Latest from Android Central

We've heard this before, haven't we?What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly preparing to start panel production on the Pixel foldable in Q3 2022.The company may launch the device in Q4 of this year, likely following Samsung's next foldables.Google was previously rumored to launch the foldable in late 2021 or early 2022.While Google was once said to have put its rumored Pixel foldable plans on hold, it seems things are back on track for a launch in late 2022.Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DCSS), tweeted on Monday that Google is set to start panel production on the Pixel foldable in Q3 of 2022, which could be anywhere between July and September. Based on that, he expects the launch to happen in Q4, likely October.Despite leaker Jon Prosser maintaining that the rumored device was never canceled to begin with, Young states that Google canceled its original order for the device. He previously noted that Google was rethinking its approach for its folda...

Samsung is holding out on us.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S22 series doesn't support seamless updates on Android.Seamless updates allow users to continue using their phones as it applies updates in the background.Android has supported this feature since 2016, with Samsung continuing to be a major holdout.Samsung may be great at providing quick updates for its phones, whether they're monthly security patches or major OS upgrades. However, the company continues to skip out on support for A/B (Seamless) System Updates, and it seems the Galaxy S22 series is no exception.9to5Google was able to verify that the new Galaxy S22 phones are missing out on the partitions that would make "Seamless Updates" available.A/B (Seamless) System Updates have been available on many of the best Android phones for years, with the biggest benefit being that it allows the user to continue using the device while the system installs updates in the background. However, it also allows the user to...

Google Messages and RCS gain major support in the United States now that it is the default messaging app on Samsung's phones.What you need to knowGoogle Messages is the default messaging app for the Samsung Galaxy S22 series in the United States.Last year, the Galaxy S21 series included Google Messages as the default service in Europe and regions.Google Messages supports RCS messaging in addition to traditional SMS and MMS texting.Google Messages isn't the first messaging app from Google, by a longshot, but it is the one that is gaining the most traction, and that is in large part to the implementation of RCS messaging. The good news is that starting with the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, Google Messages is the default messaging app in the United States. Alongside 9to5Google, we have confirmed that this is the case on our Galaxy S22 review samples.In the US, all of the best Android smartphones are using Google Messages as the default — except Samsung. Though Samsungs own s...

Not the return of Windows Phone many were quite expecting.What you need to knowA developer was able to get Windows 11 to run on a Pixel 6.The developer utilized an exploit in Android 13 to run the virtual machine on a Pixel 6.Android 13 is currently available on Pixel smartphones as an early developer preview.While Microsoft is busy getting Android apps to run on Windows 11, a developer managed to get Windows 11 to run on their Android phone — a Pixel 6 running Android 13.XDA developer, kdrag0n, was able to run Windows 11 on their Pixel 6 as a virtual machine, using the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) found on the recently released Android 13 developer preview.And here's Windows 11 as a VM on Pixel 6 https://t.co/0557SfeJtN pic.twitter.com/v7OIcWC3Ab— kdrag0n (@kdrag0n) February 13, 2022From a performance standpoint, kdrag0n says it's "really usable" despite there being no graphics acceleration. They were even able to play old-school Doom on the Windows VM....

Don't want to carry over every contact you've ever had? We can help.If you've been using Telegram for a while now — like many of us at Android Central — you probably automatically synced your contacts when signing up for the app. True, syncing your phone's contacts makes life easier when it comes to getting in touch with friends and colleagues, but what if you're one of those people who never clears out their contacts list? The phone number for your old neighborhood's pizza place, that guy or girl you went on a date with once three years ago, your ex… the list goes on.The last thing anybody wants is notifications when somebody they've forgotten about — or don't want to hear from — joins Telegram. Luckily, there's no need for syncing regret. You can quickly and easily disable contact syncing in Telegram and delete any contacts you've already synced with the app. We'll show you how.How to disable contact syncing in TelegramOpen the Telegram app.Tap on the Settings m...

For guys, finding the best men's Android smartwatches can be a bit overwhelming, sifting through all the different styles and types of devices across the many excellent Android smartwatches out there. There's a lot to consider: from fitness-focused wearables to minimalistic designs and so many in between. The best all-around option for most guys, though, is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series for various reasons. But who doesn't like choice? Not to worry, we've got you covered.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Samsung has long been one of the top brands for making smartwatches for Android users. But up until 2021, the company had focused on watches that ran its own OS, Tizen, with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series it moved to a co-developed option with Google — Wear OS 3. As Winter 2022, it is still the only wearable running this version of the operating system, and along with that status, it also has some other features exclusive to the watch.There are two watches to pick ...

EA is bringing one of its most popular shooters to mobile.Apex Legends is one of Electronic Arts' most successful games, with more than 100 million unique players. EA announced that it'd be bringing the game to mobile audiences, and after rounds of testing, interested users in select countries can currently pre-register ahead of a planned soft release.The game follows in the footsteps of other successful shooters that have made their way to mobile, such Fortnite, Call of Duty, and PUBG (all three of which made our list of best Android games). There's a massive audience for battle royale games on Android, and Apex Legends will fit right in when it launches.Jump to:What is Apex MobileHow is it different from other versions?What phones support Apex Mobile?When will the game launch?How much will Apex Mobile cost?What is Apex Legends Mobile?Apex Legends is a battle royale hero shooter in which you play as various characters, called Legends, participating in fights ...

India has banned over 300 apps over similar concerns since mid-2020.What you need to knowThe Indian government has banned 54 more apps of Chinese origin.Some of the newly banned apps include Garena's Free Fire, Tencent's Xriver, AppLock, and Astracraft. Many of these apps are rebadged versions of apps that were banned by India in 2020.India on February 14 banned Garena's Free Fire: Illuminate and 53 more apps of Chinese origin that apparently pose a threat to the country's national security.54 Chinese Apps banned by Indian Government including Tencent owned apps and Beauty Camera Selfie App Full List of 54 Chinese Apps courtesy @MajorPoonia #54ChineseApps #ChineseApps pic.twitter.com/H8FKFEYuis— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) February 14, 2022Free Fire is among the most popular Android games in the world currently. The game is owned by Singapore-based Sea Ltd., which is backed by China's Tencent. Last month, the WeChat creator cut its stake in Sea from 21.3% to 18.7...

Google Pixel 6Top-notch cameras$599 at AmazonProsOutstanding camerasPleasingly smooth performanceAndroid 12 with Material You looks sweetUnusual, bold designCons90Hz panel could be brighterNo charger in the boxNot everyone likes the camera unitGoogle's Pixel 6 is the perfect affordable flagship without any big compromises. You get top-notch software, unbeatable cameras, and snappy performance. The only factors that aren't so hot are the 90Hz refresh rate on its 6.4-inch OLED display and the missing charger in the box.OnePlus 9One glorious screen$600 at AmazonProsGlorious 6.55-inch 120Hz AMOLED displayExpeditious performerSolid set of cameras65W fast chargingConsOnly T-Mobile variant is water-resistantUnlocked version lacks 5G supportRuns Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12)OnePlus hit a home run with the OnePlus 9, cramming some powerful hardware in a sleek body. You get great Hasselblad cameras, a bright and beautiful 120Hz ...

Gaming is simply better with a controller in your hands.Gaming on Android typically requires you to settle for using touchscreen controls. However, some gracious game developers take the time and effort to add support for Bluetooth gamepads — and we love them for it. Since so few games provide this feature, we've taken the time to test as many as possible. Here is our list of the best games that let you play with the best Bluetooth controller in your hands.We'd also recommend getting a Style Ring or PopSocket, which can help prop your phone up at a good angle for gaming.You might recognize some of these games from the best Android games roundup, and for good reason. But you're here for the best games with controller support, after all, so here I present to you the best you can find on the Play Store.The gamesBrawlhallaBridge Constructor PortalCall of Duty MobileCastlevania: Symphony of the NightDandaraDead CellsDoom & Doom IIEvoland 2 GRID AutosportGrimval...

Easy-to-use workout workhorseGarmin Venu 2 Plus$450 at AmazonProsGPS, NFC, HRM, SpO2Beautiful AMOLED displayThree buttons for navigationAnimated HIIT workoutsIn-depth Garmin metrics don't require subscriptionUp to nine days battery lifeConsMore expensiveFewer health sensorsThe Garmin Venu 2 Plus offers heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, sleep and stress tracking, fitness age and Body Battery scores, a daily Health Snapshot, and other health tools. For fitness, you'll find over 25 sports modes and tons of useful metrics offered for free, plus customizable workouts and free training plans. You'll just have to pay a premium to get it.Stylish and thoroughFitbit Sense$200 at AmazonProsGPS, NFC, HRM, SpO2Attractive OLED displayECG, EDA trackersCheaper, often on saleUp to six days battery lifeConsRequires $10/month Fitbit Premium for best experienceNavigation more touch-dependentIn addition to the health tools offered by Fitbit...

The company understands the value of the younger generationSamsung believes consumers aren't as concerned with professional filmmaking from their phones, as much as Apple does, some experts believe and they say that's okay. They add that Samsung is targeting a very different audience that values creating and sharing content on social media platforms, which gives Samsung a leg-up on Apple.Samsung launched its Galaxy S22 series last Wednesday and the phones are a considerable change from previous generations. The Ultra is the lost Note 21 that consumers never got and the less expensive S22 and S22+ are smaller but Samsung has not compromised top-quality cameras and other components. The series of phones start at $799 and are available in many colors.In his hands-on article, Android Central's Nick Sutrich says the Ultra "packs the best camera hardware of all three phones, sporting a primary 108mp sensor - an upgraded one over last year's sensors - and three additional rear cameras...

The phone is launching in Europe first.What you need to knowHMD Global has unveiled a new budget phone.The Nokia G21 comes with a 90Hz screen, a 50MP main camera, and a large 5,050mAh battery. It will soon go on sale in Europe for a starting price of €170. HMD Global has quietly unveiled the Nokia G21, a follow-up to the Nokia G20 that it rolled out in April last year (via GSMArena). While it isn't a huge upgrade, the phone does have a refreshed design with a thinner frame.Nokia G21 is HMD Global's first G series phone to come equipped with a high refresh rate screen. Its 6.5-inch HD+ LCD panel has the same 90Hz refresh rate as some of the best budget Android phones, with an adaptive mode that can lower it down to 60Hz for longer battery life.The Nokia G21 is powered by a 12nm Unisoc T606 chipset, which is a significant upgrade over the Helio G35 inside the G20. The chipset features two Arm Cortex-A75 cores and six A55 cores. It has been paired with 4GB of RAM and 128...

Stuffcool's latest USB-C cables are made out of 96% recycled plastic and work with the 65W USB PD standard.We have a lot of recommendations if you're looking for the best USB-C cables for your phones and accessories. And while you'll find plenty of great options if you want durable charges that deliver up to a 100W charge consistently, the one area where we haven't seen much progress is sustainable cables.That's why I was intrigued when Indian accessory maker Stuffcool announced that it was launching eco-friendly USB-C cables made out of recycled plastic. These cables are designed for data transfer and charging phones and notebooks, and go up to 65W over USB PD. I've had the cables plugged into the Stuffcool Centurion for the last month, and in that time I used them to charge phones, wireless earbuds, power banks, and other accessories. Here are three reasons why the Stuffcool Ecolo cables are a great choice for Indian users.Stuffcool Ecolo cables work with the 65W USB PD charg...

Captured in Fidelity ModeAloy's journey, examined across Sony's consoles.Guerrilla Games' Horizon Forbidden West is here, continuing Aloy's adventures as she races to restore the world against a mysterious blight. It's a cross-generation game, meaning that like some other PlayStation titles, it's available on both Sony's latest and previous machines. Naturally, this means there's some fairly major changes between the two versions of the game in how they look and run, which we've examined so you can know what you'll be buying. Here's a graphics comparison of Horizon Forbidden West across PS5 and PS4.Horizon Forbidden West graphics comparisonHorizon Forbidden West supports two difference graphics modes on PS5: Fidelity mode and Performance mode. By contrast, the PS4 Pro and PS4 versions only support one version each. As such, there's a total of four different visuals modes for Horizon Forbidden West.In general, the PS5 Fidelity mode maintains the sharpest image, followed by th...

Captured in Fidelity Mode.Guerrilla delivers a perfect sequel to one of the best games ever made.Coming from a studio mostly known for Killzone, a first-person shooter series, Horizon Zero Dawn had no right to be as amazing as it was when it released in 2017. Guerrilla was certainly no stranger to sci-fi, but Horizon's gameplay was such a departure from the developer's usual work it would have been understandable if it had its fair share of issues. Instead, it became one of the best action-RPGs to come out in recent memory. Its sequel Horizon Forbidden West continues that legacy.I knew going in that I was going to have a blast with it, but I was surprised just how hard it was to put the controller down, even for a moment. I had picked up Pokémon Legends: Arceus a day after receiving a code for Forbidden West, and I've only played 30 minutes of it. Even after beating Horizon Forbidden West, I can only think about Aloy's latest adventure.It's easy to sink 30 or so hours into it...

Watching the Super Bowl on Roku gives you so many options to catch the big game tonight and you could be all set up in just a few minutes. Be it on a smart TV with the Roku suite built-in, or on one of the best Roku devices, you'll have excellent coverage to watch Rams vs Bengals in Super Bowl LVI on NBC - for FREE from some services too. We'll help you get involved if you're outside of the US as well. A quick reminder, the Super Bowl kick-off is set for 6:30pm ET, 3:30pm PT, 11:30pm GMT tonight.First up, the simplest option to watch the Super Bowl. If you already have NBC as a part of your cable service, then you're all set. Simply download the NBC app onto your Roku device, sign in with your cable provider credentials and sit back and enjoy the game. If you don't have NBC on your package, or you're a cord-cutter, then there are multiple options available to watch the Super Bowl on your Roku, including completly free options via handy free trials (double-check on the sign-up sites t...

With the ease at which you can remove your PS5 faceplate covers, it's great to know that many alternatives are available, both official and aftermarket. But with the uncertainty that comes with veering away from the default option, where should you start? Whether you're dissatisfied with the original white color or just looking for a different option to help spruce up your new console, our guide on the best PS5 faceplates is here to help you get your console looking its best.The real dealOfficial PS5 Console CoversStaff PickAfter a long wait, official PS5 plates are finally here in various colors. As well as having covers sporting the official logo, those wishing to purchase licensed plates can be sure they're getting products of the highest quality. The Midnight Black and Cosmic Red colors are now available from the PlayStation Store, with the other colors coming later this year. The option to purchase a PS5 controller in each new color ensures a satisfying and complete ...

Best answer: If your house is already equipped with low-voltage doorbell wiring, Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is the best consumer-grade video doorbell in Ring's lineup. Otherwise, Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) can run off a rechargeable battery and offers a solid experience for customers wanting a Ring doorbell.What is a Ring Doorbell?Ring's line of Wi-Fi-connected video doorbells is a great way to secure your home and give yourself some peace of mind when you're waiting on a package or going away on vacation. They detect motion before anyone gets near your door, alert your smartphone, and start recording video. Best of all, most Ring Doorbells go on sale pretty regularly, so keep an eye out during any upcoming holidays — that's typically when deals strike.Recorded footage gets stored in the cloud (with a subscription fee, of course), so you don't have to be watching live to catch a would-be burglar. There's also two-way audio, meaning you can talk to the person on the other en...

The company doesn't seem to be prepared to give up on the OxygenOS branding.What you need to knowOnePlus has confirmed the development of OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13.The revelation coincided with the company's announcement of its upcoming Open Ears Forum for developers and users on February 28.However, the current situation is causing confusion for many, as OxygenOS 12 was supposed to be the final version of OnePlus' Android skin.The merger of OnePlus and OPPO last year signaled a new direction for both companies, with the former's OxygenOS skin folding into the latter's ColorOS going forward. As a result, eligible OnePlus and OPPO smartphones will run a unified OS globally, beginning with the OnePlus 10 series.However, a new development seems to contradict that plan. OnePlus teased the development of OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13, and it's inviting users to take part in its upcoming Open Ears Forum (OEF) where developers and fans can talk about the next version of ...

The PS5 has been out for quite some time now, and while finding one can be difficult, those who own one can take advantage of something its predecessor also had: remote play. So whether you're too tired to sit up or want to lounge around in a different room while playing, the PS5 allows players to connect to the console and play from their phone remotely. Better yet, you can even connect your DualSense controller to your phone, making it much easier to play. But, of course, propping your phone up to play can be a bit of a hassle, so we've collected some of the best PS5 controller phone mounts available right now.A tight holdOrzly PS5 Controller Mobile Gaming ClipStaff PickOrzly's DualSense controller phone mount promises a secure hold, and thanks to its padded phone grip, it's likely to back those promises up. Not only does it feature a tighter grip on your phone, but it also has easily accessible control options for adjusting the viewing angle of your phone. The mount al...

Your lock screen is about to become more useful in the next version of Android.What you need to knowGoogle will make it easier to switch between multiple profiles on the lock screen in Android 13.This feature is under development, and it is likely to make its way to smartphones and tablets.Android 13 will also allow users to install apps while setting up their guest profile without compromising privacy.A few days ago, Google unveiled the first developer preview of Android 13, the next version of its mobile operating system that zeroes in on privacy and security. That's nowhere more evident than in the features promised by the upcoming Android version, including one that makes it a lot easier to switch between user profiles even before unlocking the screen.According to Esper, an Android development platform, the next version of the OS will include a keyguard profile switcher, which will allow multiple users to log in to a device directly from the lock screen (via XDA Devel...

Smart thermostats are a great way to save money, especially as the price of electricity continues to go up in many places. Not only that but using power more efficiently is one of the best ways most people can help reduce dependence on environmentally-destructive energy production methods like coal and gas. Smart thermostats can help heat and cool your home more efficiently by reducing usage when you're away from home and recommending more efficient settings. You can also save some money with rebates or rewards from your power company.Check with your energy providerSome energy companies and co-ops offer rebates for buying a smart thermostat or even offer them for free. Before you click buy on a smart thermostat, it's worth it to give your energy company a call to see if there are any promotions available.You can also check online to see if your provider has listed any deals. You can check on Amazon for rebates with your zip code before buying an Amazon Smart Thermostat. Google ...

Galaxy S22 buyers in India will get Qualcomm's latest chipset instead of the Exynos 2200.It's official: the Galaxy S22 series will be powered by Qualcomm's latest 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in India. A few leaks hinted as much before the launch, and Samsung confirmed the same in a blog post.This is obviously a huge deal, because Samsung only launched Exynos variants of its phones in the country over the last seven years. The one instance where it deviated from the path was with the 5G variant of the Galaxy S20 FE, which offered the Snapdragon 865. Samsung initially launched the S20 FE sans 5G connectivity, with that model running the Exynos 990. But in March 2021, the Korean manufacturer rolled out the 5G model with Qualcomm's chipset, and that generated an additional wave of interest in the device.Samsung is the only Android manufacturer to use a dual-sourcing strategy for its flagships, and it continues to do so because the model has worked particularly well for the brand. It res...

There's still plenty of time to watch a UFC 271 live stream tonight as the main card events have yet to start. We've got everything laid out for you to catch the Adesanya vs Whittaker PPV online as they compete for the Middleweight title.The main card Middleweight title bout between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker is set to take place around 10pm ET / 7pm PT / 3am GMT. As UFC 271 is a PPV event in the US, you may as well check out the earlier fights on the card too. The early prelim fights began at 6pm ET / 3pm PT / 11pm GMT. We'll tell you how to watch UFC 271 online in the US first, but we also have local options for the UK, Europe, and Australia further down the page. US links for the UFC PPV prices on ESPN+ are directly below if you just want to get straight to it.UFC 271 on ESPN+ | $99.98 (new subscribers)UFC 271 on ESPN+ | $74.98 (existing subscribers)The main event sees Israel Adesanya aiming to defend his Middleweight title for the fourth time. While undefeated ...

Gather some friends around the TV and fire up that PS4 or PS5 — these are the best social and co-op games for the consoles.Sometimes you don't want to play a game by yourself; sometimes you want to have a good time with a friend. For the purposes of this list, we stuck to games that don't typically fall under the category of competitive multiplayer shooters like Call of Duty, Battlefield, Rainbow Six Siege, and more. The games below give a great cooperative experience without the threat of random strangers mowing you down and possibly ruining the fun. Of course, these are also playable on PS5 through backward compatibility or specific PS5 versions.Best co-op games for PS4 and PS5:Borderlands 3It Takes TwoA Way OutThe Division 2: Warlords of New York EditionMinecraftLEGO DC Super-VillainsOvercooked: All You Can EatTowerFall AscensionDon't Starve TogetherUnravel TwoKeep Talking and Nobody ExplodesNidhogg 2Human: Fall FlatGuacamelee! One-Two Punch CollectionRaym...

Smart doorbells and cameras are a great way to add a sense of security to your home and keep an extra eye on things, even when you're away. But when accessed by the wrong person, cameras and doorbells can also be deeply troubling. You've probably read articles about online intruders hacking into people's connected cameras and even using the two-way audio to terrorize residents on the other end. Far too often, the "hacker" simply takes advantage of a weak password. As a result, Ring began requiring users to enable two-factor authentication from February 2020 onward. So let's not delay any further. We'll show you how to enable two-factor authentication on your Ring account to fully secure your devices.How to enable 2FA from your phoneTwo-factor authentication is an absolute must these days, especially with something as private as a live camera feed. Enabling it from the Ring app on your phone just takes a few simple steps. There are two methods offered by the Ring app for authentic...

The burgundy Galaxy S22 Ultra is nice, but that green ...The Galaxy S22 series is here, and while Samsung's latest flagships may not be for everyone, the company will undoubtedly well plenty of them. Each year we get a different set of colorways, and that's no different with the S22 series.Across the models, Samsung has included Phantom Black, White, and a nice dark green colorway that appears quite striking no matter which way you look at it. However, the differences lie in the fourth color option, with the Galaxy S22 and S22+ receiving a Pink Gold model, whereas the Galaxy S22 Ultra has an elegant burgundy. Not to mention, the S Pen also has a lovely two-tone design that matches the phone nicely.With that in mind, we want to know which Galaxy S22 color you find most appealing, regardless of if you plan to buy one or not.Poll: What color Galaxy S22 are you most interested in?Aside from the standard colorways that you can find at many carriers (depending on the region, o...

These are the best shows on NBC's Peacock streaming service right now.NBC's Peacock streaming service is the digital hub for new and old NBC series, Peacock originals, and various content from other networks. And with both a free tier and two premium plan options, there's lots of content to choose from. With that in mind, we've rounded up the best Peacock shows available right now.PeacockFind your NBC favorites and moreFrom $5/mo. at PeacockAll the shows, movies, and sports you wantNBC's Peacock streaming service is the exclusive home for iconic NBC series like The Office and shows from a collection of other networks. You can also find a rotating lineup of free and premium movies.Best Peacock showsOriginal series on PeacockJust added on PeacockWWE on PeacockTrue crime on PeacockDrama series on PeacockPeacock OriginalsIn addition to featuring a variety of classic series and shows that are currently airing new episodes on TV, Peacock features a lineu...

Congrats on your new Samsung Galaxy S22! Your wonderful new flagship is powerful, pretty, and...delicate. Sure, IP68 water resistance is great, but this is still a slab of glass and aluminum wrapped around the fancy new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and those wonderful, wonderful cameras. You need to protect it with a wonderful Galaxy S22 case, but while you're at it, there are a few key ways to elevate your Galaxy experience.The new signature lookGalaxy S22 Series Silicone Cover with StrapThis strappy case is looking like the one to beat for the Galaxy S22, as Samsung will be working with big-name brands like Disney to create fun swappable straps. The strap is also functional and serves as a phone grip.$40 at Samsung (S22) $40 at Samsung (S22+) $40 at Samsung (S22 Ultra)Strong, yet stylishPoetic NeonThis heavy-duty case uses a flexible, impact-absorbent inner sleeve, while a hard outer shell offers a firm grip and stability. Both the S22 and S22+ have eight colorway...

I just want it to work. You probably do, too.The new Samsung Galaxy S22 will, as usual, be the phone to beat in 2022. Spoiler: most phones aren't going to beat it in any meaningful way, and in the west, it will sell in numbers that only Apple can beat. That's the nature of the Samsung ecosystem beast, my friends.Sadly one of those things that all other phone makers will chase is a camera that can do a million things well but forgets to do the most important thing great. Yes, the camera you have with you is always the best camera, but most of us want to be able to whip it out and grab a great picture without any buttons or settings or modes or other assorted bleeps and bloops. The S22 camera might be great at the basics, but Samsung didn't bother to show us.The sad part is that the camera on the S22 might be great at doing that, but unless you have early access to a review unit, you don't know for sure because Samsung didn't bother to mention it. If this is what's most impo...

Calls from European Google Voice numbers are now part of your license.What you need to knowGoogle announced a new change to Voice calls made to mobile and landline numbers in Europe.Calls from Google Voice to many European numbers are now included in your licenses.Domestic and international rates were previously applied to these calls.Google has a sweet offer for Voice customers who frequently call landline and mobile phone numbers in Europe. Connecting to someone in European countries via Google Voice numbers is now less expensive.The search giant announced that your Voice licenses now cover calls between many European numbers. The latest change took effect on February 8, which means domestic and international rates no longer apply to these calls."This change will reduce the cost of staying connected with your colleagues, partners, and customers distributed in Europe," the company said in a blog post.This feature is available for all users with European phone numbers...

The Galaxy Tab S8+ is still available for preorder, but that may change soon.What you need to knowSamsung has put the Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra preorders on hold.The move was motivated by "overwhelming demand," according to the company.Despite this, you can still preorder the tablets from other online retailers such as Best Buy.The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series is easily the best Android tablets on the market, but you might be out of luck if you're trying to preorder the tablets right now. Samsung has paused preorders for the vanilla and Ultra models on its online storefront due to an "overwhelming demand."As spotted by XDA Developers, both the regular Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra are marked as sold out on Samsung's website just two days after the products' announcement. Here's what a company representative had to say regarding the device's status: We are thrilled by the consumer response to our new Galaxy Tab S8 lineup. Due to the overwhelming demand in the las...

Google also introduced other online safety features in observance of Safer Internet Day.What you need to knowGoogle announced new updates and expansions to its existing online safety features.Guest Mode on Google Assistant will be available in nine additional languages in the coming months.The Google Fi app will soon allow you to share your location with friends and family members for free.Beginning next month, you'll be able to turn on Google's account-level enhanced safe browsing.Last year, Google unveiled an incognito-style feature for Google Assistant called Guest Mode, which prevents your interactions on Nest speakers and displays from being saved. The feature was initially available on a few languages, but that's changing soon.Google announced this week that Guest Mode is coming to nine more languages over the coming months. It's adding support for Danish, Indonesian, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Brazil), Swedish, Thai, Mandarin (Taiwan), and Hindi (via 9to5Google...

Congrats on your new Samsung Galaxy S22! Your wonderful new flagship is powerful, pretty, and...delicate. Sure, IP68 water resistance is great, but this is still a slab of glass and aluminum wrapped around the fancy new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and those wonderful, wonderful cameras. You need to protect it with a wonderful Galaxy S22 case, but while you're at it, there are a few key ways to elevate your Galaxy experience.The new signature lookGalaxy S22 Series Silicone Cover with StrapThis strappy case is looking like the one to beat for the Galaxy S22, as Samsung will be working with big-name brands like Disney to create fun swappable straps. The strap is also functional and serves as a phone grip.$40 at Samsung (S22) $40 at Samsung (S22+) $40 at Samsung (S22 Ultra)Strong, yet stylishPoetic NeonThis heavy-duty case uses a flexible, impact-absorbent inner sleeve, while a hard outer shell offers a firm grip and stability. Both the S22 and S22+ have eight colorway...

For all you lonely souls out there.What you need to knowTinder launches its latest feature dubbed Fast Chat: Blind Date.The app will match people based on commonalities and put them in a timed chat.They can decide to "like" the person or move on to another match.Fast Chat: Blind Date is available now in the U.S. and will arrive globally soon.Are you looking for a last-minute Valentine's date? Tinder wants to give you a shot by launching a new feature on the dating app — Fast Chat: Blind Date.The name is pretty self-explanatory, as it's Tinder's way to make blind dates cool again.The feature works by having users answer questions about themselves, after which it will pair them with someone with who they have things in common. After they're paired up, they will enter a timed chat, although neither person can see each other's profiles; they will only be able to view their answers to certain multiple-choice questions.Once the chat is over, each participant will have th...

After replacing Google+, Currents will disappear into Google's Slack competitor app.What you need to knowGoogle is "planning to wind down Google Currents," an enterprise app meant to allow coworkers to share ideas and information with one another.Google will import Currents into Google Spaces, a workroom app that syncs with your Google Workspace apps, by 2023.Currents only left beta in mid-2020, making it particularly short-lived.Google loves to throw apps at the wall, see what sticks, then scrape up the failures and throw them onto the successes as a garnish. It's taken that approach with its messaging apps, reader apps, and productivity apps, among others. On Thursday, Google announced that Google Currents would be the latest tool to get frankensteined onto another service.Currents, originally the branding for a social magazine app replaced by Google Play Newsstand in 2013, later became a G Suite app where users could "have meaningful discussions and interactions" by sh...

Google clears a major regulatory hurdle.What you need to knowThe UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted Google's Privacy Sandbox commitments.The CMA opened its investigation into the proposal in early 2021.Google will consult with the CMA on a regular basis to ensure it's compliant.Following an investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Google has announced on Friday that the regulatory body has approved its controversial Privacy Sandbox commitments.The approval will ensure that Google's work into Privacy Sandbox will remain fair and not harm competition. Google says that its proposal to replace third-party cookies "will apply in the same way to Google's advertising products as to products from other companies."Additionally, Google will work with the CMA and Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for regulatory oversight and input as it develops the initiative to ensure that it's compliant and will wait to implement any change...

No matter which smartphone you buy these days, it's essential to get a case for it, and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is no exception. The Galaxy S20 FE offers everything — from powerful hardware to great cameras — at a very attractive price. Moreover, it's a smartphone that'll easily last you years, provided you get one of these best Galaxy S20 FE cases to give it the protection it deserves. And while you're at it, you may also want to check some of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors to shield that 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen from all kinds of damage.Funky 3D effectsCaseology Parallax SeriesStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax is one of those cases that have become a favorite for many. The unique 3D design on its back improves grip and ergonomics, while the rest of the case gives you the protection you need. Caseology also ensures this case can be used with many of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors while still maintaining support for wireless charging.From $16 at...

Google makes it easy to send a Google Chrome tab from one device to another via a handful of different methods. To share tabs in Chrome, you will need Chrome 77 or later on your devices, a synced Google account that you're signed in to, and open tabs you want to share. Once you've sorted out those requirements, these are the steps you need to take to send a Google Chrome tab from a desktop to an Android device.Chrome tab sharing via QR CodeOne of the easiest ways to share a Chrome tab between devices is by creating a QR Code for the tab you want to send. Here's how to do that.Navigate to the webpage you want to send. In the address bar at the top of the page, click the Share icon and select QR Code. The QR Code will be generated and displayed at the top-right of your browser.On your Android device, tap the three-dots button at the top right of your screen.Select the Share button and select QR Code.When the QR code is displayed under the Share tab, tap Scan and point t...

One of Sony's biggest franchises will indeed be making a full return on PS5. Here's what we know so far.Gran Turismo has been one of Sony's biggest franchises since the days of the very first PlayStation. The tagline, "the real driving simulator," has always cut straight to the core of what Gran Turismo is all about, and generally speaking, has received much praise over the years.But it's also hard to believe that the PS4 has gone by entirely without a new, full Gran Turismo game. Gran Turismo 6 launched on the PS3, and while PS4 owners have at least had GT Sport, it's fair to say the reaction has been mixed at times, and it's not quite the same as a full sequel.That's what we seem to be getting on the PS5 and PS4 this year. Here's everything we know about Gran Turismo 7.Jump to:When does it release?Resolution and frame rateWill it support PSVR?What circuits will be present?What cars will it include?What are its features?Will it be on PS4?Gran Turismo esports and ...

More enemies and weapons to shoot them with coming too.What you need to knowAfter the Fall is a virtual reality shooter with four-player co-op and competitive multiplayer for Quest 2, PlayStation VR, and VR on PC.The game will receive a new Horde mode with the Frontrunner Season alongside new maps, enemies, and weapons in mid-February.After the Fall will get a physical PS VR release called the Frontrunner Edition in March.Virtual reality zombie shooter After the Fall will be receiving new content with more modes, maps, enemies and weapons with the upcoming Frontrunner Season starting sometime this month.After the Fall developer Vertigo Games revealed today almost all of what will be coming in the game's first season of content. The season will kick off by adding a new Horde mode, where up to four players defend a contained area against multiple lanes of Snowbreed enemies and survive as long as possible.The Horde mode can be played on two new maps coming with the season,...

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

Get lost in these big worlds on a small screen.Role-playing games are wonderful, story-driven experiences that complement the mobile gaming experience nicely. Despite the relatively tiny mobile screens we're used to (yes, 5.7 inches is still small by gaming standards), RPGs allow us to get lost in fanciful worlds for a while. In the case of some games, especially those ported over from PC, that "while" could be 20, 30 hours, or even more! This makes the best RPGs worth their price in the Google Play Store.Unfortunately, like most game genres, there are some mobile duds. We've hand-picked the best of the best to save you the trouble of digging.If you're looking for more than just RPGs, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Android games out there!The gamesAdventures of ManaAnimAAnother Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and SpaceArcane Quest 3Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of AmnThe Banner SagaBattle Chasers: Nightwar Chrono TriggerCrashlands Eternium...

Nearly 50,000 Twitter users and counting complained that their app or web version was down.Update, Feb 11 (10:30 a.m. ET): Twitter's issue has been fixed.What you need to knowTwitter experienced a widespread outage as of 9 A.M. PT on Friday.Downdetector is also reporting spikes in outages for other sites and services like AWS and Facebook, though at a much smaller scale.We've confirmed the outage took place across the U.S. and in the UK.Is Twitter down for you? You're not alone. Starting at 12 ET on Friday, February 11, both the Twitter website and app have crashed for a large number of users. As of publication, Downdetector lists over 45,000 users who report an issue with the service.About 50% of the complaints refer to the Twitter web version and 40% to the app. Some of our staff have noticed the site is down for them, but that the Twitter app is still live.On a smaller but still-significant scale, a spike of 500 users report a recent AWS outage on Downdetector. F...

What 2FA is, why it's important, and why you should use it.You see a lot of talk on the internet about two-factor authentication (or 2FA as it's commonly called), and most of the time, you just see people like us telling you to use it.We'll continue that trend and start this guide by telling you to use 2FA whenever and wherever you can. However, we're also going to let you know what it is and why you must use it. Ready to learn more? Read on.Lock it downYubico Yubikey 5 NFC$45 at AmazonKeep your accounts extra safe with a physical 2FA keyEveryone should be using two-factor authentication (yes, you!), and one of the best ways to start is with the Yubico Security Key. This USB key fits in any USB-A port and securely saves 2FA login codes for your Google, Facebook, Dropbox, and other online accounts. It's also extremely durable and can be attached to a key ring for easy transportation.Jump to:Understanding two-factor authenticationIt starts with your password...

Yae Miko is the new five-star Electro catalyst user, joining a growing roster of playable characters.Genshin Impact 2.4 may have just released a month ago, but miHoYo is already looking toward Update 2.5, never content to just let one of the best Android games sit idle. Inline with its regular update cadence, 2.5 arrives on Feb. 16. Though miHoYo is only adding one new playable character this time around — Yae Miko — there will be plenty of activities to do to keep players busy. Here's everything we know about Genshin Impact Update 2.5 so far.Genshin Impact Update 2.5: When the Sakura BloomUpdate 2.5 continues to focus on Inazuma, both above and below ground. MiHoYo notes that "darkness of unknown origins" is looming in Enkanomiya, and this is going to be a formidable threat to travelers. To help throughout the journey, players will be given a new item, the Bokuso Box, able to repel the darkness and its corrosive effects. Elsewhere, the Raiden Shogun's quest continues, ...

Keep track of your menstrual cycle with ease.Staying on top of your menses is not just essential for birth control or conception purposes. It also helps you catch unusual patterns and irregularities that may or may not be related to underlying conditions. The best period tracking apps allow you to track your cycle and provide useful, insightful information about your reproductive system. The greatest apps learn from the data collected and can aptly provide sound predictions based on records.If you want to take things a bit further, it helps that many of the best Android smartwatches and fitness trackers offer the same women's health features. So, for example, you can track your menstrual cycle on popular wearables from Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin, and the data logs are stored on your phone, streamlining the entire tracking process.The Top 3 apps1. Period Calendar2. Glow3. ClueMore optionsFloMy CalendarPeriod TrackerMayaFitbitGarmin ConnectWhat are the bes...

The whole packageFitbit Charge 5$120 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActive Zone MinutesECG & EDA sensorsImproved designA week of battery lifeConsExpensive price tagNeed Fitbit Premium for some featuresIf you have a "go big or go home" mentality regarding your fitness tracking experience, you'll appreciate what the Fitbit Charge 5 brings to the table. It might as well be a tiny but mighty smartwatch with all its perks. You get onboard GPS, advanced health sensors, NFC payments, and more.Bits and piecesAmazon Halo View$65 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart rate and SpO2 monitoringCompact, lightweight designAffordable price tagA week of battery lifeConsNo GPS optionsBland designNeed Halo membership for most perksSome users prefer simplicity when buying a fitness tracker, and that's where the Amazon Halo View delivers. You'll have the basics such as activity/sleep tracking and heart-rate monitoring, but the Halo membership ...

If you're buying the Fitbit Inspire 2 or already have one, you might be thinking about swapping out the band for something else that expresses your style or fits your activity. After all, there are tons of stylish options available, so why not have more than one look to change things up? Whichever style you choose, make sure it will provide maximum comfort. So we found some of the best Fitbit Inspire 2 bands for you to consider.Soft as can beWepro Silicone Fitbit Inspire 2 BandStaff PickThe Fitbit Inspire 2 bands from Wepro are made of flexible elastomer silicone that's lightweight, sweat-resistant, and easy to clean. You get three bands in a pack and can pick the colors that match your style. So whether you want to have a couple of extras or like to share with family and friends, there are enough bands to go around.From $7 at AmazonBreathe easyMaledan Fabric Inspire 2 BandPerhaps you'd prefer a fabric Inspire 2 band. This option from Maledan is soft and bre...