Andy Rubin-founded brand that had planned a range of smart home products, but in the end, only released a single Android handset. In recent weeks the company brought on board Adam Bates, former head of design at Dyson, in a move that would set it up to handle more complex design challenges — such as a modern smar...

Electronics can be finicky. That's readily evident now that manufacturers are trying to use a standard "one size fits all" cable connector with USB C. The Raspberry Pi 4 isn't immune, either: if you have one, you'll want to make sure you have a cable that works when it comes time to power the board. We've put a list together and you can rest assured that any of these will get you up and running without any head-scratching over the power plug.Tough and boldAnker PowerLine IIIStaff pickThis cable will not only provide all the power your Raspberry Pi needs but it'll look good doing it thanks to its bright red covering. Speaking of that covering, it's been designed to withstand over 25,000 bends and the connectors are welded to make this one of the toughest cables you can buy.From $16 at AmazonA good basic cableAmazon Basics Fast Charging USB-C to USB-C CableAmazon always finds a way to provide a quality basic cable no matter what you're plugging in and this tim...

You should always use a heatsink with your PS5 SSD. Just make sure it's compatible first.While you can technically install an SSD without a heatsink in your PS5, it's highly recommended you either get one with a heatsink built-in or purchase one separately to add. As good as the PS5 is at dissipating heat with its fans, it can still get really warm, and that's only compounded with an additional SSD in the internal expansion slot. So if you're wondering whether or not you should use a heatsink, the answer will almost always be yes (provided that the one you're using doesn't already have a built-in heatsink), and they are pretty cheap to get from places like Amazon.Because SSDs with heatsinks tend to be more expensive and sell out quicker, it might be easier for you to purchase a standard M.2 SSD and attach a heatsink onto it yourself. You'll just need to make sure that the SSD you buy meets Sony's requirements. Thankfully, the best PS5 SSDs come from reputable brands and work real...

ESPN+ is a sports-focused streaming service that offers live sports, original content, documentaries, and more. However, ESPN+ is set up a bit differently from your standard streaming platform in that ESPN+ content lives inside the standard ESPN app. With that in mind, we've put together this how-to guide for accessing and enjoying ESPN+ via your chosen streaming device, phone, or web browser.Stream sports nowESPN+$7/mo. at ESPN+All the sports you'll needESPN+ offers sports fans an easy way to watch their favorite games and keep up with their teams at a truly affordable monthly cost. It can be accessed on a wide variety of devices too.How to Watch ESPN+How to subscribe to ESPN+Streaming on a TV Streaming on a phone or tabletStreaming on a computerHow much does ESPN+ cost?While ESPN+ doesn't offer a free trial, you can sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription for just $6.99 per month, or you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for just $13.99 per month....

HP introduced a unique model to its growing Chrome OS lineup last year in the form of the HP Chromebase 21.5-inch All-in-One. It's an excellent choice for any remote learning setup or entertainment at home, and it's a worthy contender for our best Chromebox list. It also has a one-of-a-kind design in that it can be rotated 90 degrees to be used vertically.The HP Chromebase sports a 21.5-inch anti-glare touchscreen that lets you make the most of Chrome OS' touch gestures and functions for productivity. With Presidents' Day just a few days away, HP is offering a sweet deal for the Intel Pentium model clocked at 2.4 GHz. This means you can now snap up the Chromebase for $80 less than the original asking price.This model includes 4GB of RAM and 64GB of SSD storage. Its cone-shaped base houses a built-in speaker system that does not disappoint, seeing as it's developed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen. It also ships with a 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack, two USB-C ports, an...

Cyberpunk 2077 once again works on PS4 consoles.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 is a massive and ambitious sci-fi RPG held back by a tumultuous launch and a variety of issues and bugs.With the recent 1.5 patch update, Cyberpunk 2077 is more feature-complete, polished, and stable than ever before, and includes enhancements for current-gen consoles.However, the patch also included an egregious bug that prevented any PS4 players using the disc version of Cyberpunk 2077 from playing.On Saturday, CD Projekt RED released a new technical update for Cyberpunk 2077 that resolves this problem.It's been well over a year since Cyberpunk 2077's infamously complicated release, and the title has since evolved significantly. CD Projekt RED has continually updated its most ambitious game with new content, hundreds of bug fixes and enhancements, and more. This effort culminated with the 1.5 patch update, which included Cyberpunk 2077's current-gen upgrade and dozens of additional featur...

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best Android phones and also one of the most expensive. This phone brings the S Pen, amazing cameras, fast performance, and one gorgeous display. This is why you want to get the best screen protector for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, along with a fantastic case, to make sure your new phone stays safe.Curvy and curedWhitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraStaff PickCurved screens need curved screen protectors, which are more prone to pull up at the edges when used with thicker cases. UV-cured cases tend to have a stronger grip and won't peel up as quickly, part of why the Whitestone Dome Glass has such a devout following. Plus, this pack comes with two!$50 at AmazonPristine screenZAGG Fusion Curve with D3OYour display is kept safe due to the D3O technology and the flexible hybrid polymers in ZAGG's Fusion Curve screen protector. Not to mention it will also be less germy thanks to the anti-microbi...

"Business is a combination of war and sport."I remember reading the quote above a while ago but I had to look up who actually said it — turns out it comes from French author André Maurois (The Silence of Colonel Bramble is an excellent read by the way) who was also Winston Churchill's official interpreter. I never bothered to think much about what it really meant, but I think I understand it a little better now. Business is, at its core, cut-throat and dirty.You're probably wondering where I'm going with this or maybe you're thinking that I've finally snapped and it's time to give me some medication and put me to bed. You might be right, but you should have a look at this article from Reuters while I'm changing into my pajamas: Two U.S. Big Tech antitrust bills backed by publisher trade group."Old media" trade group with ulterior motivesIf you're like me, you will likely recognize many of the businesses named in that article but can't quite figure out how they are all conn...

The phone could sport Samsung's 200MP Isocell HP1 sensor.What you need to knowA new leak claims to show renders of Motorola's upcoming flagship phone, codenamed "Frontier."The device appears to have a large camera sensor with a 200MP Isocell HP1 sensor from Samsung.Its design may also differ significantly from Motorola's previous smartphones.Late last month, renders and key specs pointing to Motorola's future Android flagship phone leaked, giving a first look at the company's next challenger to the best Android phones. Now, a new leak has revealed more details about the upcoming device in high-resolution renders.Courtesy of Evan Blass, we now have a better look at the rumored Motorola device codenamed "Frontier," especially its massive camera sensor on the back. The leak indicates that the rear shooter will have a 194MP 1/1.5-inch sensor with OIS capability. Rumor has it that it's the same ISOCELL HP1 camera sensor built by Samsung.Two additional sensors are located dir...

While manufacturers are making sure to cut off all cords as part of their increased focus on the best wireless earbuds, it doesn't mean wired connections aren't an option. Bluetooth headphones are great, but if you'd rather do without the latency and charging process, some of the best USB-C headphones are a great alternative to both. Just plug and play — and that's it.Go boldPALOVUE SoundFlow USB Type C HeadphonesStaff PickThese earbuds already stand out with the all-white finish, but they also have booming sound that may come as a big surprise for earbuds coming at this price. They also come with different ear tip sizes to get the comfy fit you'd want while wearing them for longer periods.$19 at AmazonWireless first with USB-C audioSennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesWhile the Momentum 3 Wireless are Bluetooth first, they work just like a pair of USB-C wired headphones. Even better, you can charge them at the same time you're listening to m...

Presidents Day is known for having some huge sales across a wide variety of items, and this year's sales are no different. Ahead of the actual holiday, Razer is getting started early by offering big sales on two of its biggest and most popular gaming chairs.The Razer Iskur and Razer Iskur X are both on sale starting today, with both chairs getting 20% off of their original asking price, with the Razer Iskur now available for $399 and the Iskur X available for $319. For those wondering, the main difference in the chairs seems to be the fully sculpted lumbar support that the Razer Iskur features.Alongside the two deals, those who purchase a Razer item on the site will also be eligible to receive an exclusive Razer gift on any orders over $129 if they use code FRAGFEST at checkout.Save 20% on the Razer Iskur and Razer Iskur XRazer Iskur | $100 off$399 at RazerThe Razer Iskur is one of Razer's most premium options when it comes to gaming chairs. The Iskur features multi-l...

Presidents Day is known for having some huge sales across a wide variety of items, and this year is no different. Ahead of the big day, Microsoft has kicked off its annual sale by offering sales on a ton of items, including $70 off a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds Live.The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are available now for $70 off, a huge sale price that brings the total cost of the wireless earbuds all the way down to just $100. Featuring active noise cancellation, a battery life that spans up to 29 hours, and the ability to pick them up in a variety of colors (Black, White, and Bronze are available on Microsoft's site), and it's a great deal for anyone looking to either invest in some new earbuds, or replace an aging pair.Save $70 on Samsung Galaxy Buds LiveSamsung Galaxy Buds Live | $70 off$100 at MicrosfotThe Galaxy Buds Live are some of the most unique wireless earbuds to hit the market, and also some of the best you can buy. Not only do they fit into a variety of ear sha...

Google jumped the gun on President's Day and has listed several deals on its Nest-branded devices on the Google Store. And many of those same prices can be found on other popular retailers like Best Buy. These deals include discounts on the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max, Nest Cam Outdoor and Indoor, the battery-powered Nest Doorbell, Nest Wifi, and the latest Nest Thermostat.Among these deals, the best deal is $80 off the Nest Wifi Router and Point, a mesh Wi-Fi network that offers up to 3800 square feet of coverage. You can also save 35% off the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) or upgrade to the Nest Hub Max and save $40.Save up to $80 on these President's Day dealsNest Wifi Router and Point | $80 off$190 at Google Store$190 at Best BuyNest Wifi is the upgraded alternative to Google Wifi that's worth the extra cost for total home coverage. The larger your home, the more points you add to expand coverage and block out any blind spots. It offers fast AC2200 speeds, plus a speaker and m...

Characters in higher tiers tend to be more powerful.Genshin Impact, the latest action RPG from miHoYo, has two dozen characters, along with many more coming soon. As with any gacha game, the best Genshin Impact characters require a fair bit of luck and/or money to add to your team. Characters each have different rarity levels and belong to different tiers. Typically, the higher up the tier they are, the more powerful they are. So, which characters should you be hoping for and investing your resources in leveling up? We're here to help and when you finish, be sure to check out our best Android games for even more mobile fun.Genshin Impact Tier ListHow many playable characters are there?S Rank CharactersA Rank CharactersB Rank CharactersC Rank CharactersD Rank CharactersComing soonHow many playable characters are there?There are nearly 50 different playable characters in Genshin Impact. A handful are rewards for completing certain portions of the story, includi...

The leaky faucet has already begun to drip.What you need to knowGoogle looks to be developing the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, as well as a third unknown device.These appear to be different devices from the rumored upcoming Pixel 6a and Pixel Fold phones.According to the leak, two of the three devices are powered by the Tensor 2, and all three have a new Samsung Exynos 5300 modem.It's not even Spring yet but the Pixel 7 leaks have already sprung, with the first leak detailing three upcoming Google Pixel devices. In the leak from 9to5Google, we learn that Google is currently testing three devices with codenames "Cheetah," "Panther," and "Ravenclaw."As you might gather from the similarity between the two names, the Cheetah and Panther phones are likely the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Which device is which is anyone's best guess at the moment, but both devices are powered by what appears to be the GS201 chip. That's the follow-up to the Google Tensor — model number GS101 — whic...

The PS5 has been out for quite some time now. While finding one can be difficult, those who were lucky enough to get one have trouble fitting the large console on an entertainment system. With specific TV stands and setups not built for the console's size and shape, many people are looking into wall mounting their PS5. The process isn't entirely new and can make for a nice-looking setup if done right. Still, finding a great wall mount can be tricky. With that in mind, we've collected some of the best PS5 wall mounts you can find.The original designHIDEit PS5 Wall MountStaff PickHIDEit claims to be the "original PS5 Wall Mount Kit" and features a flush design meant to go up against a wall or perhaps behind or close to a television. However, what differentiates this mount is that HIDEit's mount allows more air to pass in between the console and the mount, keeping your PS5 cool while also ensuring it's as secure as possible.$35 at AmazonAn invisible mountALIENERGY ...

Simple data savingsMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsLarge T-Mobile networkCompatible with most phonesMulti-month discounts work with any planHotspot on each plan5G is includedConsNo multi-line discountsOnly one networkOne of Mint Mobile's greatest accomplishments has been making choosing the right phone plan simple. With four data sizes and three duration amounts, it's easy to find which package works for you. You save money by buying more months, which makes saving money with Mint Mobile very simple to understand.Great coverage optionsStraight TalkFrom $30/mo. at Straight TalkProsChoose from four networksBring nearly any unlocked phoneUnlimited plans are availableMulti-month savings are available5G is includedConsPlans get expensiveStraight Talk has many plans with a basic plan starting with just 100MB plus unlimited plans starting at 10GB. Straight Talk has been acquired by Verizon but the carrier still offers servic...

The app store becomes more straightforward with the required Android version that you need to run an app.What you need to knowThe minimum OS requirement for an app is now more transparent on the Google Play Store's mobile listings.A new line item for "Android OS" has been added in the bottom section of apps and games listings.The latest change appears to be uncalled-for since the Play Store already filters the apps you can see based on your current Android version, among other factors.Google has silently rolled out a new feature to the Play Store that displays the minimum required Android version on mobile devices in order to install an app (via 9to5Google).App developers will now have to bother adding another line item for "Android OS" in the "About this app" section of an app listing as a result of the latest change. This is in addition to other existing app details such as the app version, last update date, download stats, developer, release date and app permissions....

The BLUETTI AC200MAX packs plenty of portable power into this solar generator.Finding a really great high-capacity power bank has become much easier in the past few years. But finding a large power station that can power much more power-hungry appliances like a full-sized refrigerator, air conditioner, heater, or other essential appliances when the power is out is a little more tricky. When you start looking into high-wattage output and the devices you want to plug up, a few things come into play. One such product to make it easier is the BLUETTI AC200MAX power station.The AC200MAX is not a power station that you will take everywhere with you, but it is great to have around for travel, camping, or emergencies at home. This 2,048Wh battery pack has some major output from its fourteen different ports and two wireless charging pads. While it has a lot going for it on paper, how does it handle real-world usage? I spent a few months with the BLUETTI AC200MAX and tested it in a lot of ...

Samsung Galaxy S22Obvious choice$800 at AmazonProsLatest internal hardwareIdeally suited for one-handed useSublime 120Hz AMOLED screenAmazing 50MP cameraFour Android OS updatesIP68 rating and 15W wireless chargingConsNo MicroSD slotDoesn't come with a chargerSmall batteryWired charging limited to 25WThe Galaxy S22 has a gorgeous design that builds on last year's S21 series, and you get the absolute latest hardware in the form of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and global 5G connectivity. The 6.1-inch 120Hz AMOLED panel is sublime, the new 50MP camera takes amazing photos, and you get four Android OS updates and five years of guaranteed security patches. The battery is smaller than last year, but other than that, the S22 is a standout offering.Samsung Galaxy S21 FEValue leader$600 at AmazonProsPowerful hardwareSmooth 120Hz AMOLED screenVersatile camerasFour Android OS updatesIP68 rating and 15W wireless chargingConsNo MicroSD card slot No cha...

It's not a holiday we think of often when it comes to deals, but retailers are preparing for Presidents Day with discounts on some of the hottest gadgets out there. Dell currently has some amazing deals on accessories like the Fitbit Versa 2 and Samsung 980 Pro SSD, which works perfectly on PS5 (just remember to add a heatsink to it). But if you aren't in the market for those, there are plenty of other deals to take advantage of.Dell's deals feature a ton of laptops, desktops, gaming accessories, tablets, picture frames, watches, and a whole lot more. If you missed out on those Black Friday deals before the holiday shopping season, now's the best time to buy.Save up to $80 on these President's Day dealsFitbit Versa 2 | $50 off$130 at DellIn the market for a smartwatch? You can't go wrong with the Fitbit Versa 2. Featuring a heart rate sensor, sleep and activity tracking, and a four-day battery life, it's perfect for those who want a great fitness tracker without spendi...

The Open Markets Act aims to increase competition in mobile app stores.What you need to knowA publisher trade group has expressed support for two antitrust bills targeting U.S. technology giants.The bills seek to open up smartphone app stores to more competition and prevent tech giants from giving preferential treatment to their own businesses.The Digital Content Next group comprises many of the country's largest publishers such as The New York Times, Associated Press and News Corp.A trade group representing major publishers in the U.S. has thrown its weight behind two antitrust bills aimed at limiting the market dominance of tech giants in the country.Digital Content Next, which includes The New York Times, Associated Press, News Corp. and NPR, has sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee to express their support for new legislations targeting the U.S. big tech, Reuters reported. The Open Markets Act is one of these bills, and it aims to increase co...

That's 10x player base growth since December.What you need to knowMeta made Horizon Worlds available to all U.S. and Canadian Quest 2 users in December 2021.Since the public launch, Meta's over-arching Horizons metaverse has seen a 10x increase in users, totaling 300,000 active users each month.This statistic includes Horizon Worlds and Horizon Venues users combined.The metaverse might be a relatively vague concept in some sense, but companies like Meta have slowly been creating the building blocks over the past few years. Horizon Worlds, Meta's virtual world that can be joined via a Meta Quest 2 — previously known as Oculus Quest 2 — headset, had been in beta for years before finally being released to the public in the U.S. and Canada in December 2021 for users 18 and up.Since then, the Horizon metaverse has seen a 10x growth in players, up to 300,000 players joining in each month.Meta recently announced this figure at a company meeting earlier this week, as noted ...

If you're a commuter or work in a busy environment, you're likely in the market for some of the best noise-canceling headphones. Drown out all that background noise with active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, which has become one of the most highly sought-after features that's no longer exclusive to expensive headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM4's ANC heads up a group of class-leading headphones through their excellent performance and battery life, making them our top choice. But there are plenty of other options on this list for various lifestyles and budgets on this list.Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM4Sony has been in the top spot before with its WH-1000XM3, the best ANC headphones on the market before they were replaced by the WH-1000XM4. Sony's flagship cans have become the benchmark for the industry as a whole, forcing others to catch up. What makes them so good is the unique QN1 processor and a dual noise sensor that work together to block out ambient sound. So for a daily com...

The share of phones with "big" batteries is growing faster than ever.What you need to knowCounterpoint Research will host speakers from Xiaomi, Qualcomm, and DXOMARK at its Innovation Talk: Powering Up Smartphone Batteries With Features and Material Innovation webinar on February 18.The panel will talk about how smartphone makers are optimizing their devices for longer battery life and faster charging. As per Counterpoint Research's latest smartphone sales tracker, the share of phones with 4,000mAh and larger batteries is growing rapidly. Market research firm Counterpoint Research and executives from several industry leaders will discuss important smartphone battery trends at the "Innovation Talk: Powering Up Smartphone Batteries With Features and Material Innovation" webinar on February 24 at 12 p.m. ET.According to the latest monthly smartphone sales tracker from Counterpoint Research, the vast majority of Android phones sold worldwide in December 2021 had 5,000mAh or l...

If you're looking for the best messaging app, then Telegram has to be at the top of the list. It lacks some security features compared to Signal, but the developers have taken incredible strides to make your conversations as private as possible, even if you are using your favorite Android phone. This includes preventing people from saving or taking a screenshot of your messages in the app.How to prevent people from saving or taking a screenshot of your texts on TelegramOpen the Telegram app on your phone.Tap the Pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Select New Secret Chat.From the list, select the contact with which you wish to create the Secret Chat.Type out and send the message in your newly-created Secret Chat.Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner.Tap Set self-destruct timerScroll up and down to select how long the timer will last for.Tap Done in the dialog box.Once you set the self-destruct timer, a message will appear confirming how long the t...

Call it the small, the regular, the "baby" Samsung Galaxy S22, but the 6.1-inch model rocks, especially for smaller hands like mine. As the easiest Galaxy S22 model to use one-handed or actually fully fit into your pocket, this phone deserves proper protection and some style. Get both with these best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases.Stylish and secureCaseology Nano Pop for Galaxy S22Staff PickThis was the best Galaxy S21 case and it's shaping up to keep that title another year. The Nano Pop's two-tone provides a nice bit of flair while also adding extra protection around the Samsung Galaxy S22's all-important cameras.$17 at AmazonHeavy hitterSUPCASE UB ProIf you need a case that can survive cars, three-story ladders, and lawnmowers, try the UB Pro case. SUPCASE's Unicorn Beetle Pro beats OtterBox on both durability and price, comes in five colors, and has a wide, stable kickstand for your Galaxy S22.From $27 at AmazonStraps for daysGalaxy S22 Series Silicone Cover w...

The best MVNO carriers work fast to offer a great value with solid coverage in a very competitive market by leveraging the network of one of the major carriers. This setup can lead to a wider range of plans and keep you out of a contract if you don't want to be tied to any carrier. It can also be a good way to try out a new network without spending too much money or time moving numbers over. Metro by T-Mobile is the best overall MVNO offering great data options and plenty of ways to save money with multiple lines.Best overall: Metro by T-MobileMetro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and uses the T-Mobile LTE and 5G network. Years ago, this would have been a reason to pass on the carrier, but T-Mobile's network has become one of the strongest networks in populated areas in recent times. The network has continued to gain ground in rural areas thanks to its 600Mhz spectrum for LTE and 5G. Even with all of the improvements, you should check the coverage map to ensure you're covered....

If you're planning on getting the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S22 flagships, we also suggest pairing them up with the right accessories, with a charger being one of them. You can get up to 45W charging speeds on the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra — and up to 25W on the S22 — but only if you use a charger that supports both Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) technologies. That said, here are some of the best Galaxy S22 chargers that'll ensure you get the best experience out of your new smartphone(s).Straight from SamsungSamsung 45W USB-C Super Fast Charging Wall Charger With CableStaff PickSamsung may not be shipping a charger in the box anymore, but that's okay because it'd most likely be a 25W adapter anyway, and your Galaxy S22+ or S22 Ultra deserve the full 45W of Samsung's Super Fast Charging speeds. You also get a USB-C to USB-C cable as part of the package.$49 at AmazonSmall yet powerfulAnker Nano II 45W Fast Charger - Foldable charger...

Massive phone, tiny pen.I've loved the Galaxy Note series since its inception, but I haven't personally owned a Galaxy Note phone since the Note 9. At the time, I thought it was the most perfect phone imaginable, complete with the best S Pen experience Samsung ever delivered. But, just a year or so later, I realized I didn't use the S Pen as much as I used to and opted to swap the Note 9 out for a Pixel 4 XL.Fast-forward a few years and I had a new reason to care about the S Pen again: the Galaxy Z Fold 3.While the S Pen wasn't nestled inside the foldable body of the Z Fold 3, I didn't mind so much because, to me, the trade-off was worth it. This S Pen was big and comfortable to hold. It was solid and felt like a proper pen in all the right ways. It didn't cramp my hand after a few minutes.I had forgotten how big a difference there was between S Pens until I laid my hands on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. The first non-Note-named Galaxy Note-sequel looks and feels nearly identical to ...

Even though the main Marvel storyline has ended, that doesn't mean that future pop culture movies won't arrive that you can't see opening night but don't want spoiled for you. Telegram recently added an extremely convenient feature that allows you (and more importantly, others) to use Spoiler formatting when sending a message. It's quite a bit easier than you might expect to enable, and we're going to walk you through how to use it.How to use Spoiler formatting in Telegram to avoid ruining surprises in your chatsOpen the Telegram app on your phone.Select (or create) a chat. Type out the message that you want to send.Long press on the text in the message box.Highlight the text in the app that you want to format.Select Spoiler from the list.Send the message.If you see the selected text blurred out, it will confirm that you appropriately applied the spoiler formatting in Telegram. The blurring will remain indefinitely after you send the message; anyone who wants to see...

Amazon's most expensive ad-streaming device gets a beefy upgrade.Here's the thing when it comes to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: it's easily one of the best streaming devices. But it has a major catch. I'm tipping my hand a bit here, but using the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has made me re-think my streaming home solutions entirely — though not for the reasons you might be thinking of.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review:Price and availabilityWhat you'll like What you won't likeThe competitionShould you buy?Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Bottom line: This is the most powerful Fire TV Stick that Amazon has ever released, but there's one major caveat to be aware of: the endless ads.The GoodHandles anything you want to stream.All of the best video streaming apps are easily accessible. Game streaming is even possibl...

New customers get a free month when they renew their 3-month Mint Mobile plan.Mint Mobile has been making a name for itself with clever advertising and promotions but when it comes down to it, the carrier offers a good value with an easy-to-understand discount structure. Mint Mobile offers reduced rates for those that are willing to buy up to a year of service upfront with the minimum amount being three months. Luckily for new customers, you can get the reduced 12-month rate for their first three months and until March 1, 2021, if they renew, they will get a month for free. The discount of $30, the value of one month of the unlimited plan for 12 months, will be applied to the renewal. The code buy3get1 will be added to your cart when you follow this link, or you can put it in manually.This discount can be applied to any plan so if you don't need unlimited data, you can start with one of Mint's other plans. Mint Mobile has four plans available with 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or unlimited data...

YouTube is also looking at new ways to catch misinformation before it goes viral.What you need to knowYouTube is considering new measures to deal with misinformation.The video-sharing platform plans to disable the share button or "break the link" on videos that it limits in recommendations. Users may also soon see an interstitial before they watch a "borderline video." YouTube is looking at new ways to tackle the misinformation challenge on its platform. As misinformation continues to spread widely, YouTube is looking at new ways to tackle the problem while preserving free expression on its platform.To catch new misinformation before it goes viral, YouTube is considering additional types of labels that will be added to a video or atop search results for major news events. These labels will warn viewers that there's a "lack of high-quality information."YouTube is also continuing to train its systems on new data by leveraging a more targeted mix of classifiers as well as ...

Best answer: The Samsung Galaxy S22 series smartphones will receive Android software updates for up to four years. This means the phones, including the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra (among other models), will be updated through to the Android 16/One UI 8.The S22 is comingThe upcoming Samsung Galaxy S22 is the company's most powerful smartphone series yet, including the S22, the S22+, and the flagship model, the Galaxy S22 Ultra. It might end up being one of the best Android phones to date. All three offer improvements on everything from the chipset to the cameras, and the overall look features a glass and metal frame.The coolest aesthetic addition is the slot for storing the S Pen in the Galaxy S22 Ultra. These phones are even coming in at around the same price as the previous generation Galaxy S21 phones once they are officially available on February 25, 2022. With all that new launching with this series, how long does Samsung plan to actively keep these smartp...

Keep the important conversations on top.What you need to knowTwitter rolls out Pinned Conversations across the platform.iPhone users can swipe to pin DMs, while Android users press and hold to access the option.The feature was previously available for Twitter Blue subscribers.Pinned Conversations are available across mobile devices and the web.Twitter DMs are getting another upgrade, now with the ability to pin direct messages to the top of your inbox. Twitter announced the feature on Thursday in a tweet that shows off the functionality on iPhones, where users can swipe on an individual conversation to access the option.You can pin up to six conversations, which will be sectioned off from the rest.Keep your fave DM convos easily accessible by pinning them! You can now pin up to six conversations that will stay at the top of your DM inbox.Available on Android, iOS, and web. pic.twitter.com/kIjlzf9XLJ— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) February 17, 2022Meanwhile, t...

Eric Schmidt criticizes 5G speeds and availability in the U.S.What you need to knowGoogle's former CEO complains that China is ahead of the U.S. when it comes to 5G speeds and investment.He notes how 5G speeds are often slower than 4G for Verizon and AT&T, pointing out the lack of mid-band spectrum.The article calls for a stronger push from Washington, which has invested much less in 5G than China.Carriers, chipmakers, and smartphone OEMs have all hailed 5G as a huge leap, giving us access to unprecedented speeds and lower latency to unlock new use cases and possibilities. However, former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, and Harvard professor Graham Allison argue that this has been far from the case, at least in the U.S., where 5G has fallen behind.In an article penned for The Wall Street Journal, both Schmidt and Allison note how 5G speeds are often slower than 4G in many of the largest cities in the U.S., citing a speed test performed by PCMag in August 2021. The test foun...

Google is bringing a second software update to the Pixel 6 in February.What you need to knowOwners of Pixel 6 devices are seeing a small system update today in the 10MB range.This update is the second system patch in the month of February for Pixel 6 phones.Google issued a mid-November patch targetting the fingerprint scanner.Since the first model launched, Google's Pixel phones have been some of the best Android phones, thanks in part to the fact that these phones stay up to date with regular software patches. However, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro's update cadence has often been a bit different than the rest, and that continues with a second February update rolling out today.First popping up on 9to5Google, we are starting to see more instances of Pixel 6 owners get the update, along with members of the Android Central team. It's unclear what this patch is fixing or introducing, as it is a small OTA to Android 12 at around 10MB. We have reached out to Google to clarify the rea...

The Meta Quest 2 fabric strap has more cons than pros. It's easy to slide on and off, but it absorbs sweat and germs and does nothing to counterbalance the front-heavy design or add cushioning. You can buy the official Elite Strap, but it's a bit pricey and has had plenty of issues with durability. Thankfully, a few third-party straps offer a much more "elite" alternative. Whether you're looking for more cushioning, a more secure fit, better weight distribution, or other improvements, these are the best Quest 2 straps available.Best overall: KIWI Quest 2 elite strapKIWI's Quest 2 elite strap takes some design cues from the failed official Elite Strap from Oculus and improves them in meaningful ways. First off, the construction of KIWI's elite strap is much sturdier than the one from Oculus. In addition, the plastic is thicker without feeling heavier, and the strap itself is quite a bit thicker. The official Elite strap had durability issues, while KIWI built its strap to with...

The Google Pixel 5a packs a big battery into a very familiar design, and while it might look a little boring on its own, that's what cases are for: protecting your phone and making it look even better! The limited release of the Google Pixel 5a had me concerned we wouldn't see many big-name, high-quality cases, but those fears were unfounded. We've got the best Pixel 5a cases right here to help you protect your new phone, whatever your tastes prefer.Sage colors, serene patternsCaseology Parallax Google Pixel 5a Case (2021)Staff PickSince the Pixel 5a lacks color options, Caseology has given us the best of the Pixel 5's colors along with its tried and true favorites. The Parallax features a fun cubist pattern that adds grip and style across the back. The bumper has a new ultra-textured section, but some might find it abrasive.$16 at Amazon $16 at WalmartGrippy and understatedSpigen Liquid Air ArmorIf you want grip without a case that glows like a rave, Spigen's Liq...

Meet Google's new typeface with a minimal design that's optimized for readability at any point size.What you need to knowGoogle has announced a new typeface that should make reading texts online a bit easier on the eyes.The new Roboto Serif is designed to provide a comfortable reading experience across various screen sizes and print.It is available to download and use for free, joining four other fonts in the Roboto lineup.A lot has changed since the early days of the internet when there were only a few typefaces designed to help make reading texts on low-resolution screens easier on the eyes. Back in 1996, people used to spend less than 30 minutes a month browsing the web, according to a researcher.These days, however, we spend an average of seven hours per day online, according to a more recent study. To provide an ideal reading experience for longer periods, Google announced on Thursday a new typeface that it says makes reading online "more comfortable."Commercial Ty...

All-screen mobile gaming experience.What you need to knowThe new RedMagic 7 series launches in China, with the global version coming "soon."The RedMagic 7 series features Under-Display Cameras with up to 165Hz display refresh rate and 960Hz touch sampling rate.The charging speed has been increased to 135W to top off the 5,000mAh battery on the Pro variant.Nubia has managed to top itself again with the launch of the RedMagic 7 series, outfitting its latest gaming smartphones with some serious horsepower.The "standard" RedMagic 7 features a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 165Hz and a touch sampling rate of 720Hz for ultra-fast reaction times while gaming. There are also two shoulder triggers to enhance your gaming with custom actions.The RedMagic 7 Pro has the same display size but with a slower 120Hz refresh rate. However, the tradeoff is a faster 960Hz touch sampling rate. The Pro also comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery with a whipping 135W charg...

HBO Max is one of the best, most eclectic streaming services on the market right now. In addition to hosting a variety of exclusive WarnerMedia blockbusters, the platform boasts several original series — including Succession and The Gilded Age. While HBO Max no longer offers a free trial, if you sign up for an account and later decide the service isn't the right for you, it's also pretty easy to cancel. With that in mind, here's how to cancel HBO Max.How to cancel HBO Max on your computerIf you subscribe to HBO Max directly through the platform, one of the easiest ways to cancel your account is on your computer. Here's how to cancel HBO Max via web browser.Go to the HBO Max website and Sign in to your account.Select your Profile.On your profile homepage, click your profile icon in the upper right corner. Scroll down and select Subscription. Next, you should be given the option to Manage Subscription and Cancel Subscription. If you pay for HBO Max through a third-p...

Horizon's world is a bit complicated, but we're here to break it down.Before you dive into the Forbidden West, you might want to familiarize yourself with the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. To start, here's the premise: Horizon Zero Dawn takes place in the 31st century where humanity has regressed to living in tribes with little knowledge of technology. This is due to a technological plague in the 21st century that wiped everybody out and leaving no way for future generations to learn from their mistakes. Machines, meant to rebuild the biosphere after extinction, still roam the lands.Though Horizon Forbidden West does a great job at recapping the events of the first game, there's a lot to its lore that players might miss out on if they skipped Zero Dawn or just don't remember the details. Still, not everyone has the time to pick up a 20+ hour action-RPG ahead of its sequel, so we'll walk you through all of the important terms and events that you'll need to know.This article will c...

Your phone needs RAM to operate, but why? And how much?640K of memory should be enough for anybody. Most people have heard about this quote (oddly enough, Bill Gates probably never even said it) because it's used as a testament to one thing: more memory is always better. But how much do you need on your Android phone in 2022?You can buy a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with up to 12GB of RAM, and the best Android phones can come with even more. That's almost as much as many gaming PCs and about 6 GB more than many other phones. This has a lot of folks scratching their heads and asking why in the world do you need 12GB of RAM, and does that mean my phone needs more?Seeing 6 or more GB of RAM inside a phone, even a budget phone, is fairly common. Let's talk about what RAM is, how your phone uses RAM, and why a phone would have so much more of it than what's "necessary."What is RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is short-term digital storage. Computers (and yes, your phone is a computer)...

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 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 would be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, if not further, 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 over a year with the PS5, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games and faster loading to the DualSense haptic feedback ...

Samsung has been pushing its pedigree in the audio space, particularly with its growing line of earbuds as complementary pieces to its mobile devices. The Galaxy Buds Pro stand out as the best Samsung earbuds you can buy right now, but if your ears are looking for something else, there are other options to think about.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Buds ProThe Galaxy Buds Pro are a combination of past features, with new tweaks sprinkled in, to create the best wireless earbuds from the company to date. It took a while for Samsung to get to this level of performance, and there are several reasons why it worked out this time. The design is very much in line with the Galaxy Buds and Buds+, only the slightly larger frame means the fit won't be quite as nestled and snug right off the bat. They're small, lightweight, and the matte finish on the inside makes them easier to grip. The IPX7 rating also makes these earbuds the most rugged Samsung has made for water and sweat resistance.The...

Make music with instruments like the "Oorgan" and the "Wharp."What you need to knowVirtuoso is a music creation sandbox game with tools and instruments used from within virtual reality.Originally launched in 2020 as a Quest Lab App.Now coming to the official Quest Store and SteamVR headsets on March 10, 2022.Publisher Fast Travel Games announced today that the musical creation virtual reality title Virtuoso will be releasing for Quest and SteamVR headsets on March 10. The game allows players to create full music tracks entirely in VR.Virtuoso contains six instruments made to work in VR: Board, Clustr, Empads, Oorgan, Wavemin, and Wharp. Players can use a virtual microphone to record their singing, rapping, or beat-boxing along to the beat. Quick loops can be made with the Looper tool alongside other features to help stay in time and pitch like Tempo Sync and preset scales. It also includes an interactive tutorial, and tracks can be saved and shared with the Virtuoso commu...

If you're captivated by the market's most stylish fitness tracker, make sure you find the best Fitbit Luxe band for your needs. Whether you're headed outdoors, to the gym, or have a formal event to attend, there are many options. The Fitbit Luxe is one of the latest trackers from the company, so it has a lot to offer in terms of features and fashion. We've rounded up some of the best options for you to explore!Endless optionsMaledan Silicone Fitbit Luxe Band (6-pack)Staff PickIf you like having plenty of options to choose from, this six-pack of bands might be just what you need. You can't beat the value, but more importantly, these bands are designed for superior comfort. The silicone material is durable and stain-resistant, so it can withstand daily workouts. The sturdy buckle & fail-safe loops keep your tracker secure.$16 at AmazonClassic comfortFitbit Luxe Classic BandIf you're like most people and you plan to use your wearable for fitness tracking, y...