by Andrew Myrick on (#5QZMD)
Nothing makes a party better than some music, and nothing makes playing music easier than a Bluetooth speaker, especially as more phone manufacturers omit the 3.5mm headphone jack. Fortunately, you don't need to spend a fortune to get the best Bluetooth speaker and get the good times rolling.Best overall: Tribit StormBox MicroTribit sure knows its way around audio accessories, and the StormBox Micro is no exception. This Bluetooth speaker isn't just compact. It puts out a huge kick with deep, booming bass and 9W of power.One of the most distinctive features of the StormBox Micro is its ability to be easily mounted to bikes, backpacks, belts, or nearly anything else — get creative! The IP67 water and dust resistance mean you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain, and you can pair two of these speakers together for an immersive stereo effect.The only downside is that the StormBox Micro only has 8 hours of battery life — enough to cut some parties short. But...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5QZH6)
If you want to have the best experience playing online multiplayer on PS5, you may want to consider forgoing the Wi-Fi setup. Instead, staying wired with one of the best Ethernet cables will ensure that your PS5 has the strongest, fastest internet connection possible. We've rounded up the best Ethernet cables for PS5 that'll keep your online gaming uninterrupted.Only the bestCat-8 Ethernet Cable from VaboguStaff PickFor the absolute best connection, you'll want the absolute best cable. Cat-8 is the fastest, most shielded cable available, used when you have an incredibly quick internet connection and don't want anything lost or interrupted over Wi-Fi. Just know you'll be paying more for a longer cable.$19 at AmazonQuality choiceCat-7 Ethernet Cable from DanYeeFor a slight reduction in cable quality that won't affect most people, you can get a cheaper Cat-7 Ethernet cable braided to ensure it doesn't bend, kink, or tear. If you need a much longer cable dependi...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5QZH7)
The Redmi Note 11 Pro is rumored to be Xiaomi's first budget phone to support 120W fast charging.What you need to knowXiaomi has released new teasers for its upcoming Redmi Note 11 series.The teasers give us our first look at the Redmi Note 11 in "Misty Forest." Xiaomi will unveil the Redmi Note 11 series in China on October 28.Earlier this week, Xiaomi announced that the Redmi Note 11 series will debut at an event in China on October 28. The company has now posted a new teaser for the Note 11 on its Weibo page, giving us our first proper look at its design (via GSMArena).As can be seen in the image above, the Redmi Note 11 will have a large camera bump housing a total of three sensors. On the bottom of the device will be a USB-C port, a JBL-tuned speaker, and a microphone. The top of the phone houses an IR blaster and a second speaker. We can see the volume rocker and a power button on the right side of the phone. Rumors suggest the Redmi Note 11 will be powered by...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5QZH8)
Google's biggest Android redesign is here, and it is equal parts delightful and divisive.Android releases have followed a predictable pattern over the last four years: we get a slate of new features, privacy and security fixes, updates to notification management, and if we're lucky, minor changes to the design. Some of those features end up never being used (remember chat bubbles in Android 11?), and most manufacturers ignore Google's design aesthetic and instead use their custom skins.Android 12 is different. The latest version of Android introduces the biggest visual redesign in Google's history, and it delivers an exhaustive list of new features. Google usually alternates between rolling out new features and making design changes for new Android versions, but this time we're getting both at the same time. The result is the buggiest beta program from Google yet, with even the later Android 12 beta builds featuring phone-breaking bugs.That said, the new Material You design...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QZEC)
It's time to say goodbye to the Note... sort of.Samsung's Galaxy Note line seems to be on its way out, at least if recent leaks of the Galaxy S22 Ultra hold any merit. It started last year with rumors that Samsung would cancel the Note lineup, then those rumors were fueled by the Galaxy S21 Ultra when Samsung provided it with S Pen support, and continued when the Galaxy Z Fold 3 arrived in lieu of a Note successor.Leaker Ice Universe claims that the upcoming flagship won't carry the Note name and will just be called the Galaxy S22 Ultra. While Samsung hasn't confirmed this with Android Central, analysts agree that it makes some sense that the company would phase out the Note lineup, at least in its current form.That isn't to say that the Note moniker should die completely. Over the past decade, the Galaxy Note lineup has been more or less the pinnacle of innovation for Samsung and easily among the best Android phones on the market. While the Galaxy S line was a flagship line fo...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5QZEB)
Strong contenderWD Black SN850 SSD$348 at Amazon (1TB)ProsCompatible with PS5Great loading speedsConsLack of higher-end optionsThe WD Black SN850 now comes in a model with a heatsink, meaning it's easy to just use it in your PS5. It loads games just as fast or faster than the PS5's drive, providing a seamless experience. The prices are comparable to other competing models, though there's no high-end 4TB option.More varietySeagate FireCuda 530 SSD$260 at Amazon (1TB)ProsCompatible with PS5Great loading speedsHigher-end optionsConsHigh-end models are hard to findThe Seagate FireCuda 530 includes a heatsink, so it's also usable within the PS5. Games load just as fast or faster than if they're installed directly on the PS5's internal drive. There's even a high-end 4 TB option, though it's expensive and extra hard to find.With the ability to upgrade the internal storage of a PS5 using an approved NVME SSD, there's a couple of differ...
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by Shruti Shekar on (#5QZBJ)
Experts say this event was 'attention-getting' during a heavy month of tech announcements.It's not uncommon for companies to host multiple events for different products, experts say, noting that different products require a different stage. However, they had mixed reactions to Samsung's Unpacked 2 event, calling it an "attention-getting" moment, but one that could potentially "set a tone for the industry."On Wednesday, October 20, Samsung revealed the "Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition," a new edition to the Flip 3 line that allows customers who buy to create customized version of the Flip 3. Customers will be able to choose from 49 different color combinations, mixing and matching to "create their own unique combination" for their new phone, Samsung says. The phone is considered one of the best Android phones this year.The South Korea-based company said that customers will be able to design their own Galaxy Z Flip 3 via the Galaxy Flip 3 Bespoke Studio on Samsung.com.Samsung i...
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by Rebecca Spear on (#5QZBK)
The ever-evolving ecosystem of Amazon Echo accessories (or Echosystem) has helped turn average homes into modern smart homes. We love how convenient Alexa makes it to control devices, listen to music, check the news, find shows, and do many other things. Enhance your Echo experience further with one of the many useful accessories available for the different Alexa units. Some items on our list are accessories that work with multiple Echo devices, while others are particular to a specific Echo model. So let's get to it.Wirelessly charge (4th Gen)Mission Cables Portable Battery BaseStaff PickBring your Amazon Echo (4th Gen) from room to room without constantly plugging it in, thanks to this portable battery pack. It will supply consistent power to your device for up to five hours. Though it's only compatible with the latest Echo, the white-on-white setup looks surprisingly like Spaceship Earth at Epcot in Walt Disney World!$40 at AmazonEcho everywhere (3rd Gen)Mission Ca...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5QZBM)
The company has also announced a 245W USB-C battery pack.What you need to knowHyper has announced the world's first 245W GaN charger and 245W battery pack.The 245W HyperJuice 245W GaN charger can fast charge up to four laptops at the same time.The 245W HyperJuice 245W battery pack can charge an iPhone 13 Pro over 9 times.Hyper, which unveiled the world's first 100W GaN charger in 2019, has now come up with two new "245W" HyperJuice products. The new 245W HyperJuice GaN charger can charge two large laptops, a tablet, and a smartphone at the same time. It includes a total of four 100W USB-C ports, which makes it possible for users to fast charge four 13-inch MacBook Pros.The airline-safe HyperJuice 245W battery pack features two 100W and two 60W USB-C PD ports. This means you can easily fast charge your laptop, tablet, and phone on the go. Thanks to its massive 27000mAh (100Wh) capacity, the battery pack can charge a MacBook Air up to two times and a Galaxy S21 over six tim...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5QZBN)
Smartwatches and fitness trackers are some of the most important personal technology devices that we use daily. They help improve our fitness, keep us on track, and better equip us to fully understand what all that data means. It's ideal for anyone who wants to improve their overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, however, this data contains highly personal details that we wouldn't like in the wrong hands. Thankfully, Fitbit has finally enabled a way to secure your account information better. We'll show you how to set up two-factor authentication on your Fitbit account so that your fitness data remains as secure as possible.How to set up two-factor authentication on your Fitbit deviceOpen the Fitbit app on your phone.If this is the first time using the app since two-factor authentication was released, tap on the Learn more button.Read through the information, and then tap Let's do it.If you ignored the initial pop-up, then tap on your profile in the top left corner of t...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5QZ35)
Now, you can add anything to your Docs with the new universal @ menu.What you need to knowGoogle Docs has rolled out new updates that should give Microsoft Word a run for its money.The new feature allows you to insert various types of rich content into your document without having to switch between apps.You can also add a page break before paragraphs in Docs.Google revamped the Google Docs experience earlier this year with the launch of smart chip, a feature designed to link information from other Workspace apps to your Docs file, among other capabilities. Now, that feature has become even more useful with a new expansion.Google Docs has added a new menu that allows you to insert anything to your document, including names, file links, images, tables and other types of rich content without leaving your current tab. You can do so by typing @ in a document, which will bring up a menu of suggested files, people, and meetings.The new feature is a convenient way to search f...
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by Anthony Spadafora on (#5QZ0Q)
Following a shocking season 8 finale, NBC's long-running crime drama The Blacklist is back with all new episodes and we have all the details on how you can watch season 9 of the show on TV or online.The Blacklist, which first premiered in 2013, tells the story of Raymond "Red" Reddington (James Spader) who became a high-profile criminal following his disappearance while working as U.S. Naval Intelligence officer. Twenty years later, Red voluntarily surrenders himself to the FBI after eluding capture for decades.After revealing that he has compiled a list of the world's most dangerous criminals called the blacklist and will inform on their operations in exchange for immunity, Red tells the Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division Harold Cooper (Harry Lennix) that he has one condition. Red will only cooperate with the FBI if he is able to work exclusively with rookie FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone).As the show's season 8 finale left viewers shocked, NBC...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QYVN)
Gmail gets a smarter, more helpful composer.What you need to knowGoogle is making several changes to the Gmail composer.Adding recipients to an email has more visual cues to avoid duplicates and show who is outside your organization.Users can now change a recipient's display name.Google is rolling out several functional changes to the desktop Gmail client that bring more visual cues to the email composer. Many of these changes are focused on helping users identify recipients both in and outside of your organization.When composing an email, recipients will now have an avatar attached to their contact chips. That way, you have a better idea of who you're emailing to avoid potentially sending an email to the wrong person. Also, when inputting new recipients, the drop-down menu will mark someone with a check and grey out their contact if you've already included them.Google says that the composer will automatically delete duplicate entries in the same fields when moving em...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QYP5)
What you need to knowGoogle Calendar gets a new focus time entry.The new option allows users to block out time to focus on their task, automatically rejecting conflicting events.The new feature starts rolling out now and will reach eligible users by mid-November.Working from home can be difficult for some, especially when it comes to keeping on task. Thankfully, Google Calendar wants to help with that by allowing you to easily schedule some focusing time so you can get your work done without other work-related distractions.The new "Focus time" entry type is rolling out on Google Calendar, letting you block off time to get things done. With this, you'll be able to set other conflicting events during a block of time to be automatically declined.Just like the "Out of office" option, Focus time will let you choose a different color so that it'll stand out against your other calendar entries."With the changes to our working environments in the past year, having more chats ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QYP6)
One UI 4 Beta sounds like it's nearing the final version.What you need to knowSamsung is rolling out One UI 4 Beta 3 in S. Korea.The update comes with a number of bug fixes and a revamped Weather app.It may not be long before the 3rd beta reaches U.S. Galaxy S21 devices.Samsung Galaxy S21 owners in South Korea are being treated to the 3rd One UI 4 beta, according to a community post on Samsung's forum.The update appears to host a number of bug fixes that should make the beta more stable as Samsung finalizes its software. Notable, the changelog states that the update is based on Google's final AOSP release for Android 12, meaning we could be nearing the final One UI 4 release.There also appear to be improvements to the dynamic color theme that was introduced in the second One UI 4 beta. Additional changes include the following (via translation):Fixed an issue where only some menus were partially untranslated right after the porta(ble) updateGoogle AOSP reflected (Goo...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5QYP7)
Picking the best tablet for students can be challenging for parents (or for students themselves). You'll want one that's equally handy for scribbling notes in class and streaming movies after class, with enough power to be productive but at a low enough price that you can afford it. Our favorite overall pick that checks nearly all boxes is the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, which has the S Pen included, has plenty of RAM for fast performance, and sports a beautiful display for procrastinating.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FEThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the tablet equivalent of what Samsung did for its phones with the Galaxy S20 FE, and that is to offer a well-made product with solid performance at a lower price. It's a strategy that worked out very well for the company's smartphone and translated perfectly to its tablets — and that means that students can reap all the benefits.Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7 FE sports a 12.4-inch high-definition display with support for HDR10+ for exce...
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by Casian Holly on (#5QYP8)
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 over 30 different playable characters in Genshin Impact. A handful are rewards for completing certain portions of the story, including...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QYP9)
Qualcomm is losing its grip as the global chip shortage strains smartphone production.What you need to knowOPPO is rumored to develop its own high-end smartphone chips.The 3nm chipsets would be built by TSMC and launch in 2023 or 2024.The move would follow Google, which just launched the Pixel 6 with its own custom-built chip.OPPO reportedly wants to take more control of its production according to the latest rumor from Nikkei Asia suggesting that the company is seeking to build its own smartphone chipset.Sources close to the matter told the publication that the SoC would be built with TSMC based on its 3nm process. This is the same manufacturer Apple uses for its chips in the iPhone.The phones powered by the alleged SoC reportedly won't launch until 2023 at the earliest. Still, it would signal a slow shift away from Qualcomm after Google launched its flagship Pixel 6 series with a custom-built Tensor chip (and Qualcomm wasn't exactly amused by it).Samsung is also sai...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5QYPA)
A waitlist is better than nothing.What you need to knowGoogle continues to struggle with inventory for Pixel 6 preorders.Interested parties can now sign up for a waitlist. Once the model selected is in stock, an email will be sent to notify you. To say that the Pixel 6 preordering process was a frustration would be an instant contender for "understatement of the year." Interested parties were met with an array of errors ranging from the standard "501. It's not you, it's us" to random "R" errors when you finally were able to reach checkout. Things to be a bit more stable at the time of this writing, but it's clear that Google was stripped of its initial stock relatively quickly.Now, if you try and place a preorder for the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro of your choice, you have the option to sign up for a waitlist. Currently, it appears as though you can go through and place an order for any unlocked Pixel 6 variant. However, the only Pixel 6 Pro option available at the time of w...
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by Rajat Sharma on (#5QYPB)
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has a great, big, beautiful screen with some fancy tricks — like that built-in fancy ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. However, those tricks also make buying a screen protector for the flagship all the more important and difficult. That's because the in-screen fingerprint sensor can't tolerate any air gaps or bubbles between the display panel and the screen protector. Nonetheless, here are some of the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors, and most of these are plastic film-based options. While you're at it, don't forget to check out the best Galaxy S10 cases as well.Has it allZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Fusion VisionguardStaff PickZAGG offers everything with its InvisibleShield screen protector, including impact and scratch protection, a built-in blue light filter, and a smudge-resistant coating.$20 at AmazonThe power of UVWhitestone for Samsung Galaxy S10 (2019) - 2 PackHands down one of the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors out there, Whiteston...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QYPC)
YouTube Music is becoming a music-only thing unless you pay up.What you need to knowGoogle is making some notable changes to YouTube Music.The app will soon no longer allow free users to watch music videos.This comes after Google announced that the free tier would get background listening.The changes are expected to occur on November 3.Google recently announced a rather useful change coming to YouTube Music, finally allowing users on the free tier to listen to music in the background like many of the best music streaming services. However, that new perk comes with another change, one that users may not like as much.In a YouTube Music support page spotted by 9to5Google, the company says that free-tier users will no longer be able to watch videos with the app. This feature will soon become a Premium-tier perk, essentially swapping features as background listening will no longer require a Premium subscription.Being able to watch music videos in addition to listening to au...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5QYCQ)
It may take a few months for the Android apps experience to become more widely available.What you need to knowThe first preview of Windows 11's Android apps experience is now available.The preview is limited to Windows Insiders in the U.S. There are currently only 50 Android apps that you can test, but more will arrive in the near future. Microsoft on October 20 announced the first preview of its Android apps experience. As expected, the preview is limited to Windows Insiders in the beta channel (via Windows Central).Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel will have to wait a little longer to try out Android apps on Windows 11. While there's no word on exactly when Windows 11's Android apps experience will be made available to Insiders in the Dev Channel, Microsoft has confirmed that it plans to bring the preview to them "down the road."The experience is available on devices running Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm platforms. Currently, however, there are only 50 apps available for...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5QYCR)
This father-son story has continued to sell steadily.What you need to knowGod of War released in 2018 for PS4.Sony Santa Monica announced a PC version that's scheduled to arrive in January 2022.The developers also shared that God of War has sold over 19 million copies so far.The sequel, God of War Ragnarok, is currently slated to be available in 2022.God of War Ragnarok is on the way for PS4 and PS5 players to enjoy but that hasn't stopped God of War from continuing to grow as a success. Sony Santa Monica's new take on Kratos first arrived in 2018 on PS4, with a PC version now on the way and scheduled to arrive on January 14, 2022. Sony Santa Monica also shared on Wednesday that God of War crossed over 19 million copies sold so far.God of War passed 10 million copies sold back in May 2019, meaning the game has continued to sell a steady pace over the past couple of years.This strong sales success will likely only continue with the upcoming launch of the PC version ahea...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5QYCS)
Best answer: Yes, mmWave is making its way to more venues and cities in late 2021 and 2022, but you'll still spend the vast majority of your time connected to low or mid-band 5G.Will mmWave 5G be better in 2022?If you bought a phone in the last year, there's a good chance it works with 5G. In fact, most of the best Android phones support the tech. Unfortunately, most of these phones only connect to low-band and mid-band 5G; however, using the sort of spectrum popular in LTE deployments. The speed improvements over LTE aren't as dramatic as many expected of the next generation of wireless tech.There is another type of 5G that has been slowly but steadily increasing its coverage bringing with it incredible multi-gigabit speeds and the capacity for thousands of devices. This tech, mmWave, was actually one of the first kinds of 5G to be deployed, with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all deploying at least a few sites to enter the 5G race. Still, progress has been slow and, on every...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5QYCT)
Black Friday is fast approaching, and that means it's time to be on the lookout for deals for the things you need to buy. Whether that is for you or someone else, this is the time of year to save some cash. One of the sales worth keeping an eye out for is the Black Friday Chromebook accessory deals. Chromebooks have become very popular over the last few years and really took off in 2020. So getting some accessories for an already great Chromebook will make it even better.One of the great things in recent years is that in most instances, almost all accessories work with Chromebooks. Versatility is the name of the game with Chromebooks in large part to the wide range of hardware options, but also thanks to the security of Chrome OS. So whether you are buying for a powerhouse like the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 or one of the excellent Chromebooks for kids — there's sure to be a deal available for it.These handy computers have evolved from a basic internet browsing machine to essenti...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5QY9D)
A good keyboard is essential, which is why you deserve only the best Chromebook keyboard for typing and the best Chromebook keyboard replacements when something goes wrong. Chrome OS plays well with most keyboards on the market, and whether you're looking for a travel-friendly keyboard to replace your Chromebook's sticking keys, need a wireless keyboard to use in bed, or you're a student looking for the perfect match, we've got a keyboard for everyone. The number of keyboards with Chrome OS function keys is still relatively small, but all keyboards can still work with Chromebooks, with F1-12 standing in for the function keys.Made for GoogleLogitech K580 Wireless Keyboard, Chrome OS EditionStaff PickYou can swap between two devices quickly on this slim keyboard, which has Chrome OS function keys up top, as well as a number pad with page up/down, home, and end keys. The connection is strong, and the key travel is a good depth for a long-lasting keyboard.$42 at Amazon $45 at...
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by Keegan Prosser on (#5QY9E)
The movies you don't want to miss this Halloween.Whether you've been celebrating Halloween since October 1 or are just now getting into the spooky spirit, streaming platforms make it easy to pull up and watch your favorite Halloween stories. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of some of the best Halloween flicks streaming across Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Netflix right now. Here are some of the best Halloween films streaming all month.Halloween moviesHalloween on Disney+Halloween on HuluHalloween on HBO MaxHalloween on NetflixFamily-friendly Halloween picksWhen it comes to finding Halloween films appropriate for all ages, Disney+ is the place to go. Here are some of the best Halloween films streaming now on Disney+.Halloweentown (1998)Released as a Disney Channel Original Movie, Halloweentown tells the story of 13-year-old Marnie Piper, who learns she's a witch and — against her own mother's wishes — follows her Grandma Agatha (Debbie Reynolds) b...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QY9F)
Sticking with the entry-level Pixel or going Pro?The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are finally here. On Tuesday, Google fully unveiled its latest smartphones in all their glory, to largely positive impressions. Both phones offer many of the same internals, including the powerful new Tensor chip at the heart of all the new AI tricks. However, the larger Pixel Pro brings with it a better display and a more versatile camera setup. In contrast, the smaller Pixel is much cheaper, undercutting many of the best Android phones.So we want to know if you're buying either of the new Pixels and, if so, which one are you buying?Which Pixel 6 model are you buying?If you're looking for a powerful yet affordable smartphone, the standard Pixel 6 may be the way to go. At just $599, you're getting a 6.4-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate covered in Gorilla Glass Victus. The camera system affords you a 50MP primary camera capable of capturing richer tones and fast motions. There's also...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5QY9G)
You'll also be able to post videos under one minute in length.What you need to knowInstagram is rolling out the ability to create new posts from the web.The company had started testing the feature this summer. Instagram has also started testing a new "Collabs" feature that will allow users to co-author Feed posts and Reels.Back in June this year, Instagram started testing a new feature that allowed some users to create new posts from the web. Nearly five months later, the company has now announced that the feature will become available to users across the globe by Thursday, October 21 (via TechCrunch).Once the feature goes live, you'll be able to create a new post from your PC or Mac by clicking on the new + icon in the top right corner of the Instagram website. In addition to photos, you can also post short videos from the web.The ability to create new posts from the web isn't the only new feature that Instagram is rolling out this week. A new experimental feature ca...
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by Matt Shore on (#5QY9H)
A new NBA mobile game has been announced and is out now, allowing you to keep up with the real season and build your dream roster.What you need to knowDeveloper Com2uS has announced NBA NOW 22, an officially licensed mobile game.Players can create a dream team from 6,000 current and retired pros, and enjoy a range of game modes.The game is out now for all mobile devices.South Korean mobile developer Com2uS has announced that NBA NOW 22, a new game developed in partnership with the NBA, is available to download. The game promises a new way to follow the basketball season, with multiple modes for players to enjoy.Perhaps the biggest of these is the ability to build a team from both current and retired NBA players, competing in real courts against others from around the world. Any current players that you choose can change throughout gameplay, as their live card stats evolve to reflect their performance on the court, giving you a new way to engage with the NBA season.This ...
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by Joe Maring on (#5QY9J)
RCS Chat, Google's vision for the future of messaging, is widely available around the globe. Rather than waiting on carriers to adopt the RCS standard, Google took matters into its own hands and enabled RCS Chat for all phones regardless of carrier — you just have to use its Messages app. If your phone is supported, here's how to enable RCS in Google Messages.How to enable RCS in Google MessagesOpen Google Messages on your Android phone.If you don't have the app, you can download it for free.Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.Tap Settings.Tap Chat features.Enter your phone number.Tap Continue.That's all there is to it. It may take several seconds for Google Messages to verify your phone number, but once it's complete, your status should change from "Setting up" to "Connected." Then, when you message someone else who also has RCS enabled, the chat will automatically offer the enhanced messaging experience.What countries is RCS Chat available?Google...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QY9K)
Samsung's Galaxy brand is home to a wide array of various gadgets. Whether you're shopping for a new Android phone, smartwatch, or wireless earbuds, there's something in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem that can fit the bill perfectly. So if you're looking to up your Galaxy game without going broke this holiday season, check out the top Black Friday deals that are available right now!Samsung Galaxy S21 | Huge Trade in Offers at SamsungFrom $250 at SamsungOne of the best Android phones released this year, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has so much to offer. It has a compact design, a stunning 120Hz display, incredible performance, and great cameras. It's about as premium of a smartphone as you can buy.Best Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals:SmartphonesTabletsSmartwatchesEarbudsThe Galaxy S21 is a highlight among all the Samsung Galaxy deals currently available, but of course, it's far from the only thing that's on sale. Just about every major Galaxy product is discounted t...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5QY9M)
Plus, a Maison Kitsuné Edition for the smartwatch and the Galaxy Buds 2What you need to knowSamsung has unveiled improved capabilities for the Galaxy Watch 4.The company also introduced the Maison Kitsune edition of the smartwatch and the Galaxy Buds 2.Both special edition wearables are available to purchase in limited stocks starting today.Samsung today announced new updates for the Galaxy Watch 4, including updated watch faces, a new gesture control feature, and enhanced fall detection capability. The company also partnered with lifestyle brand Kitsuné to introduce new special editions of the smartwatch and the Galaxy Buds 2.Perhaps, the most notable improvement to one of the best Android smartwatches is the enhanced fall detection capability. Previously, the smartwatch was incapable of detecting all types of falls. It relies on the device's accelerometer to function, so a lack of motion would not cause it to activate. According to Samsung, the smartwatch can now dete...
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by Michael L Hicks on (#5QY2R)
You've played Resident Evil 4 before, but never quite like this.When Resident Evil 7 came to PSVR, its first-person gameplay and up-in-your-face jumpscares translated seamlessly into VR — even if you had to use a traditional controller. By comparison, Resident Evil 4's over-the-shoulder shooting and QTE-heavy cutscenes didn't seem like they would translate well to VR. Worse, its graphics appeared to lack the polish of the recent RE4 HD ports.Thankfully, my concerns have mostly been laid to rest: Resident Evil 4 is an absolute joy to play on the Oculus Quest 2. Developer Armature Studios rebuilt the game to work in first-person, with seamless shooting mechanics, UI changes, new mechanics for interacting with the world, and even changed how Ashley (your notorious companion) behaves. It lacks the high-res visuals of more contemporary titles like Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, but fans of this classic will feel fully immersed.You're paying $40 for a 16-year-old game that you'v...
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by Rachel Mogan on (#5QY2S)
It's the mooost wonderful tiiime of the yeeear...for TERROR!Maybe you're already aware of this, but the Google Play Store does not have any category or search options that are specific to the horror genre. This is a tragic shame because there are loads of games that could easily fall into this category, but often get shunted into the adventure or puzzle categories because there seems to be nowhere better for them to go.Thankfully, through the magic of algorithms, once you find at least one good horror game you can jump down the rabbit hole of "recommended for you" to find other seasonally appropriate experiences. That's how we come across most quality mobile horror games and it's how we found a good number of the games on this list. Read on for our top picks for best spooky games to play in October!Some of these are already on our list of best Android games, or have been previously featured as Android Games of the Week, but we're willing to bet that at least a couple will be br...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5QY2T)
The Bespoke Edition allows you to customize and select different color options for the Galaxy Z Flip 3.What you need to knowSamsung announced a special edition Galaxy Z Flip 3 at its Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event.The Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition lets you customize the colors of your device with up to 49 color combinations.It will be available for $1,100, with 12 months of Samsung Care+ protection.At its Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 virtual event today, Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition, a special version of its latest foldable phone that gives you more design options.The special edition Galaxy Z Flip 3 is built around personalization, giving consumers more options to customize their device through Samsung's bespoke design studio. However, it's available only to customers in the U.S.Regarding the new edition of the phone, Stephanie Choi, Samsung's senior vice president and head of marketing of the mobile communications business, said: Today's customer...
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by Joe Maring on (#5QY2V)
Believe it or not, there are plenty of great, inexpensive smartphones you should consider, so we rounded up the best Android phones under $200. Smartphones that cost $1,000 and more have quickly become commonplace in the market, and for anyone on a budget, those steep prices can quickly induce a headache. If you need a new handset but only have a couple of hundred bucks to spend, the Moto G Fast is our top favorite with three cameras and a large screen to enjoy all those photos and videos. Today, we're not only talking about the Moto G Fast, but also some of the best phones that bring tremendous value to the low-end space.Best overall Android phone under $200: Moto G FastThe Moto G Fast hits the very top of our $200 budget, and all things considered, it's the best phone you can buy when looking at Android devices this cheap.G Fast's hardware is built far better than you'd expect for a phone in this price tier. It feels substantial when held, doesn't rattle or creak, and all p...
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by Alex Dobie on (#5QY2W)
Using Android as an example of the 'dangers' of sideloading is misguided, but that doesn't mean opening the floodgates on iOS is necessarily a good idea.As part of its ongoing legal spat with Epic Games, Apple recently published a whitepaper entitled, "Building a Trusted Ecosystem for Millions of Apps: A threat analysis of sideloading." The document outlines Apple's case for retaining tight control over the iPhone's highly lucrative app ecosystem in the face of pressure from major developers and U.S. lawmakers. "Sideloading" is used by the firm as a catch-all term for allowing apps to be installed from the web or local storage in addition to third-party app stores — effectively, any source that isn't vetted in the same way as the iOS App Store.As you might expect, the report paints the bleakest possible picture of security on Android, which as a platform has allowed apps from outside the default app store to be installed since its earliest days. Figures and case studies are che...
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by Michael L Hicks on (#5QY2X)
Trusting AI to know you better than you know yourself.Apple made a big splash during Monday's MacBook Pro event. Whatever you think of Apple, its upgraded M1 Pro/ Max silicon looks stunningly powerful, and its 3rd-gen AirPods will be a hit with audiophiles. But the weirdest announcement came right at the start when Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a new, Siri-dependant music streaming option.Apple Music Voice is a $4.99/month subscription that gives you access to the service's full 90-million-song catalog, ad-free. However, unlike standard Apple Music, you can't use a touchscreen to select or search for songs. Instead, you have to ask Siri to find a song or playlist for you.You'll get access to "tens of thousands of playlists, including hundreds of brand new mood and activity playlists, personalized mixes, and genre stations; as well as the award-winning Apple Music Radio." But unlike with standard Apple Music, you can't create your own playlists, download music for offline listeni...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5QY2Y)
Google hasn't launched a flagship Pixel phone in India since the Pixel 3 XL.What you need to knowGoogle has confirmed that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro phones will not be launched in India.The company has decided against launching the phones in India due to global demand supply issues.Pixel 4a was the last phone that Google launched in the country.The all-new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, which are Google's answer to the best Android phones from Samsung and Xiaomi, will not be coming to India.In a statement sent to Gadgets360, Google confirmed that it won't be able to make its latest Pixel phones available in the country "due to a variety of factors including global demand supply issues."The news certainly doesn't come as a surprise, since Google hasn't launched a flagship Pixel phone in India since 2018. The budget-friendly Pixel 4a was the last phone that the company released in the country.Google had decided against launching the Pixel 4 in India as the phone's Soli radar hard...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#5QY2Z)
The Pixel 6 is just better at being a phone than anything else you can buy, thanks to some special software sauce.A few years ago, the world decided that the last thing we wanted to do while using our phones was to use them as phones. Seriously, I'm a dinosaur, and outside of talking to my parents, calling for a Pizza, or learning about my car's extended warranty, even I don't really use the phone part of my smartphone.But that doesn't mean it's not annoying as heck when I do interact with it, especially when I'm using one of the best Android phones not made by Google. It's not so difficult to explain, though — it's more of Google's insane Artificial Intelligence doing things that seem like sorcery when it comes to controlling who calls you and how you make phone calls. On the Pixel 6 with Android 12 it's about to get even better!These aren't the headline features that reviewers and forums are going to be gushing over, but the two best things about the Pixel 6 just might be i...
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by Adam Doud on (#5QXY4)
Google is the largest search engine on the planet, so popular that "Google" is the most popular search term on Bing. Unfortunately, even when searching from one of the best Chromebooks, Google doesn't always get everything right. Google can pick up old, outdated content and feed it back to us in search, and when that happens, we can help. How you go about removing search results depends on whether or not you own the website in question. The most common reason for removing search results is that the information has gone out of date. But there are other more serious reasons for needing to remove data, and we'll cover all of those situations.How to remove web results of a site you own from Google SearchThe first thing you need to do to remove web results from your site is prove that you own the site. When you visit the URL Removal Tool, the first thing you'll have to do is pick a property or the domain of the website you own. Then, if you haven't already done so, you'll need to veri...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5QXW5)
You can now mark a message as unread on mobile and on the web.What you need to knowGoogle Chat has rolled out a new capability to mark messages as unread.The new feature is available on mobile and the web.You can access the feature both on individual and group chats called Spaces.Google Chat has added a new feature that lets you mark a message as read or unread, a feature that has long been available on other messaging apps such as Microsoft Teams and Slack.The ability to mark messages as unread is available both on mobile and the web for individual chats and Spaces. You can long press and hold a direct message or group chat on many of the best Android phones. The app will then surface a pop-up menu showing the "Mark as unread" button.Alternatively, you can tap a contact's name in the top-left corner in order to find that button under the conversations option. That said, there's also an option to reverse that action by clearing all of the "unread" badges in order to m...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5QXW6)
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...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5QXSW)
The social networking giant wants to create a new identity as a "metaverse company."What you need to knowFacebook is said to be planning to change its name to "reflect its focus on building the metaverse."The change could be announced as soon as next week.The rebranding could lead to the creation of an umbrella company that would oversee the Facebook app, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus, and more.Facebook has decided to change its name to better reflect its focus on "being a metaverse company," according to The Verge. The social networking giant is expected to detail the change at its annual Connect Conference on October 28, but an announcement could happen sooner.The report suggests Facebook's new name may have something to do with Horizon, which is the name of its social VR platform. The app's name was changed to Horizon Worlds earlier this month.A source familiar with the matter told the publication that the rebranding is meant to "signal the tech giant's ambition to be ...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5QXSX)
Telegram rolled out two-step verification five years ago, and if you've been using the service for a while now or are just getting started, you should enable it right now. Setting up two-factor authentication on Telegram takes less than five minutes, and it provides much-needed safeguards to your account. Here's how to secure your Telegram account with two-factor authentication.How to activate two-factor authentication on TelegramYour Telegram account is tied to your phone number, and you'll receive a one-time code whenever you have to sign in to a new device. With two-factor authentication, you can set up a password in addition to the one-time code. So you'll have to enter both to log in to your account. Here's how to set up two-factor authentication on Telegram:Open Telegram. Hit the Hamburger menu on the left. Select Settings.Go to Privacy and Security. Tap Two-Step Verification. Hit Set Password.Enter the password you want to set. Confirm the password. Add a hi...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5QXSY)
Black Friday is a few weeks away, and it's always a great time to buy storage enclosures and hard drives. Unfortunately, there have been severe shortages around hard drives in recent months, but availability is thankfully getting back to regular levels as we head into the holiday season.While network-attached storage (NAS) enclosures haven't had the same issues with availability, this category hasn't seen as many new launches as in previous years. That said, the best home NAS launches from last year — particularly the DiskStation DS1520+ — continue to be a stellar choice, handling everything from Plex media streaming in 4K to backing up your connected phones and so much more with ease.There are a few things to consider when you're buying a NAS enclosure. First is the number of drive bays. Most budget models come with a single or two drive bays, and mid-range models have four or more drive bays. If this is the first time you're buying a NAS, my recommendation would be to go wi...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5QXPM)
The phone will spruce up your photos with AI capabilities.What you need to knowThe Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have introduced new photo-editing features powered by the Tensor chip.One of those features is Magic Eraser, which can seamlessly remove photobombers or any other distractions from your photos.Other AI-powered features included with the Pixel 6 phones include Motion mode and Snapchat integration.Google's new flagship phones will let you edit a photobomber or an unsightly background clutter out of your photos. The new Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro were unveiled on Tuesday, bringing with them powerful new imaging tricks such as Magic Eraser, which works similarly to Photoshop's content-aware capability.The search giant explained in a blog post what imaging features the new devices will have when they go on sale on October 28. The Pixel 6 phones can remove distractions from your photos, such as power poles and even people who appear in the background, thanks to Google's Ten...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QXAV)
It's all about the Pixel.Google took to the virtual stage on Tuesday and launched its long-awaited Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, making official many of the rumors and leaks that we've seen of the devices. However, the event was about more than just the phones; it was about the hardware powering the devices and the bevy of experiences that will come from the new software and AI capabilities.Google announced some pretty impressive features and even some new accessories during the launch. There was quite a bit going on, but here are the most significant announcements Google made, some of which the company didn't actually talk about during the livestream.Jump to:Pixel 6TensorAI featuresPixel StandAndroid 12Pixel PassPixel 6, Pixel 6 ProOf course, the Pixel 6 series stole the show. After all, the devices mark a significant design shift for Google, going from bland to bold. The phones feature upgraded cameras with a 50MP primary sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and an extra 48MP ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5QX9F)
It's not exactly the four years we were hoping for.What you need to knowThe Google Pixel 6 is only getting three years of OS upgrades.Rumors previously hinted at four years of upgrades.The Pixel 6 will still receive five years of security updates.During the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro launch on Tuesday, Google played up the fact that the new devices would receive up to five years of security updates. While that's an impressive feat, the company failed to mention its schedule for OS upgrades, but thanks to a Pixel support page, we now know why.According to the page, both Pixel smartphones will only receive OS upgrades until 2024. That means they may not receive updates past Android 15 while continuing to receive support until 2026.That's not bad, since only some of the best Android phones are promised as much as four years of security updates, and the Pixels will remain secure well after they stop receiving newer versions of Android. Still, it may be a bummer for some that...
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