Latest from Android Central

This might be the biggest reason to get the latest Galaxy smartphones.What you need to knowSamsung's upcoming Galaxy S22 and Tab S8 series is tipped to receive four OS upgrades.Its new phones may also receive five years of security patches.Samsung may also apply this new update promise to its 2021 flagship smartphones.With only a couple of days until the Galaxy S22 launch, we thought we knew all there was to know about these phones, thanks to the bevy of leaks we've seen. However, the latest appears to give us a surprising look at a new update promise that Samsung may announce with its new flagship, which could give even the Pixel 6 a run for its money.A tweet from BDTech appears to reveal information they received from Evan Blass (Evleaks) related to the upcoming launch event. The image looks like an excerpt from a press release and mentions that the upcoming flagship series will receive four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.CONFIRMED!Galaxy S21, S22Galax...

It may be a little old at this point, but the Google Pixel 5a is still one of the best Android phones you can buy. And if you're planning on getting one, we recommend grabbing one of the best Pixel 5a screen protectors to shield that 6.34-inch OLED panel from dings and scratches. There are many different options to choose from, and we've rounded up our favorites to help out.The bestFerilinso Screen Protector (3+2 pack)Staff PickThere's more to protecting the Pixel 5a than just the big slab of glass on the front. This kit from Ferilinso includes three screen protectors for the main display and two more for the rear camera module, made to avoid any distortion.$8 at AmazonPlastic shieldSupershieldz PET Clear Shield (6 pack)Tempered glass screen protectors aren't for everyone, and thankfully Supershieldz makes some great PET film screen protectors. Not only do you get six of these in a single pack, but they are straightforward to install, and they add very littl...

Fixing the latest bugs and exploits in Android every month.Google has detailed the latest Android Security Bulletin and released the fixes for Pixel devices.These are exploits and other security concerns that affect Android as a whole. Issues with the operating system, kernel patches, and driver updates may not affect any particular device, but these need to be fixed in the Android base by the folks maintaining the operating system code — you know, Google. The company has detailed the things it's improved for this month.Updated factory images for Pixel devices that are still supported are available, and over-the-air updates are rolling out to users. If you don't want to wait, you can download and flash the factory image or OTA update file manually. Follow the link to get started. The company that made your phone uses these patches to send an update out to you.These changes have been released to the people making the best Android phones for at least 30 days, but Google ...

Google's latest monthly Android update arrives on Pixel phones.What you need to knowGoogle releases the latest Android security update for its Pixel phones.The update brings several bug fixes for various Pixel models.It is rolling out now on all Pixel phones, including the Pixel 6 series.Google has announced the latest monthly Android update for its Pixel smartphones running Android 12, which started rolling out on Monday.The update brings the usual Android security bulletin updates that we expect that ensures your phone will stay safe and secure. Beyond that, Google's best Android phones are also receiving several bug fixes with the update that address some Bluetooth, camera, and connectivity issues.The following bug fixes are included in the update:Framework (Pixel 3a and newer)Fix for issue causing keyboard to display over input text in certain conditions.Telephony (select Pixel 4 models, Pixel 5)Connectivity fixes for specific carrier networks.Camera (...

Meta's ability to serve targeted ads to users in Europe could be "severely limited" by European data regulations.What you need to knowMeta has warned in an SEC filing that it could pull Facebook and Instagram from Europe if it isn't allowed to transfer user data from the European Union to the U.S.A ruling by the EU Court of Justice in July 2020 voided the U.S. Privacy Shield, which allowed American companies like Meta to collect and transfer data of EU subjects. Meta says the new limitations on transatlantic data transfers would have an adverse effect on its advertising business. Meta has "warned" in its 2021 annual report submitted with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it may not be able to continue offering Facebook and Instagram in Europe if it can no longer move data of its users from Europe to the U.S.Until July 2020, Facebook and other American tech giants like Google could transfer the data of EU subjects to U.S. servers under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield....

Best answer: In a PlayStation blog post at the beginning of the year, Sony confirmed that the PS VR2 would support adjustable lens separation, also known as IPD adjustment.What is IPD adjustment, and why does it matter?IPD, which stands for interpupillary distance, is the distance between the center of a person's eyes. Players come in different shapes and sizes, so IPD drastically varies from person to person. Because the screens on VR headsets are designed to be held so close to the user's face, even just a few millimeters can make a world of difference. Therefore, headsets must cover a range of IPDs to accommodate a range of players.Since the first PS VR launched nearly five years ago, companies like Oculus and Valve have made massive strides in improving the VR experience. That includes adjusting the IPD on the headset by using a small slider on the bottom of the headset as a standard. Sony, among other companies, refers to IPD adjustment as lens separation adjustment.Does...

AT&T provides great coverage to a vast majority of Americans, and it's rapidly developing its 5G network to increase that number of people. It's by far one of the best wireless carriers you could join today and one that you can count on for great performance and reliable speeds. Though AT&T offers a variety of plans with competitive pricing to meet each customer's needs, its most complete plan is AT&T Unlimited Elite. With this plan, you'll get 100GB of premium data, HD video streaming, 40GB of mobile hotspot, and everything you need to be prepared for AT&T's steadily growing 5G footprint.Best overall: AT&T Unlimited EliteThe AT&T Unlimited Elite plan will get you the best of the best when it comes to phone plans. With access to AT&T's rapidly growing 5G network, you'll have unlimited premium data. This means no matter how much data you use, you will always get the full speed of the network. You'll also have unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S....

The update initially arrived for the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy S20 phones and Galaxy A50s in other countries.Update, Feb 7 (9:30 a.m. ET): The update is now rolling out to Samsung phones in the U.S.What you need to knowSamsung starts rolling out the February 2022 security update to its flagship and mid-range Galaxy devices.The patch is now available for the Galaxy S20 phones and Galaxy A50s, following its release to the Galaxy Note 20 series.The update includes some security fixes and improvements.Samsung has maintained its impressive update pace by scaling up the number of Galaxy phones receiving its updates while keeping the same speed, overtaking other Android OEMs. The company shows no signs of slowing down, as it is now rolling out the February 2022 security update to some of its Galaxy phones.The latest security patch has started arriving on the Galaxy S20 series in the United Kingdom following its release to the Galaxy Note 20 series on January 28 (via 9to5Go...

Put on your thinking hat.We're rounding up some of our favorite strategy games on Android for the deep thinkers out there. These are more than just simple puzzle games — these require careful planning and forethought to emerge victoriously. You'll find some great replay value in games like these as well since the same strategy won't always work twice.Strategy gamers, pop on your thinking caps and get downloading these outstanding Android games. And if you're looking for the best games in other genres, we have those, too.The gamesBad NorthThe Battle for PolytopiaBloons TD 6Card ThiefChess by AI Factory LimitedCrying SunsThe Escapists 2: Pocket BreakoutEnyoFire Emblem: HeroesGwentHello NeighborHeroes of FlatlandiaHoledown Legends of RuneterraMindustryMushroom Wars 2Night of the Full MoonROME: Total WarTiny GuardiansTropicoXCOM: Enemy WithinBad NorthBad North is one of those unique games that comes along every so often and wows us all. The dev...

Leading the AR/VR field is an expensive proposition, and that money has to come from somewhere.The revelation that Meta's Reality Labs lost a net $10 billion despite record-breaking Quest profits over the holidays raised plenty of eyebrows. But with the dust settled, analysts argue that Meta fully needs to burn through billions to keep up its lead in the VR/AR space. The problem is that Meta intended to bankroll these costs with ad profits that have dried up, which could lead to a breaking point for the company.Meta's 2021 earnings call couldn't have gone much worse. After Apple, Google, and Microsoft all reported record-setting profits last week, Meta brought much more dour news. Facebook user numbers declined for the first time in its history, ad revenue dropped, and stocks plummeted as a result.Meta had reasonable explanations for its failings. Global "supply chain shortages" reduced small businesses' advertising budgets, cutting off Meta's bread-and-butter. Apple's new cust...

Samsung is also expanding the use of recycled post-consumer material and recycled paper for Galaxy devices.What you need to knowSamsung has developed a new material to give ocean-bound plastics "a new life."The Galaxy S22 series will be the first to incorporate repurposed ocean-bound plastics. Samsung plans to use eco-conscious materials throughout its entire product lineup in the future. Samsung is set to take the wraps off its Galaxy S22 series phones on February 9. Ahead of its first Unpacked event of 2022, Samsung has announced that the flagship phones incorporate a "new material" made with repurposed ocean-bound discarded fishing nets.The use of this new material marks an important step in Samsung's Galaxy for the Planet journey, which aims to minimize the company's environmental footprint and "help foster more sustainable lifestyles for the Galaxy community." By giving new life to discarded fishing nets that would otherwise become dangerous waste, Samsung – th...

Not a lot of cash to build your PS5 collection? That's not a problem.So, you've finally managed to acquire a PS5 — now it's just an issue of finding games to play. While different paid titles are all over, you might want to relax with something free to play if your budget is a little tight. So, we've rounded up the best PS5 games that can be played for free. There are a lot of shooters and cross-play games, but everyone can find something they'll want to check out. Some are even updated to take advantage of the PS5 DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.Jump to:Astro's PlayroomApex LegendsCall of Duty: Warzone DauntlessDestiny 2 FortniteGenshin ImpactRocket LeagueSplitgateWarframePlayStation PlusAstro's PlayroomAstro's Playroom is a charming adventure title that takes players down a nostalgic trip of PlayStation hardware while showcasing the different advanced features of the DualSense controller. Best of all? It's entirely free and comes prei...

The PS5 has been out for nearly an entire year now, and while finding one can still prove to be difficult, those who are finally getting their hands on the system are likely looking to grab some must-have accessories. One of those is a Bluetooth adapter, which can give players the ability to utilize wireless audio with their new console. So whether you want to chat with friends without wires or have more freedom to move and stretch while playing, there's already a handful of choices for Bluetooth adapters. We've collected some of the best PS5 Bluetooth adapters available right now, focusing on what works best for the next generation of systems.Multiple optionsGstef USB Bluetooth AdapterStaff PickThe Gstef USB Bluetooth Adapter is a tinier option for those looking to keep things as minimalist as possible. The adapter is a USB Type-A device and can connect to any platform you need, including the PlayStation 5. The adapter bills itself as having a connection of up to 15m, s...

New wallpaper, new theme, no time wasted.Almost a year ago, when rumors started to swell about a new UI overhaul for Android, I had to tamp down my expectations. After all, it took the Android team five years to bring us the system-wide dark theme we deserve, and this was a much more radical change than simply allowing you to flip between light and dark. But Material You launched with Android 12, and with it, the Android home screen experience got the kick in the ass it's needed for half a decade.Widgets actually needed that kick the most: Android widgets became an absolute embarrassment when iOS 14 put widgets on the home screen and gave them a cohesive look. Material You finally gave widgets updated design guidelines and a way for them to better match whatever wallpaper you're using.The biggest achievement of Android 12 stars in the Pixel 6 commercials: set an awesome wallpaper and your phone instantly themes around it. Samsung's version of Material You in One UI 4.0 might n...

Best answer: No, most people find the Wi-Fi 6 routers provided by T-Mobile and Verizon more than fast enough for their internet speeds. If more coverage is needed, a properly configured mesh system can come in handy due to 5G routers needing to be near the window for optimal coverage.T-Mobile and Verizon include free Wi-Fi 6 routersFor the first time in years, competition in the home internet market is heating up, and there's a good chance that you've started to see ads for newly available 5G home internet in your area. The problem is that 5G networks and the devices that utilize them evolved since they were introduced, ranging from mmWave to low-band and, more recently, mid-band and C-band. So how do you know what equipment you should buy? And do you need your own router with 5G home internet?Keep in mind that most routers have a 5GHz mode often displayed as your Wi-Fi name with "5G" at the end. This is not the same as 5G home internet.Luckily, the leading providers of 5G ho...

Who said aging couldn't be fun?French developer Sloclap first saw success with 2017's Absolver, a martial arts-themed game praised for its deep and well-realized combat system. The studio has built on these foundations with new PS5 release Sifu, adding roguelike elements alongside the stellar combat while providing a tough but fair challenge throughout its five areas, or hideouts.Players assume the role of a young Pak Mei Kung Fu student, set on a quest for revenge after witnessing the murder of his/her father and mentor (or Sifu). After training for years, the unnamed protagonist is ready to face the five people responsible, who are now located in various places that are overrun with enemies. A mysterious pendant is carried throughout the game, which results in the character aging each time they die.This unique mechanic is simultaneously refreshing and frustrating. You have to try and keep the student as young as possible across all five hideouts while trying to avoid maxing o...

The launcher could also add a watchlist for kids profile and free Google TV channels.What you need to knowGoogle seems to be working on a "restricted mode" for Google TV that will filter out content deemed inappropriate for kids.The launcher may also be adding a watchlist feature for kids profile and additional free streaming content.These changes were discovered in strings of code as part of the most recent Google TV update.Google could soon make the streaming experience on many of the best Android TVs a lot safer for young viewers. The search giant is apparently developing a new feature for Google TV that will prevent adult content from automatically playing on the home screen.The new content filter feature, dubbed "restricted mode," was discovered by 9to5Google in the most recent update to the Android TV launcher. As its name implies, the feature will make hiding age-inappropriate content from kids a breeze.However, restricted mode appears to be effective only on ad-...

Google Photos integration is also showing up for a limited group of users.What you need to knowGoogle starts rolling out an old-school navigation drawer to the beta version of Messages.The hamburger menu is located in the app's top left corner and contains all of the basic options such as "Messages," "Starred," "Archived," and "Spam & blocked."Messages is also adding support for Google Photos in an apparent shift away from MMS.Google Messages is getting a visual makeover with a Gmail-inspired navigation drawer that improves the messaging experience on Android phones, at least for those who are part of its beta program.The new design began appearing in the latest beta version of Messages (messages.android_20220128_02_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic) a few days after 9to5Google discovered the changes. The same site has now spotted the feature's beta testing, and it brings an old-school hamburger menu, as expected.The three-dot menu that was previously located in the top r...

When it comes to playing games via Xbox Game Pass, once known as Project xCloud, you'll need the best controllers for Android gaming. There are also many titles to choose from, so check out the best Game Pass games you can play on your phone. When it comes to audio, though, finding the best Bluetooth headset that takes your gaming to the next level can be tough. These are our picks for the best around.Best overallSteelSeries - Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming HeadsetStaff PickThe SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is one of the best choices for Bluetooth gaming headsets. While the price point is extremely high, it comes packed with features and has some of the best audio that a gaming headset can provide. The Arctis Pro Wireless even comes packaged with a wireless transmitter for those looking to transition from mobile gaming to a console or PC.$350 at Best BuyCancel out the noiseBL - Quantum 800 RGB Wireless DTS HeadphoneThe JBL Quantum 800 is another headset with a...

Right before The Lord of the Rings, too.On Thursday, Amazon caused quite a stir when it announced its plans to raise the price of its Prime membership. As part of Amazon's Q4 2021 earnings report, it said the yearly cost of Amazon Prime was increasing by $20 to $139 per year. The monthly fee goes up by $2 to $14.99, or $180 for 12 months. It's important to note that the company reported revenue of more than $137 billion in Q4 2021 alone.So is the price increase enough for you to ditch Amazon?Poll: Are you sticking with Amazon Prime after the price hike?Amazon attributes the price increase to rising costs fueled by inflation, not to mention raising its average employee wage to $18 per hour to combat its labor troubles. Amazon CFO Andy Jassy also stated that the company hasn't increased its subscription price since 2018.Notably, this price increase comes ahead of the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power TV series that will begin streaming on Prime Video in Sept...

Advising athletes to only use a burner phone appears to be sound.A while back we heard that a handful of countries advised their respective Olympic teams to leave all personal electronics at home and use a "burner phone" while in Bejing. This was, of course, done because of concerns about the Chinese government's heavy hand with the internet and all electronic communications. Sometimes, Big Brother really is watching.It turns out that this advice was pretty solid, as researchers have torn apart the Android and iOS versions of the MY2022 app — which is required to be used by all Olympians — and found some really interesting things. Not the good kind of interesting, either.After reverse engineering all of the #Beijing2022 #spyware app for @Apple #ios and @Google #Android I can definitively say all Olympian audio is being collected, analyzed and saved on Chinese servers using tech from USA blacklisted AI firm @iflytek1999 https://t.co/9wX1sP8PZP pic.twitter.com/hdIfiKX37m— J...

The best smart lamps bring a delightful ambiance to your space and look great no matter where you place them. Just like all the greatest smart light strips or smart light bulbs, you can expect voice assistant integration, 16 million colors, app control, ambient modes, and in some cases, even portability and an IP rating. We've scoured the galaxies to bring you these amazing otherworldly smart lamps.Versatile choiceGovee Aura Smart Table LampStaff PickGovee is at the top of the smart light game for a good reason. The Aura lamp has a brilliant set of modes in the mobile app, including segmented control and a music mode. So pick your way through 16 million colors and enjoy Alexa and Google Assistant integration.$65 at AmazonCute as a buttonECOLOR Smart Table LampIf Govee is too rich for your tastes, this humbly-priced lamp from ECOLOR should sort you out. With a corded and a cordless version, you get to set different shades for five different parts of the moon....

Amazon is taking its fight to Google in the auto space.What you need to knowAmazon announced a software update that will bring Alexa to thousands of Jaguar Land Rover models.The digital assistant will be rolled out in over 200,000 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles running Pivi Pro 3.0 or later.Alexa will be available to car owners at no additional cost, though a paid subscription is required.Last year, Amazon revealed its intention to invade your garage by giving automakers access to artificial intelligence system underlying its Alexa digital assistant, starting with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Called Alexa Custom Assistant, that solution allows car manufacturers to build custom voice experiences for customers.Alexa is now coming to more dashboards courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover. The British automotive giant announced this week that Amazon's digital assistant will be available in more than 200,000 Jaguar Land Rover models.The system will be available on both older and newer ...

A fix is coming just as quickly as reports of the bug did.Update, Feb 4 (5:25 p.m. ET): Fix arriving today with updateWhat you need to knowMultiple users have reported that Magic Eraser is crashing the Google Photos app.The new bug has cropped up following the latest update to the Photos app on the Google Pixel 6 series.Google has acknowledged the problem, but a fix doesn't appear to be in sight.Anyone who owns a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro may have encountered one of the numerous bugs that have emerged in the months since Google released its best Android phones last year. While some of them have already been fixed, such as the Microsoft Teams emergency calling bug, new ones keep cropping up every now and then.The latest bug to affect the Google Pixel 6 series was discovered after an update to the Google Photos app. As PhoneArena has spotted, attempting to use the Magic Eraser feature would cause the Photos app to crash.It is not clear what's causing the problem, but several use...

Android gamers have a whole new world open when playing video games on their mobile devices thanks to cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, formerly known as Project xCloud. However, if you look at the full list of every game you can play, you'll notice that you can choose from over 200, which might feel overwhelming.Luckily, we have your back, and we've picked some of the best ones of the bunch that we think you should check out first. This is by no means an exhaustive list — Microsoft has an impressive cloud gaming library full of excellent games.You'll see some games come and go; such is the nature of Game Pass. But we'll be sure to update this when we can so you always know which games to play on your phone.The gamesA Plague Tale: InnocenceCelesteDead CellsElder Scrolls V: SkyrimGears 5GroundedHalo: MCCHalo InfiniteHellblade: Senua's SacrificeHollow KnightMinecraft DungeonsNieR:AutomataOri and the Blind ForestOri and the Will of the WispsPsychonaut...

The world of Warcraft is heading to phones and tablets.What you need to knowBlizzard Entertainment is working on a Warcraft mobile game.The game is currently scheduled to launch sometime in 2022.Activision Blizzard is being acquired by Microsoft.Blizzard Entertainment is working on a Warcraft mobile game that's slated to be out in 2022. There's very little information available right now, so it's unclear what genre or form the title will take.The game was announced during Activision Blizzard's Q4 2021 financial results. Blizzard Entertainment isn't new to mobile games, with the upcoming Diablo Immortal transforming the iconic hack-and-slash RPG formula to a format that works with touch screens.It's possible that this Warcraft mobile game could be a strategy title, an action game, or something else entirely. It's unlikely to be a card game however, considering how Blizzard is already managing the ongoing Hearthstone.In addition to these two mobile games, Blizzard is co...

The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new flagship smartphone protected, but also keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or even something rugged, there's no scarcity of options with a smartphone as popular as the Galaxy 21. And the best part is that you don't even have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for a long time. Here are some of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases you can buy today.Colorful and well-texturedCaseology Nano PopStaff PickThe Galaxy S21 is the first Android smartphone to get Caseology's Nano Pop Series, and it's been 110% worth the wait. The texturing on this case makes it grippier than Caseology's longtime favorite Parallax, and the color combos here are bold, beautiful, and pop around the camera cutout of the S21.From $16 at AmazonSlim grip and gritRingke Onyx SeriesIf you want to add some grip to your slippery little Samsung...

Best Answer: NBC's Peacock streaming service offers a free tier that allows you to stream shows and movies on-demand at no cost. If you choose to sign up for a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus paid subscription, you can unlock even more content.Peacock offers one of the best values on the market right now. After all, how many streaming platforms do you know of which have a free streaming tier? Unlike Netflix, Disney+, and other popular services, you don't need to pay a cent to start streaming Peacock. The platform also offers Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers, which provide access to exclusive content for a small monthly fee. If you're wondering what the difference is between Peacock Free vs. paid, or how to sign up, we've got the scoop.PeacockStream it freeStarting for free at PeacockWatch new shows and movies for freePeacock's free tier gives you access to a collection of new and classic series, as well as a rotating lineup of films and live programming. You ...

Stylish and functional desk lamps that can do double duty and charge your phone are pretty common nowadays. As wireless charging is becoming all the rage, more devices and accessories are incorporating Qi charging. The EZVALO 4 in 1 Touch Lamp is the best wireless charging lamp that looks super cool and extremely functional. You can place a Qi-enabled mobile device atop the wireless charging lamp, use it as a portable Bluetooth speaker, and it also works as a phone holder.Best overall: EZVALO 4 in 1 Touch LampThis lamp isn't just a lamp that can also wirelessly charge a mobile device; it functions as a portable Bluetooth speaker for your auditory needs. The EZVALO 4 in 1 Touch Lamp includes a touch control LED lamp embedded into the device's handle and a Qi-enabled wireless charging pad into the base. You get three different brightness settings, going from 30% to 70% and up to 100% brightness.The handle that acts as the lamp itself also acts as a mount for your phone. Since y...

Are you surprised?What you need to knowWe asked our readers what their favorite music streaming service is.YouTube Music received 40% of the votes, with Spotify coming in second with 24% of the votes.Many commenters lamented the loss of Google Play Music which YouTube Music replaced.Following Spotify's recent controversy, we asked our readers which of the best music streaming services they preferred. Out of a staggering 8,300 votes, YouTube Music came out on top with 40% of the votes. That may be too surprising given that this is an Android site after all, but it also helps that the service is included with the YouTube Premium subscription, among other reasons to consider switching from Spotify.That said, Spotify is still a popular (and excellent) service that many people love. While it was ahead for some time in our poll, it ended up with just 24% of votes, which is still more than double that of the following service, Tidal. In fact, you can check out our Spotify vs. Ti...

Stadia consumers no longer the biggest priority.What you need to knowGoogle had been in talks with Peloton, Bungie, and Capcom to use Stadia technology outside of the Stadia gaming platform itself.The streaming game tech has been rebranded as "Google Stream" within the talks.Stadia priority has shifted to "proof-of-concept work for Google Stream and securing white-label deals."Google has rebranded its Stadia game streaming technology as "Google Stream," and had been in talks with Peloton and a few gaming studios to use the tech in white-label deals.Business Insider reports that the company had shifted its focus from negotiating third-party titles for the Stadia platform to securing white-label deals that use Stadia tech similar to the AT&T deal last October. Partners would be able to use Google's game streaming infrastructure, now known as Google Stream, to power its games without being part of the Stadia store and ecosystem.One of the developing deals included bein...

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

They look similar but can have very different use cases. How you will use it determines which is best for you.So you've decided to buy a small single-board computer to use in your great idea. There are plenty to choose from, but the two most popular platforms are Raspberry Pi and Arduino. There are plenty of reasons why they are popular, but the two biggest are price and ease of use. Both are cheap and have a small learning curve, so you can spend time designing the rest of your project instead of learning how to use an SBC (single-board computer). Each has a huge community of helpful users if you get stuck, too.You might be thinking that the two are interchangeable and you can buy whichever you want from Amazon, but that's not the case at all. While you can do some of the same things with either board, they're unique and have plenty of differences. The one you need really depends on what you want to do with it.Raspberry Pi A tiny PCThe Raspberry Pi 400, one of the newest m...

The Find X5 Pro will apparently be offered in Ceramic White and Ceramic Black variants.What you need to knowMore renders of OPPO's Find X5 Pro have leaked online.The latest leak also reveals all the key specs of the upcoming flagship.It is rumored to be announced at MWC 2022. We recently got out first "real-world" look at OPPO's upcoming Find X5 Pro, which is rumored to debut in March to take the fight to the best Android phones on the market. More renders of the flagship phone have now leaked, along with pretty much all its key specs.As revealed by CAD-based renders shared by Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks) in December, the Find X5 Pro will have a unique camera bump housing three cameras. We can also see a curved display with a hole-punch cutout on the top-left corner. According to WinFuture, the OPPO Find X5 Pro will arrive with a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED screen featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Unsurprisingly, the phone will...

Cool added featuresAmazon Halo View$80 at AmazonProsDecent battery lifeYour data is kept safe and secureCool added features like recipesUnique Tone analysis featureConsRequires a subscription to access all featuresTwice as expensiveWith all the features you'd expect from a premium fitness tracker, the Amazon Halo View also adds some unique ones, like the ability to analyze the tone of your voice and access to recipes. But you need a subscription to access many of the features.Affordable premiumXiaomi Mi Band 6$50 at AmazonProsSuper affordableFeatures usually only found in premium models Amazing battery lifeConsInconsistent heart rate trackingWhen it comes to budget fitness trackers, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is worth considering, offering features you'd typically only find in premium wearables along with impressive battery life, and a customizable look.There's a lot of focus on the most premium smartwatches and fitness trackers t...

A Japanese studio shows its history on its sleeve.What kind of game is Ghostwire: Tokyo? The latest title from Tango Gameworks, the studio known for The Evil Within Games and founded by Shinji Mikami of Resident Evil fame, looks initially like a horror game, what with all of its disturbing, mythological creatures attacking you and moody atmosphere. You'd be forgiven if you thought this was a straight-up horror game.While horror is certainly a huge part of the game's DNA, it doesn't tell a full story. Ghostwire: Tokyo is also an action-adventure title with shades of an open world and immersive sim elements. It has a lot of moving parts, and with it getting delayed multiple times since it was announced in 2019, it's understandable we as players didn't get to see a lot of it until this week.Android Central was able to take part in a 30-minute hands-off gameplay demo of Ghostwire: Tokyo, where we were able to check out a beta build. Game Director Kenji Kimura said it's in the final...

When times get dark, we need bright light to see our way out — and the brightest LED smart bulbs make it that much better. A high-lumen (unit for measuring the quantity of light)smart bulb can do the trick in a small or large room. Adding in some smarts to that bulb gives it the flexibility to control from your favorite smart speaker or phone. So whether you want a standard A19 E26 bulb or the BR30 for recessed lighting, there's a bulb for you. The Feit Electric OM100 is our top pick for its incredibly high lumen rating and hubless smart controls, which means it only needs Wi-Fi and your phone to control.Best overall: Feit Electric OM100 - RGBWWhile Feit Electric may not be a well-known smart bulb, it's been innovating and creating high-quality lighting solutions since 1978 — and the OM100 RGBW bulb continues that trend. Since this bulb doesn't require extra hardware such as a hub, this Wi-Fi-enabled smart LED bulb is simple to set up. It has a peak output of 1,600 lumens, ...

A worthy upgradeGarmin fēnix 6$329 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSTwo-week battery life & battery saving modes10 ATM water resistanceNew PacePro feature, Pulse Ox sensorGarmin PayConsNone we could findIf you want to take your tracking up a notch, you'll love the Garmin fēnix 6. It's relatively similar to its predecessor with some notable improvements. You'll now have a Pulse Ox sensor for monitoring blood oxygen saturation, battery saving modes, and the new PacePro feature that helps you keep your pacing strategy right on track.Beloved classicGarmin fēnix 5$379 at AmazonProsOnboard GPS2-week battery life10 ATM water resistanceIn-depth activity trackingMultiple sport modesConsLacks Pulse Ox sensorNo battery saving modesMore expensiveIf you're not concerned about having the latest and greatest wearable, you might be content with the Garmin fēnix 5. It has the essentials, like onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, in-depth activit...

The Galaxy A53 5G may not be a massive step-up from its predecessor.What you need to knowAlleged official images of Samsung's Galaxy A53 have leaked.The phone is tipped to come with an Exynos 1200 chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 5,000mAh battery. Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is expected to be announced soon, alongside a few other 2022 A-series devices. Last month, a major leak revealed nearly all the key specs of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy A53 5G. The first official renders of the mid-ranger have now surfaced, courtesy of German tech publication WinFuture.de.As suggested by previously leaked renders of the Galaxy A53, the phone will not bring any radical changes in the design department. It will have a similar centered hole-punch cutout on the front and a rectangular camera bump on the back. The WinFuture report also confirms that the upcoming mid-ranger will be powered by an all-new octa-core Exynos chipset, which is likely to be called the Exynos 1200. The chip...

One of the expectations when buying the best smart speakers is that they can recognize your voice when asking them questions so they give personalized results. Amazon added a new feature to some of its Echo Show devices called Visual ID to expand ways for those smart displays to show you information specific to you. By recognizing your face, these devices can display reminders, notes, calendar events, and more without you even having to ask for them. But if you decide you no longer want to use this feature, you'll want to know how to delete Amazon Alexa Visual ID history from your devices — and we've got you covered.How to delete your Amazon Alexa Visual ID history using your phone.When Amazon announced the Visual ID feature in fall 2021, it was initially only available on the Echo Show 15, but it has since arrived on the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) and the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen). If you want to use Visual ID, it must be enabled on each speaker because your facial recognition informa...

OnePlus hasn't revealed a specific launch date yet.What you need to knowOnePlus is expanding its smart TV portfolio with two new models.The upcoming OnePlus TV Y1S and Y1S Edge models will bring a "more accessible connected ecosystem experience" to customers at affordable prices.While the OnePlus TV Y1S Edge will be sold across the offline segment, the OnePlus TV Y1S will be exclusively available online. OnePlus on February 4 teased the launch of two new Y series smart TVs for the Indian market. The new OnePlus TV Y1S and OnePlus TV Y1S Edge will debut at an online launch event "soon."Navnit Nakra, OnePlus India CEO, said in a statement: We are excited to bring in the new OnePlus TVs as part of our OnePlus TV Y Series portfolio, that embody our burdenless technology experience, and provide truly seamless smarter TV experience for our wider community at a highly accessible price range.OnePlus says the new models will serve as an extension of its Y series portfolio a...

The best shows are streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxPopular on HBO MaxDrama on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxReality series on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsPopular on HBO MaxWhen it comes to new and popular series, HBO Max is one of the ...

YouTube on Android had a similar button in the past, but it quietly disappeared.What you need to knowYouTube appears to be working on a dedicated button to play songs directly in YouTube Music.This capability is currently tucked away under the video sharing platform's settings menu.When tapped, the dedicated button will presumably open the soundtrack in question in YouTube Music.YouTube used to have an option that allowed users to play a song directly in YouTube Music, making it easier to switch between these apps. However, it was removed at some point in the past, but now the video sharing platform appears to be bringing back that old feature.According to a teardown performed by XDA Developers, the latest version of YouTube for Android contains string of code that indicates a dedicated button for launching songs in YouTube Music is in the works. When tapped, the button will open the same soundtrack in one of the best music streaming services.If this feature sounds fa...

Shining new light on things lurking in the dark.What you need to knowGhostwire: Tokyo is an upcoming timed PS5 console exclusive developed by Tango Gameworks.A new gameplay overview video dives into how players will fight dark spirits in a faithful recreation of Tokyo.Ghostwire: Tokyo is slated to launch on March 25, 2022, with three-day early access for anyone that preorders the Digital Deluxe edition.PlayStation and Bethesda Softworks shared more details on Ghostwire: Tokyo in a new gameplay overview. Developed by Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo tasks players with purging evil spirits in Tokyo. Using Ethereal Weaving, players fight these spirits using fire, water, air, and other ghostly abilities.You can take a look at the new overview for Ghostwire: Tokyo below.When asked to describe what Ghostwire: Tokyo is by Tango Gameworks founder Shinji Mikami, members of the development team described it as "paranormal" and "strawberry shortcake."The game takes advantag...

Whether schools need help choosing or repairing Chromebooks, Google wants to keep it simple.What you need to knowGoogle for Education is launching a Chromebook repair program to simplify the buying and repair of Chrome devices for schools.The announcement comes as Google also announced Chromebooks in schools have passed the 50 million mark, a year after reporting 40 million at its 10-year birthday.Google also took time to highlight its Chromebook discovery tool for helping educators pick which Chromebooks to buy and the ecological footprint of Chromebooks compared to other machines.While Chromebook sales are coming back down to normal after the COVID Chromebook rush of 2020, school districts are still buying them up by the millions as more and more schools shift to Google Workspaces and Chrome for Education. Google announced today alongside new buying and repair tools that there are now over 50 million Chromebooks in schools today being used by students and educators. Googl...

The PlayStation VR (PSVR) is a phenomenal headset. Still, there are always more of the best PS4 accessories and other items you can use to enhance your experience, especially since PS VR2 isn't released for some time yet. That next headset will pack numerous improvements, including controllers utilizing the DualSense haptic feedback. For now, though, if you're looking for the best travel and display cases, we can show you our favorites. Do you want better sound quality or controller options? We know the best options for those, too. We've got your back all the way down to keeping your PSVR safe, clean, and at its peak performance. Here's everything you need to live like a king in virtual reality.On-the-goUSA Gear PSVR and console travel caseStaff PickOne of the best parts of virtual reality is sharing it with your loved ones. Make traveling easy with this USA Gear travel case. It has enough room to fit your PSVR headset, PSVR processor, PlayStation 4 console (Original, Slim,...

Amazon had a good quarter, but costs are rising, so it's raising prices too.What you need to knowAmazon released its Q4 2021 financial earnings with a 9% year-over-year increase in revenue.Amazon announced that it is raising its yearly prime subscription by $20 to offset growing costs.Amazon Web Services (AWS) revenue rose 40% despite recent outages.Amazon's Q4 2021 financial earnings were released on Thursday, reporting $137 billion in revenue — a 9% increase year-over-year. It is also a notable increase over the previous quarter's $110 billion, likely due to holiday shopping, particularly over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. That said, Amazon CEO Andy Jazzy highlights ongoing difficulties due to the pandemic."As expected over the holidays, we saw higher costs driven by labor supply shortages and inflationary pressures, and these issues persisted into the first quarter due to Omicron," Jassy says in a statement. "Despite these short-term challenges, we conti...

If you're in the market for a new Wi-Fi 6 router, the best deliver reliable coverage to all corners of your home at little cost to get started. If you need extensibility, mesh routers allow you to add additional nodes. But if you want extensive configuration options and an all-in-one solution to cover routing, switching, and home security, consider Ubiquiti's portfolio. Its UniFi brand covers switches and routers aimed at small businesses, but it turned its attention to the consumer category over the last two years with a decent selection of products. Ubiquiti offers a range of security cameras and video doorbells under UniFi Protect, can easily integrate into an UniFi network. The best part about Ubiquiti's home security products is they record footage locally and don't send data to a cloud service, providing better privacy without paying a monthly license to access all the security camera and video doorbell features. So if you're looking to overhaul your home network, here's what U...

A look at what could've been on your Pixel smartphone.What you need to knowGoogle reportedly wanted a fullscreen At a Glance experience for the Android 11 lock screen.It would have included many features available or coming to At a Glance on the Pixel.Bits of the concept may have been moved to other products, such as the Pixel Stand interface.Google was reportedly working on a more intelligent lock screen experience for its Pixel phones, and we may have just gotten our first look at what the experience would've been.Sources provided Android Authority with mockups of Google's alleged intelligent lock screen, which would have resembled a fullscreen version of the At a Glance widget available on Google's phones like the Pixel 6.From the mockups, you can see a "Good night" pill, which would presumably open up a menu for smart home controls, setting a bedtime alarm, sleep sounds, and more. This would likely be contextual and based on your set sleep schedule, and a Google Ass...

If you're in the market for an ultra-affordable Android smartphone, consider Motorola's new Moto G Power (2022), which offers everything from a 6.5-inch display to a battery that lasts up three days on a single charge. We also suggest getting one of the best Moto G Power (2022) screen protectors for your phone, as they'll go a long way in guarding its big display against smudges, scratches, and fingerprints.Tough and reliableBeukei Tempered Glass screen protector (3 pack)Staff PickSpecially designed for the Moto G Power (2022), Beukei's tempered glass screen protector comes with hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings that help in minimizing the effects of sweat and fingerprints. It also provides solid protection against scratches and other forms of impact, thanks to a hardness rating of 9H.$8 at AmazonProtects more than just the screenJeywiry Tempered Glass screen and camera lens protector (3+3 pack)Jeywiry's case-friendly tempered glass screen protector featur...