Latest from Android Central

Like the previous P-series models, these ones don't come preloaded with Google apps.What you need to knowHuawei announced today the global launch of the P50 Pro and P50 Pocket.The Huawei P50 Pro costs €1,199 while the clamshell foldable phone retails for €1,299.Both phones will be rolled out in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Latin America.Huawei today announced the global launch of its latest flagship device and Galaxy Z Flip 3 challenger. The Huawei P50 Pro and P50 Pocket will be available for €1,199 and €1,299, respectively.Like their P-series predecessors, the new devices won't have access to Google's various apps and services such as the Google Play Store. It's not unexpected, though, in light of the existing U.S. trade ban that prevents the Chinese firm from doing business with American companies.The Huawei P50 Pro brings with it the same specs as the Chinese variant that debuted in July of last year. It sports a 6.6-inch OLED display wit...

YouTube CEO reveals a new milestone for Shorts and new ways to help creators monetize their videos.What you need to knowYouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has revealed that Shorts creators have amassed a total of five trillion views.She also unveiled new ways to help creators make money with Shorts beyond the $100 million fund announced last year.The service is testing the integration of shopping features with Shorts.YouTube Shorts made its debut only a year and a half ago, but creators using the TikTok-style feature have already amassed over five trillion views across multiple platforms, including Android phones and laptops, thanks to the growing craze over short-form videos.Susan Wojcicki, YouTube CEO, unveiled the new milestone for Shorts in a blog post published on Tuesday. She also revealed YouTube's $100 million fund for Shorts creators, announced last year, is now available in more than 100 countries. In August of last year, YouTube began paying creators between $100 and $...

The semiconductor shortage isn't going away any time soon.What you need to knowSince the start of the pandemic, multiple industries have been struggling to meet demand due to the ongoing semiconductor shortage.The U.S. Department of Commerce has released the results of its investigation on the supply chain issues.Companies point to multiple factors, one of which is the lack of wafer production capacity.Supply chain issues are expected to continue through 2022 while solutions are being drawn out.Anyone following the tech industry for the past couple of years should be aware that a supply chain problem has affected semiconductor production, which has a trickling effect on many industries. The U.S. Department of Commerce has looked into the reason behind these issues and has just released its findings.The Request for Information (RFI) was launched in September and published on Tuesday, highlighting the "perfect storm" of factors that led to the supply issues. Among them was...

We have about two weeks for the big Galaxy S22 reveal!What you need to knowSamsung will hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event virtually in early February.The event is set for February 9 at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET.Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S22 series, including the Galaxy Note successor.Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked is a-go for early February. On Tuesday, the company announced that its next major launch event will occur on February 9 at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET. While Samsung hasn't yet named its next flagship series, the company is expected to announce the Galaxy S22 series at Unpacked.Official specs and features are yet unknown, but Samsung's president and head of MX, Tim Roh, teased experiences borrowed from the Galaxy Note series.While the Galaxy S21 Ultra was the first S series smartphone to include S Pen support — which was then followed by the Galaxy Z Fold 3 — we expect the S22 Ultra to succeed the Galaxy Note series by including a built-in S Pen. Thi...

It's a big step for keeping your voice searches off the cloud.What you need to knowQualcomm and SoundHound have come to a multi-year agreement to provide on-device speech recognition with SoundHound technology.SoundHound voice recognition is able to understand complex speech patterns, multiple voices, and follow-up commands.This speech recognition tech would reside on the Snapdragon chipset and is processed entirely locally, keeping data from being sent to the cloud.No specific chipsets have been announced with the functionality at this time.Qualcomm and SoundHound have announced a new multi-year deal to bring SoundHound's voice recognition technology to Qualcomm chipsets on the best Android phones in the future. This deal will provide a turnkey solution for device manufacturers and app developers to implement voice search and other voice commands directly into apps and devices.If you've been in the smartphone game long enough, you probably remember the name SoundHound. ...

Text watermarking ensures that your document is properly marked as confidential or draft.What you need to knowGoogle Docs now allows you to create and import text watermarks.When exporting or importing documents from Microsoft Word, the feature also preserves watermarks.Text watermarks will appear in the background on every page of your document by default.Google Docs users who frequently work with legal or business files are in for a treat, as Google has announced a new feature that allows them to protect the confidentiality of a document or simply label it as a work in progress.The search giant has added native support for text watermark to its online word processor, allowing you to create or import watermarks directly from the application. It will show up in the background to clearly indicate whether a document is confidential or simply a draft that needs to be edited by someone else.Text watermarks in documents imported from other word processors, such as Microsoft ...

With so many options, you may get overwhelmed finding the best Arlo cameras. While many of Arlo's best cameras have traditionally been pretty expensive, the company now offers plenty of options for every budget. With consistent updates and some of the greatest features, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option. With that said, the Arlo Pro 4 is our favorite camera thanks to having almost all of the bells and whistles one could want, to the point that it's one of the best smart home security systems overall.Best overall Arlo camera — Arlo Pro 4The Arlo Pro 4 became our pick for the best Arlo Camera, thanks to its improvements over the Pro 3. The Pro 4 sports 2K video recording with HDR, allowing users to zoom in on objects and take clearer pictures. There is Color Night Vision, so you can view night recordings in color without relying on the traditional black and white video.With the Pro 4, you can set the camera up either inside or outside, providing extra versatility ...

Best answer: Yes. The new PS5 VR will feature completely redesigned controllers, dubbed the PS VR2 Sense controllers, with better tracking and more functionality than the PSVR's PS Move controllers.New PS5 VR controller: A whole new lookSony is changing everything up with PS5 VR (PS VR2), starting with the controllers themselves. Gone is the wand design of the PS Move. In its stead are controllers that look like an almost perfect mashup of the Valve Index's Knuckles controllers and the Oculus Quest 2's Touch controllers. The only real similarity between these controllers and the PS Move controllers is their elongated handle, making it easy to grip. It also has a wrist strap to keep the controllers from flying away if you were to let go of them. The new ring tracking system is considerably more accurate and offers total freedom of movement.We're looking at a completely different experience outside of all of that, starting with the tracking. The new PS VR2 Sense controller d...

The free, ad-supported Samsung TV Plus app gives users access to more than 190 curated "live channels" spanning sports, news, entertainment, and more. Users also have access to a selection of channels in 4K. But what do you do if you don't like, or don't plan to use, all the channels already programmed within the app? Thankfully, we've created this step-by-step guide explaining how to remove channels from Samsung TV Plus.How to remove channels from Samsung TV PlusAmong the nearly 200 channels offered on the free Samsung TV Plus app are ABC News Live, TV Land Sitcoms, The Walking Dead Universe, Pac-12 Insider, QVC, MTV Pluto TV, and PBS Kids. If you're picky about which channels you'll see each time you open the app, Samsung TV Plus also gives you the option to personalize your streaming experience. Here's how to remove channels from Samsung TV Plus.Press the Home or Guide button on your remote control.Navigate to the Samsung TV Plus app and select All Channels. Up in the t...

Disable your contacts from sharing memes in other groups.Telegram is way ahead of its major competitor, WhatsApp, regarding features. The app already offers a slew of features that aren't available on the Facebook-owned messaging service. It is only extending its lead by introducing new ones with each update.Telegram recently rolled out an update that allows users to restrict their contacts from forwarding messages and media to other groups. The feature, Restrict Saving Content, was released last month with Telegram 8.3 update. Here's how you can enable content protection in your group or channel.How to restrict Telegram contacts from saving or forwarding messagesDon't let your contact use your wit and share your original memes in other Telegram groups or channels. You can restrict group/channel members from saving or forwarding content on Telegram. Here's how:Open Telegram.Tap on the group/channel you want to apply the content sharing restriction on.Tap on the group nam...

What color do you want?What you need to knowLeaked renders show off the upcoming Galaxy S22 phones.The phones will launch in four colorways, which will be largely similar across models.The Galaxy S22 Ultra will have a darker shade of pink, similar to Mystic Bronze.With Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked scheduled for sometime in February, we're coming to the last stretch of leaks before the Galaxy S22 series is announced. The latest is a massive dump of renders showing the devices at every angle and in each of their colorways.Based solely on the renders, which were posted by none other than leaker Evan Blass, you'd think the base model and the Galaxy S22+ were the same phone. Although, for all intents and purposes, they pretty much are the same aside from the size difference. Both models will apparently be available in black, white, bright pink, and dark green. On the other hand, the Galaxy S22 Ultra appears to be a bit more exciting. While the colorways are largely th...

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6Best Android tabletFrom $389 at AmazonProsBetter displayMore base storageBuilt-in fingerprint scannerMore RAMIncludes S PenConsHigher price tagKeyboard must be purchased separatelyThe Galaxy Tab S6 presents the best that Samsung has to offer in the tablet market from 2019. It's powered by the Snapdragon 855 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM, and has a built-in fingerprint scanner, so it gives you everything you could want. And if you want to get some work done, you can pick up Samsung's Keyboard case.Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 LiteSolid for most$269 at AmazonProsLess expensive3.5mm headphone jackIncludes S PenBetter battery lifeConsSlightly smaller displayLess RAM and storageNo first-party keyboard coverNo Samsung DeX supportWhile there are a few features that are surprising, like the included S Pen and 3.5mm headphone jack, that's about it. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is designed for those who just want an And...

Now that's it's officially out, the PS5 is pretty hard to find due to low stock and high demand. However, as PlayStation fans continue to check the PS5 restocks, one of the most essential accessories many players need alongside this extremely in-demand system is a headset. Not only does a headset enhance your gaming experience with its immersive qualities, but thanks to the variety of incredible multiplayer games available, you'll need something to interact with your friends and other players. Thankfully, there are tons of wireless options available, so we put together a list that features some of the best wireless PS5 headsets on the market. These are just some of the best PS5 headsets available right now.The best Wireless PS5 Headsets 2022, at a glance:SteelSeries Arctis 7P for PlayStation 5: Best overall: The best bang for your buck.Pulse 3D Wireless Headset: Best official: The official model and supported headset for the PS5.Sennheiser GSP 370: Best audio quality: A reliabl...

A better option for VR developers than sideloading apps.What you need to knowThe Quest App Lab allows smaller developers to publish their VR apps and games for Quest headsets without being listed in the main Quest Store.The program now contains 837 apps, more than double of the apps in the main store, since its launch last year.The best rated App Lab game is platformer Daedalus, while the most popular game is Gorilla Tag.The Quest App Lab store now contains more than double of the apps within the main Quest Store at 837 apps approved since the launch of the program last year. The Quest Store currently offers 341 apps in comparison, but has been live for more than two and a half years.Meta created the Quest App Lab program in February 2021 alongside the v25 update to allow indie or smaller developers to publish their apps on Quest 2 and other Quest VR headsets without official approval. The apps and games would receive a store page, but could only be accessed through a dir...

The Stadia Pro catalog continues to get bigger.What you need to knowGoogle will be adding seven games to its Stadia Pro subscription catalog on Feb. 1.The seven games are Life is Strange Remastered, Life is Strange: Before The Storm Remastered, Cosmic Star Heroine, Nanotale - Typing Chronicles, Merek's Market, Phogs!, and One Hand Clapping.With the addition of February's lineup, the Stadia Pro library has reached 50 games for subscribers to claim.Google announced today it will be adding seven more games to its Stadia Pro subscription service in February, including two new games launching on the streaming platform at the beginning of the month.Stadia Pro subscribers can claim Life is Strange Remastered, Life is Strange: Before The Storm Remastered, Cosmic Star Heroine, Nanotale - Typing Chronicles, Merek's Market, Phogs!, and One Hand Clapping beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Racing games Dirt 5 and MotoGP 20 will be leaving the service on the same date.Square Enix's Life i...

Best answer: As of December 2021, the types of files that violate Google Drive's content policy include: child sexual abuse and exploitation, dangerous and illegal activities, harassment, bullying, threats, hate speech, malware, misleading content, explicit non-consensual imagery (NCEI), phishing, sexually explicit material, violence, gore, and violent organizations and movements.What kinds of files violate Google Drive's content policies?Google recently made public the latest terms of its Abuse Program Policies and Enforcement policy. The newest policy spells out exactly how it applies to content uploaded to its Google Workspace services, which includes Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and new Sites features.As part of the update, Google shared a complete list of content that may be removed or blocked on services, including Google Drive based on applicable laws. In addition to applying to offenses such as account hijacking and inactivity, the latest version of the Google Dr...

To reduce the risk of fingerprinting, Google plans to limit the list proposed to around 350 topics.What you need to knowGoogle has given up on the Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC).The search giant has now proposed the Topics API as a replacement for third-party cookies. Google claims the Topics API will take user privacy a "step forward," while ensuring advertisers receive enough relevant information. Back in August 2019, Google introduced a new initiative called Privacy Sandbox to enhance privacy for users on the web. As part of the initiative, Google plans to eliminate third-party cookies completely and replace them with first-party alternatives.While Google proposed Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC) as an alternative to third-party cookies last year, it has now announced a new Privacy Sandbox proposal informed by its "learning and widespread community feedback from earlier FLoC trials."Topics, which is the search giant's new Privacy Sandbox proposal, will ...

If you're dealing with frustrating Wi-Fi dead zones, and upgrading your router isn't an option, the best Wi-Fi extenders should solve the issue. A range extender is a Wi-Fi booster adding more Wi-Fi coverage to your existing network without running an Ethernet line. It can also act as a middleman for devices with reduced Wi-Fi range. The TP-Link RE500X is the best overall range extender thanks to Wi-Fi 6 speeds, OneMesh compatibility, and a compact design. Still, we've laid out different extender types to fit every scenario.Best overall: TP-Link RE500XThe TP-Link RE500X is a compact Wi-Fi extender with a simple design that makes it easy to plug in and forget about. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for those that have already upgraded to the newer tech and still works with 802.11ac devices. This extender has a maximum throughput of 300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 1200Mbps at 5GHz.Keep in mind that the extender must share this wireless connection with devices and the router backhaul, so even though t...

The Galaxy Watch 4 may be the new kid on the block, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 still stands its ground. It boasts some exciting features like optional LTE connectivity, an electrocardiogram sensor for detecting irregular heartbeats, and much more. When weighing what color Galaxy Watch Active 2 you should buy, there are six shades to choose from, but which is best for you? Here's our list so you can decide.Unique yet subtleAluminum Aqua BlackStaff PickSamsung has always been good about providing decent color options with its releases, even if they stay more or less the same. The second edition brings a refreshing and unique Aqua Black shade to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 series.From $257 at Amazon From $280 at Best Buy $263 at WalmartCloud 9Aluminum Cloud SilverIf you want a smartwatch that will match everything, this is an ideal option. While there was a silver version with the last release, this one comes in an eye-catching shade that shines bright...

The "Frontier 22" could be among the first Android phones to feature a 200MP main camera.What you need to knowAn alleged render and key specs of Motorola's next Android flagship have leaked online.The device is said to be codenamed "Frontier 22" and could feature a 200MP main camera. Other rumored specs of the phone include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 "Plus" chipset and 125W wired charging. Motorola is reportedly working on a new Android flagship with even more impressive specs than the Edge X30 that it launched in China last month. As per WinFuture, the upcoming flagship is codenamed "Frontier 22" and is going to be powered by a "Plus" variant of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.As you can see in the render above, the "Frontier 22" will look quite different from the Edge X30 from all sides. It appears to have a dual-curved display with ultra-thin top and bottom bezels. On the back of the phone, we find a unique camera bump with the classic Motorola batwing logo.The ph...

The cellular coverage maps look good, but they aren't accurate — not even close.I wrote a plea in December 2020 for 5G to be the technology that saved my rural broadband situation in 2021, that situation being that it is essentially non-existent. While there was a brief period in which I was able to use T-Mobile Home Internet to bolster my connectivity situation, ultimately, my internet salvation is beamed to my home from space thanks to SpaceX Starlink Home Internet. Even with 2021's 5G expansion, it's a struggle to get even 4G LTE outside metropolitan eras despite seemingly comprehensive carrier coverage maps.In these ads that sprawl across our TVs, webpages, and social media, we constantly see how one carrier is the fastest or covers the most people—usually accompanied by a map of some form displaying brand colors shading essentially the entire United States. This is to persuade consumers to pick that carrier because it has the best coverage. If you hadn't noticed, all of ...

Microsoft has announced their intent to acquire Activision Blizzard. Our intrepid team analyze what it means for the industry, for gamers, and what's likely to change (or stay the same) as part of this massive deal.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Microsoft is buying Activision Blizzard: What this means for Xbox and gamers in general | Windows CentralReport: Bobby Kotick to step down once Activision Blizzard deal closes | Windows CentralMicrosoft will add 'as many Activision Blizzard games as we can' to Xbox Game Pass | Windows CentralPhil Spencer named Microsoft Gaming CEO following Activision Blizzard deal | Windows CentralHere's why Microsoft made a nearly $70 billion bet on gaming giant Activision Blizzard | Windows CentralXbox CEO Phil Spencer wants to revitalize past Activision games | Windows CentralSony expects Activision games to remain multipla...

Talk to the handGarmin Venu 2 Plus$450 at AmazonProsYou can make calls from your wristGenerous battery lifePlenty of health and wellness featuresConsExpensiveYou'd be hard-pressed to find a smartwatch feature the Garmin Venu 2 Plus doesn't have. While reflected in the high price, this smartwatch can track just about anything, with the added ability to make calls and reply to messages right from your wrist using compatible voice assistants.Solid smartwatchGarmin Venu 2S$350 at AmazonProsBetter battery lifeSmaller, slimmer, lightweight designSlightly more affordableConsNo phone or text capabilitiesLower resolution screenWhile you can't make or receive calls or compose or reply to messages from your wrist using the Garmin Venu 2S, it has all the other health, wellness, and fitness features of the Venu 2 Plus. This makes it an affordable alternative if you don't need, or won't use, voice assistance.The Garmin Venu 2 Plus and the ...

The puzzle pieces are aligning for PS VR2, and one of the biggest could be Horizon Call of the Mountain.PSVR has never had an exclusive killer app. Beat Saber could certainly be considered a system seller, but it's available for several models of virtual reality headsets. Horizon Call of the Mountain could be exactly what PlayStation needs for VR enthusiasts and general consumers alike to take PS VR2 seriously. Not only that, but like Half-Life: Alyx, it could potentially deliver an authentic AAA experience on VR. While plenty of PSVR games have attempted to become that AAA killer app, none quite succeeded. Instead, those experiences ended up being mostly tech demos or short gimmicks. Though we know very little about Horizon Call of the Mountain, I hope it will be different.Sony has described Horizon Call of the Mountain as a brand-new adventure set in the popular Horizon universe, built from the ground up for PS VR2. It stars a new protagonist that we've yet to meet, but Guerril...

Meta began designing the computing infrastructure "from a clean slate" in early 2020.What you need to knowMeta has announced the AI Research SuperCluster (RSC), which it claims is among the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.The RSC will help accelerate the company's AI research and help build better AI models for the metaverse. It is expected to be fully built out in mid-2022. Facebook parent Meta on January 24 unveiled the AI Research SuperCluster (RSC), which it says is among the fastest AI supercomputers on the planet right now. Once it is fully built out in mid-2022, Meta claims it will be the fastest in the world.RSC will aid AI researchers at Meta to develop better AI models capable of learning from trillions of examples, working across hundreds of languages, creating new AR tools, and more. More importantly, RSC will allow the company to make significant strides in AI-driven applications for building the metaverse. With RSC, we can more quickly train model...

The JioPhone 5G is key to Jio's 5G ambitions in India.With over 420 million subscribers, Jio is India's largest cellular network by some margin. It partnered with Google last year to deliver the JioPhone Next, a budget phone running a customized version of Android that retails for the equivalent of $87 ($6,499).Jio is now turning to 5G as a differentiator in 2022, and as such the company is working on its first 5G-enabled phone, the JioPhone 5G. While the best budget phones sold in India come with a 5G modem, there's no 5G service to speak of, and Jio is aiming to change that later this year as it rolls out 5G connectivity in major Indian cities.To coincide with the launch of its 5G service, Jio intends to roll out the budget-focused JioPhone 5G. An insider source revealed key details about the upcoming phone, including hardware specs and software information, so let's take a look at what the JioPhone 5G has to offer.JioPhone 5G specsThe JioPhone 5G is betting on 5G as the ...

The Galaxy Tab S8 series is expected to be unveiled on February 9.What you need to knowOfficial-looking renders of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S8 have leaked online.The vanilla Galaxy Tab S8 will have a similar design to the Galaxy Tab S7, with a black stripe on the back to hold the S Pen. Samsung is rumored to unveil the Galaxy Tab S8 at its Unpacked event next month. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 series tablets were briefly listed by Amazon Italy last week, revealing nearly all the key specs and features. Official-looking renders showing off the Galaxy Tab S8 in three different colors have now surfaced, courtesy of legendary leaker Evan Blass. The renders seem to confirm that the Galaxy Tab S8 will not bring any significant changes in the design department. It will have a similar black stripe on the back to hold the S Pen, along with a dual-camera setup. We can also see that the follow-up to one of Samsung's best Android tablets will have a single USB-C port at the bott...

Google is looking to launch a cheaper foldable phone.What you need to knowGoogle reportedly wants its first foldable to be much more affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold 3.A new report suggests the target price for the Pixel Notepad is $1400.Google could release the device by the end of the year.While we don't expect to see Google's rumored Pixel foldable for a while, there have been rumors that it will be much more affordable than Samsung's best foldable phone when it launches. Now, we may have an idea of just how much it will cost if and when it launches.9to5Google reports that Google is reportedly targeting a price that will undercut the Galaxy Z Fold 3 by several hundred dollars. At the present time, it's being said that Google is looking at a $1400 price tag for its "Pixel Notepad."While that could change as time goes on, it might explain why the rumored device is taking longer than expected to come to market. It was reported at one point that work on the Pixel foldab...

Pixels will finally be a thing of the past.What you need to knowIn its weekly report, Display Supply Chain Consultants said that the PS VR2's display will sport greater than 800 pixels-per-inch density per eye.This comes as a massive improvement over the original, which was lower than 200 PPI per eye.Sony will continue using an RGB stripe OLED panel, which is also important to display density and quality.The PS VR2 is expected to launch later in 2022 but has no confirmed release date.The PlayStation VR2 is set to have the most pixel-dense display of any modern VR headset, according to a report by Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC). In its weekly industry supply chain report, CEO of DSCC, Ross Young, says that it won't reveal the display provider for Sony's upcoming next-generation PS VR2 but that the display itself features a greater than 800 PPI (pixels per inch) display density per eye.That last part is particularly important because it means that Sony will be abl...

It is said to include AV1 video format support.Update, Jan 24 (4:45 p.m. ET): New information emerges of low-end Google TV dongleWhat you need to knowA new Chromecast with Google TV device is reportedly in the works.No information has been provided, although we suspect it could include support for the AV1 video format.Google may release the new dongle later in 2022.The Chromecast with Google TV debuted only a year and a half ago, but a successor is reportedly in the pipeline already. The search giant is rumored to be preparing to introduce an upgraded Chromecast with Google TV later this year.Internal documentation and code analysis confirm the existence of the device, codenamed "Boreal," according to 9to5Google. The streaming dongle could potentially be an upgrade over the existing Chromecast with Google TV, though its specifications are unknown.That said, a new processing power and AV1 video format support may be in the cards. The latter, in particular, is being rep...

Just around the corner...What you need to knowA leaked promo image supposedly reveals the Galaxy S22 launch date.The Galaxy Unpacked will reportedly happen on February 9.So far, Samsung has only confirmed that the event will occur in February.According to a newly leaked promotional image, the Galaxy S22 launch may be just around the corner.Leaker Evan Blass (AKA @evleaks) posted the image on Monday, which apparently reveals the date and time of the event and when we'll get a full look at the successors to Samsung's best Android phones.If the information is to be believed, the Galaxy S22 launch is launching on February 9, roughly two weeks away at the time of writing. The image also says 15:00, or 3 p.m., although it's unclear what time zone it's referring to.The date seems to match some previous rumors that we would see Samsung's Galaxy S22 series at an early February launch, with dates fluctuating between February 8 and 9.No other information can be gleaned from ...

The bipartisan lawsuit accuses Google of tracking users even after they've turned off location history.What you need to knowWashington, D.C.'s attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Google over location tracking.The AGs from Indiana, Texas, and Washington state have also sued Google in their own state courts.Google is accused of "deceiving" users and "invading their privacy."Google's location tracking practices resulted in a number of legal battles, including a lawsuit filed in federal court in San Francisco in 2018 and another similar case filed by the state of Arizona in 2020. Four state attorneys general have now sued Google over how it collects and uses location data from users.Karl A. Racine, the attorney general of Washington, D.C., has led a bipartisan lawsuit accusing Google of duping users into sharing their location data. Attorneys general from Indiana, Texas, and Washington state have also filed lawsuits against Google in their respective states.The law...

Now let's start talking about getting Android 12L on the Surface Duo.What you need to knowMicrosoft has released Android 11 for the original Surface Duo.The update comes with enhanced features and apps for the Duo, as well as a new function for the Surface Slim Pen 2.Unlocked devices are being updated first, with AT&T-branded devices receiving it at a later date.The time has finally come. After a long wait, owners of the original Microsoft Surface Duo are now being treated to the Android 11 update.While we should expect the typical Android 11 goodies to arrive with the update, such as Conversation Bubbles, there are plenty of new features specific to the Surface Duo. This should make the device more like the Surface Duo 2, with an updated launcher, an optimized UI to take better advantage of the dual screens, and new pen features.These are the new features that Surface Duo owners can expect from the update, as per Microsoft's release notes:Upgrades the Android op...

The regular Google Pixel 6 was the only one to get actual color options and not just metallic shades, and we deserve to flaunt those fun colors and bold accents around that eye-catching camera bar stretching across the back. This is one of the best Android phones with half a decade of updates ahead of it, and if you want your new phone to last that long, you need to grab one of the best Pixel 6 cases you can.Come to the dark sideCaseology Parallax for Google Pixel 6Staff PickWhile not many cases yet highlight that pop of red at the top of the Kinda Coral Pixel 6, Caseology leaped right in. So whether you're tracking rebel scum across the galaxy or lording over your domain, the Parallax will help you keep an iron grip upon your Pixel 6, thanks to the new diamond grip pads along the bumper.$15 at Amazon $15 at WalmartBe still, my blue heartBellroy Leather Case for Pixel 6We might not be getting an official fabric Pixel 6 case this year, but at least Bellroy is back ...

Whether you're trying to save a bit of information for later or want to share something you came across, it's hard to find a more useful feature on our smartphone these days than the ability to take a screenshot. Thankfully, most Android manufacturers have standardized this process, so learning how to take a screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy phone should be a piece of cake. Don't believe me? I'll show you how below!Jump to:Take screenshots using a key combinationTake screenshots using a palm swipeTake screenshots using Bixby VoiceCapture more with "scroll capture"How to take a screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy S or Note phoneThere are a bunch of ways to take a screenshot with a Samsung phone, one is pretty obvious and the other two ways... a little less so. We'll walk you through all three of these methods below.Note: These methods apply to most Samsung Galaxy smartphones, including the Galaxy S and Note lines, along with most modern Galaxy A models from the last three y...

The upcoming PS VR2 could be huge.The original PlayStation VR is one of the most successful headsets of its kind, with over 5 million units sold. Due to its success, and the growing appetite for VR within the gaming industry, Sony announced the PlayStation VR2 with a release scheduled for sometime later this year, using the considerable advancements in VR technology since the first PS VR released in 2016.Some remain skeptical of VR as anything other than a gimmick, a growing view in the console space as PS VR increasingly shows its age compared to headsets like the Oculus Quest 2. The announcement of greatly improved specs and other quality of life enhancements is far from PS VR2's more primitive predecessor, and Sony's upcoming headset represents huge potential for the PlayStation brand.Better gamesA key reason for PS VR2 great potential is the technology announced for its headset, with vast improvements to the quality and variation of releases. Many current PS VR games ar...

Skydance Interactive is working on a sequel to The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners.What you need to knowThe Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners came out two years ago today.As part of the two-year anniversary celebration Skydance Interactive and Skybound Entertainment have announced a sequel to their 2020 hit.The game has no release date but will serve as a direct sequel to the original.Skydance Interactive announced a sequel to 2020's The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners called The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners with Chapter 2: Retribution. In Retribution, players will reprise their role as The Tourist and explore old and new parts of the same ruined New Orleans as the first game.This one is a standalone sequel and doesn't require players to have played the original — although it would be helpful to know what happened in the story.The announcement also came part-in-parcel with the news that the original game generated $60 million since its release in 2020, making i...

Earbud prices can run all over the place — and unfortunately, the ones you typically hear about most often are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air V3, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality. But besides those, we've done the research and gathered some of the best cheap true wireless earbuds for any style and budget.Best overall: Creative Outlier Air V3It's hard to beat the Outlier Air V3 on battery life. Even compared to the best wireless earbuds, they outperform most of them with up to 10 hours of audio playback per charge at default volume. Add another three charges in the case, and you've got about 40 hours of total listening time. Creative also finally added wireless charging, making charging easier when you don't want to plug in.Creative largely based the design on the previous Outlier Air V2, which are a little bigger, though used the same ear tips for improv...

Garmin has followed up its popular Venu 2 smartwatch, one of the best Garmin smartwatches you can buy, with the new Venu 2 Plus, which the company revealed at CES 2022 in early January. Along with more software capabilities, the Venu 2 Plus adds an exciting new feature: you can make phone calls from it when the device is tethered to your phone thanks to the built-in mic and button. How do you accomplish this? Through voice assistant capability, which also allows you to dictate text messages to send right from your wrist.Of course, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus also includes all the usual features you'd expect from a premium smartwatch, like health monitoring, fitness tracking, GPS, music, and access to apps. And like some other best Garmin smartwatches, it's compatible with both Android and iOS devices.Which smart voice assistants work with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus?The Garmin Venu 2 Plus works with several of the most popular smart voice assistants, including Google Assistant, Apple S...

New rumor claims it will make its debut at Google I/O.What you need to knowGoogle is tipped to unveil the upcoming Pixel 6a in May.The rumored launch window is three months earlier than when the Pixel 5a debuted.It's also in line with the launch schedule of the Pixel 3a and 3a XL before the pandemic.Google unveiled the Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a in August 2020 and 2021, respectively, which was a little later than usual due to supply chain delays caused by the pandemic. However, it appears that the search giant is bringing the upcoming Google Pixel 6a to market much sooner than the previous Pixel A-series models.The Pixel 6a will be announced in May, according to reliable tipster Max Jambor. If the tip is correct, Google's challenger to this year's best budget Android phones will make its debut at Google I/O, which is usually held during that month.Pixel 6A scheduled for May— Max Jambor (@MaxJmb) January 22, 2022Notably, the rumored release window indicates that the Pix...

The smart speaker could make an appearance at Samsung's Unpacked event next month.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy Home Mini successor has been spotted on the Bluetooth SIG website.The listing reveals the Galaxy Home Mini 2 bears the model number SM-V320 and supports the Bluetooth 5.2 standard. The smart speaker is rumored to have entered mass production and could be announced "soon."Samsung quietly announced the Galaxy Home Mini at its Galaxy S20 series Unpacked event in February 2020. Unfortunately, the smart speaker was never released globally. However, it now looks like Samsung could soon unveil a successor to the Galaxy Home Mini.As spotted by the folks at MySmartPrice, the Galaxy Home Mini 2 has been certified by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). As per the listing on the Bluetooth SIG website, the device carries the model number SM-V230 and supports Bluetooth version 5.2.A report published by SamMobile in November last year had claimed that the G...

The new Chromebooks also feature mechanically-anchored keyboards.What you need to knowAcer has introduced four new durable education-focused Chromebooks.The new models are made using post-consumer recycled plastic. The OceanGlass touchpad on the new Chromebooks is built entirely using abandoned ocean-bound plastic waste. Acer, which makes some of the best Chromebooks on the market, has unveiled four new rugged models that are both durable and eco-friendly. All four new Chromebooks have a MIL-STD-810H rating and feature OceanGlass touchpads made using ocean-bound plastic waste.The new Chromebook 512 (C852) features a 12-inch display with a taller 3:2 aspect ratio, offering 18% more vertical space compared to 16:9 displays that you find on most laptops. You can also configure it with a multi-touch display. Powered by Intel's latest N-series processors, the updated Chromebook 512 is claimed to provide up to 12 hours of battery life. It also comes with two built-in micropho...

NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)A compact redesign$150 at Amazon$150 at Best Buy$150 at WalmartProsClever and compact designUpdated remote is fantasticStill the best Android TV experienceImproved AI Upscaling is greatConsMight run into issues running some Android gamesNot novice-friendly out of the boxThe most striking change for the 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV refresh is its unique tube shape and the redesigned remote. This streamlined and portable stream box with upgraded processing power still delivers the best Android TV experience you can buy.NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019)Subtle upgrade$200 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 at B&H PhotoProsSleek Shield TV designMore RAM and double the onboard storageOffers USB ports for external storageThe one you'll want for Plex and gamingConsLess internal storage than older Pro modelMore expensive than the tubeNot enough new features to justify upgradingThe NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) looks and runs nearly...

Yes, you can have both form and function with a hybrid smartwatch.With each year that passes, Garmin manages to further expand its smartwatch lineup. This year started with two new releases at CES: the Garmin Vivomove Sport and the Venu 2 Plus. These two watches are a shining example of Garmin's unbelievable range.While there are plenty of differences between the two, the Vivomove Sport is a perfect demonstration of how Garmin has mastered the art of packing essential features into its more affordable and traditional-looking hybrid smartwatches. It's less than half the price of some of the other Garmin smartwatches on the market, which will appeal to budget shoppers who don't need all the bells and whistles.A hybrid smartwatch like the Garmin Vivomove Sport may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're shopping for an Android smartwatch, but don't be too quick to judge. Whether you're new to wearables or you know that you'll only need a few essential features, the G...

Get the most out of your new phone.If you're the proud new owner of a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, congratulations! You just saved a bunch of money versus the Galaxy S21. One of the biggest perks of the Galaxy S21 FE is the inclusion of all the great software features from the Galaxy S21, meaning you get all the best parts without spending the extra cash. Best yet, the S21 FE launches with One UI 4 — that's Samsung's flavor of Android 12 — meaning you've got all the latest and greatest features to try out.If you're just getting started with the phone, we have several suggestions to make the experience even better. Here's how to get the most out of your shiny new phone.Jump to:Unlock your phone fasterFind apps easierGet better game performanceAdd a little colorCustomize the displayGestural navigationSamsung PayBixby and the power buttonEnable call screeningGet a better keyboardPrivacy dashboardSmart home controlsGood LockKids modeUnlock your phone fasterTh...

Samsung would lose its competitive edge over Google and that's not goodWhat's the first thing you do when you get a new Samsung phone? For many, the answer is to disable Bixby, Samsung's virtual assistant, and to replace Samsung Keyboard with Google's GBoard.So why doesn't Samsung just remove these often complained about features? In short, analysts argue that it would not be a viable or fiscally smart option for Samsung to abandon all of its proprietary software and apps with the purpose of only sticking with Googe's offerings.However, they do agree, Samsung needs to focus on "creating better-differentiated software rather than trying to replicate something someone else does better."Last week, Android Police wrote an article detailing how Samsung pushes its users to use specific software that is not good (i.e. Bixby and Samsung Keyboard). For example, the article notes how Samsung ties Bixby to the "already limited selection of hardware buttons on its products." Even as the ...

Wear OS 3 is here, and it's not.Wear OS 3 is the latest update to Google's smartwatch platform, announced at Google I/O 2021. It's being co-developed by Google and Samsung, the latter of which has adopted Wear OS in lieu of its long-time Tizen platform. It brings some notable changes compared to previous iterations of Wear OS, which should give it a boost when compared to both Google and Samsung's efforts in the space, combining the best of both companies.We've already tasted what Wear OS 3 can do thanks to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, which proved quite popular. However, that's only Samsung's flavor of Wear OS, and despite some teasers from Google and a few uncovered snippets, we still don't have a clear picture of what's in store for the "stock" Wear OS 3 update on some of the best Wear OS watches. This is the experience we would expect to see on a potential Pixel Watch, similar to how Google's Pixel smartphones provide a "stock" version of Android.That said, we're learning mo...

You can now use Gmail to enter Google Meet callsSeeing the rise in work-from-home setups and video conferences, Google decided to introduce a Meet tab in its email client, Gmail. The new app design makes it easier for you to start or join a Google Meet event via the Gmail app.If you use the Gmail app on iOS or Android and somebody sends you a Google Meet event invite, you can join the meeting right from your email inbox. Here's how you can start or join a Google Meet call directly from the Gmail app.How to start or join a Google Meet call directly from the Gmail appGoogle has merged its Meet app with a tab on the Gmail app. You don't need to install the dedicated Meet app to join a call. If somebody sends you a Meet invite, you can join the call directly from Google's email client. Here's how you do it.Join a Google Meet call via invite on GmailYou can join a Google Meet call in Gmail if somebody has invited you to a call. The invite link will be waiting for you in the Me...

The January 2022 update is available now for Pixel 6 phones. It brings some quality of life improvements for their users. But the the news isn't so good for NVIDIA Shield TV after an Android 11 update. However, NVIDIA says fixes for Plex, Kodi, and more are on the way.The crew also dig into a lot of other news, such as why Airlines have such a bee in their bonnet about 5G, YouTube Premium discounts, scaling back on original content, and lousy trade-in values from Apple for Android phones.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:How does 5G pose a threat to the airline industry? | Android CentralAT&T and Verizon 5G upgrades delayed as airlines warn of 'major disruption' | Android CentralAT&T and Dish outspend T-Mobile in mid-band 5G spectrum auction, Verizon sits this one out | Android CentralJanuary 2022 update for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is finally available | Android CentralNV...

For some, the best Android card games are the ultimate way to relax. Killing time on your morning commute or unwinding at the end of your day playing cards can now all happen on your phone, which is fantastic. You can play solo games, connect with friends or random online opponents over classic card games, or dive into fantasy card games of every kind.Here are some of our favorites now available for Android. When you're all wrapped up here, check out our best Android games!The gamesAscensionCard ThiefEvil Apples: You Against HumanityExploding KittensGin RummyGwentHearthstoneLegends of RuneterraMagic: the Gathering ArenaMicrosoft Solitaire CollectionNova IslandReigns: Her MajestyShards of InfinityShelter FreeSlay the SpireStar RealmsUno!Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel LinksAscensionAscension is a deck-building game designed by a small team of Magic: The Gathering tournament champions. The game is available as a physical card game, and in this digital version, you c...