Latest from Android Central

OxygenOS 13 will deliver a 'light and clean experience that is close to stock Android.'For the last six months, OnePlus faced a torrent of backlash from its userbase for the changes it made to OxygenOS. The Chinese manufacturer merged its software codebase with OPPO's ColorOS in a bid to deliver faster updates, and in doing so, it got rid of its primary differentiator: clean software that's well-optimized for its hardware.We got a first look at this integration on the Nord 2 with OxygenOS 11.3 , but it wasn't until OxygenOS 12 that we got a clearer understanding of what OnePlus had in store. OxygenOS 12 ended up being a rebranded version of ColorOS 12, but OnePlus wasn't able to refine the software for its devices, and as a result, OxygenOS 12 had dozens of bugs. Even though the stable OxygenOS 12 build launched at the end of last year — after several months of beta testing — it had device-breaking bugs that are still being fixed.In short, OnePlus went from having the best ...

OPPO is also debuting a Battery Health Engine feature that increases battery longevity.OPPO was one of the first manufacturers to bring fast charging to its phones; the 2014 Find 7 could charge at 20W, and it set the foundation for the VOOC standard that made its way to several OPPO phones and OnePlus devices under the Dash Charge label. For the last two years, OPPO has offered 65W SuperVOOC on its flagship and mid-range phones along with OnePlus and Realme devices.OPPO introduced an updated 125W standard last year, but we haven't seen many devices that leverage the tech. For 2022, OPPO is introducing its most ambitious update with 150W SuperVOOC. OPPO claims that the 150W charging tech can fully charge a 4500mAh battery in just 15 minutes, less than half the time taken with the 65W standard (38 minutes).But what's just as interesting is the fact that you'll be able to get a 50% charge from flat in just five minutes. Like all VOOC implementations, the 150W tech uses OPPO's cu...

The new sound platforms feature Qualcomm's third-generation adaptive active noise cancellation capabilities.What you need to knowQualcomm announced today two new audio platforms that support its Snapdragon Sound technology.The S5 and S3 sound platforms include 16-bit lossless CD-quality audio, stereo recording via earbuds and multipoint bluetooth wireless connectivity.It also features gaming mode with 68ms low latency audio and low-energy audio for sharing and broadcasting.Customer samping with commercial products will begin in the second half of 2022.Qualcomm aimed to redefine the wireless audio experience for consumers with the launch of the Snapdragon Sound end-to-end platform early last year, allowing smartphone and audio OEMs to integrate its latest innovations. Today, the semiconductor giant expanded its Snapdragon Sound solution with two new audio platforms.The S5 and S3 audio platforms combine traditional Bluetooth and the new low-energy (LE) audio technology sta...

Using AI to make 5G really shine.What you need to knowQualcomm has announced its latest flagship 5G modem for mobile devices.The Snapdragon X70 is the first modem-RF system with a 5G AI processor, which will improve connection and power efficiency.The X70 is expected to launch in commercial mobile devices in late 2022.Smartphones using the Snapdragon X65 modem have only just started cropping up, but Qualcomm is already announcing its next-generation 5G modem for mobile devices. AI integration has been one of the biggest buzzwords trends in recent years, and Qualcomm is leaning into this with its latest chips, including the new Snapdragon X70, which introduces Qualcomm's first 5G AI Suite.Why does a modem need an AI processor? Qualcomm believes this will give 5G smartphones a boost by using AI to help manage connections to provide faster 5G speeds. This will be most useful for managing mmWave connections, which are often limited due to the fragility of the spectrum. Snapdr...

The M4 Pro is POCO's first M-series phone to feature an AMOLED screen.What you need to knowPOCO has announced two new phones at MWC 2022.The POCO X4 Pro 5G is a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. POCO M4 Pro, on the other hand, is based on the Redmi Note 11S. Xiaomi's POCO sub-brand has expanded its smartphone portfolio with the launch of two new budget phones. Like most POCO devices, however, the new X4 Pro 5G and M4 Pro aren't actually all-new.Besides the slightly different design, the POCO X4 Pro 5G is identical to the global Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G — one of Xiaomi's best budget Android phones. It sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, and a 360Hz touch sampling rate.Powering the X4 Pro 5G is Qualcomm's 6nm Snapdragon 695 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The large camera bump on the back of the phone houses a triple-lens setup with a 108MP main sensor,...

Smart speakers are quickly becoming the norm for many households. People have a variety of reasons to add one to their homes, from controlling smart home devices to using them as an intercom. But perhaps the most common use is as a speaker to play audio. Whether music, podcasts, or audiobooks, smart speakers are great for listening to audio — especially Amazon Echo devices. With access to multiple music services on an Amazon Echo, you can get your favorite audio all in one place, and here's how.How to play multiple music services on your Amazon EchoAs some of the best smart speakers on the market, Amazon Echo devices span from the high-fidelity Amazon Echo Studio to the small, but powerful Echo Dot — with many in between. Regardless of which speaker you use, connecting your favorite music services to your Alexa account will make your audio accessible to all your Echo devices.Open the Alexa app on your phone.Tap More in the bottom right of the screenSelect ⚙️Settings...

Lenovo's new "ultra-portable" Duet 3 Chromebook features the same Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platform as the Duet 5 Chromebook Gen 6.What you need to knowLenovo has unveiled three new IdeaPad Chromebooks at MWC 2022.The new IdeaPad Chromebooks are designed for "the modern home office, classroom and beyond." All three models will begin shipping in the second quarter of the year. Lenovo announced three new additions to its IdeaPad Chromebook lineup at its virtual MWC 2022 press conference on February 28. The new models are priced under $500 and bring "smarter features for less hassle."The IdeaPad Flex 5i is a versatile 14-inch Chromebook that comes equipped with Intel's latest 12th Gen processors. It features a 14-inch FHD IPS screen and can be configured with optional 400-nit brightness and 100% sRGB "treats." The screen has a 16:10 aspect ratio with minimal bezels on all sides and includes stylus support as well.The 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook also has a 360-degree...

The new phones don't run Google's latest Android 12 (Go edition) out of the box.What you need to knowHMD Global has announced three new Android 11 (Go edition) devices.The new Nokia C21 Plus is the brand's first C series phone to feature a metal chassis and an IP52 rating. The phone will go on sale in select markets "soon." Finnish smartphone maker HMD Global has taken the wraps off three new C-series phones at its MWC 2022 event. The company's latest entry-level lineup includes the C21, C21 Plus, and C2 2nd edition.The Nokia C21 Plus is the company's most premium Android Go device yet, featuring a metal chassis and a large 6.5-inch HD+ display protected by "toughened cover glass." It is powered by a Unisoc SC9863A octa-core chipset, coupled with up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.The phone has a dual-camera setup on the back with a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. There's a 5MP selfie camera on the front with face unlock support. Keeping the lights on is a 4...

Google has some of the biggest AAA games on its platform, and the catalog keeps getting bigger and better. With more than a year on the market, dozens of games on Stadia are available to play instantly with no downloads, patches, or updates required. So whether you love shooters, RPGs, online multiplayer, platformers, indies, or something in between, there are undoubtedly games for you on Stadia. Here's our list of the best Google Stadia games available to you right now.Featured favoriteCyberpunk 2077 for StadiaCD Projekt RED's open-world epic may not be the genre-defining revolution a lot had hoped for, but the Stadia version plays great. While the PS4 and Xbox One editions currently suffer from horrible performance issues and tons of bugs, the Stadia version is comparable to playing on a gaming PC and is arguably the best way to play the game. I enjoyed it quite a lot in my review and am excited to see it get better.$60 at StadiaGather your partyBaldur's...

Jerry, Michael, and Nick are joined by Tom Meyer as they hold a wake for the not-dead-but-not-very-lively Google Stadia. They also check in on some different VR tech, the value of the new Motorola Edge+, and more.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Stadia: Everything you need to know about Google's cloud gaming service | Android CentralStadia Games and Entertainment shutting down, changing focus to partnering with third-party teams | Android CentralStadia year in review 2021: Lives to see 2022, but limps into the future | Android CentralGoogle Project Iris is a new AR/VR headset powered by the cloud | Android CentralGoogle reportedly in talks with Peloton, Bungie, and more over Stadia tech under new brand called 'Google Stream' | Android CentralPS VR2 (PS5 VR) official headset design revealed | Android CentralThe new Motorola Edge+ (2022) comes for the Galaxy S22 Ultra with its own...

Russia's state media outlets are prohibited from making money from their content.What you need to knowSome of the U.S. big tech have barred Russian state-affiliated media from running ads on their platforms.RT, among others, is prohibited from monetizing its content on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.The ad restrictions are among the companies' efforts to respond to the escalating military conflict in Ukraine.In response to Russia's military operations in Ukraine, several U.S. tech giants have restricted the ability of Russian state media outlets to make money from their content on those platforms.Meta, for its part, has barred Russian state media from running ads and monetizing their content on Facebook in all countries where the social platform is available. Nathaniel Gleicher, Meta's head of security policy, tweeted: We are now prohibiting Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on our platform anywhere in the world. We also continue to apply labels to add...

As one of the biggest carriers in the U.S., it'll come as no surprise that the best Verizon phones are in hot demand. Verizon isn't particularly cheap, but we can show you the latest prices below. It's also worth noting that Verizon phones can be made much more affordable with the ongoing trade-in offers that could save $1,000 on select Unlimited plans. Likewise, if you're looking for a second line you can also get $1,000 off plans as well. If you're switching networks, some phones come with a $1,000 virtual prepaid Mastercard. There's also a year of AMC+ included with some plans. So as far as value goes, there's certainly more than meets the eye at first glance. Dive in below and be sure to take a look at the 'ways to save' text too at Verizon's site to see what offers are available.Best overallGoogle Pixel 6 - 5GStaff PickThe Google Pixel 6 punches above its weight class with the powerful Tensor CPU package delivering smooth performance on the 6.4-inch OLED display. It ...

If you're interested in joining the wearable world but you need to stick to a budget, there are plenty of cheap Android smartwatches to choose from. However, cheap doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to compromise on features or design. You might be surprised to see how many of the major smartwatch brands offer affordable options. Whether you're loyal to Fitbit, Garmin, or Samsung, you'll be able to find a cheap Android smartwatch that meets all your needs.Best overall: Fitbit Versa 3There's been a few Versa models to come before it, but the Fitbit Versa 3 is easily one of the company's best watches yet. There are many features to help you track your health and fitness, including activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, women's health tracking, and blood-oxygen monitoring. You'll also get up to six days of battery life on a single charge.You'll have onboard GPS to track your route during workouts, which is mighty convenient when you don't want to carry your phone arou...

The PS4 and PS4 Pro are beloved consoles because they feature hundreds of excellent games, access to movies through Sony's PlayStation Store, and plenty of apps that let you get at the content you want to enjoy. What if you're not able to snag the television from your roomie, though? If you're unable to play on a sweet big screen for whatever reason, you can utilize the PS4 Remote Play feature by taking advantage of a clip that mounts your phone onto your controller. It's important to note that the best PS4 controller phone mounts on our list won't work with the PS5, so you should only buy them if you plan on using them with your PS4.Secure holdMegadream 1st GenStaff PickWhile Megadream 2nd gen has been released, it seems to be having some fit issues. So, for now, we suggest sticking with the first generation, which holds up to 6-inch phones and offers a very snug and firm hold around the controller.$10 at Amazon $21 at WalmartStandard orderSUNKY 180-degree Android cl...

These devices can do some serious gymnastics.The annual Mobile World Congress trade show — MWC for short — is always full of fascinating devices and big announcements. While TCL just announced a slew of devices coming to market soon, including the TCL 30 series and TCL NXTPAPER tablets, the company also showed off some more foldable concept devices at a separate hands-on event.Two years ago, we had the chance to go hands-on with a few TCL foldables that never made it to market but were interesting concepts, nonetheless. Since then, TCL had almost released its 'Chicago' foldable phone to compete with the Galaxy Z Flip line from Samsung but decided to shelve it until the price was low enough to compete.This year, Michael Fisher (aka Mr. Mobile) was able to get some hands-on time with TCL's latest foldable concepts for Android Central and came back with a few thoughts on how the first consumer-ready TCL foldable could shape up.TCL Ultra FlexThe first TCL device is the 3...

A new world of magic, wonder, and mystery is on the way.Ever wanted to take the world of Hogwarts with you, wherever you want? Have a desire to spend time in your favorite house, dueling and brewing potions? Then Harry Potter: Magic Awakened will be right up your Diagon Alley. This mobile experience is a new, stylized take on the Wizarding World, featuring characters you'll remember, with fun and danger around every corner. Here's everything you need to know about Harry Potter: Magic Awakened.Harry Potter: Magic Awakened:What is it?Check out the trailersWhat's the gameplay like?Is it free to play?Is J.K. Rowling involved?When is the release date?What is Harry Potter: Magic Awakened?Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is a mobile game being developed by Netease and published by WB Games, as part of the company's Portkey Games label. While it's already available in parts of the world, with the upcoming global release, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened could end up as one of ...

If you're planning on buying the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S22 flagship smartphones, we also suggest pairing them up with the right accessories, including a charger that's up to the task. The base S22 can charge at up to 25W, while the S22+ and the S22 Ultra can reach charging speeds of up to 45W, but only if you use a charger with both Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) support. Here are some of the best Galaxy S22 chargers that'll ensure you get the best experience out of your new smartphone(s).Straight from SamsungSamsung 45W USB-C Super Fast Charging Wall Charger With CableStaff PickSamsung may not be shipping a charger in the box anymore, but that's okay because it'd most likely be a 25W adapter anyway, and your Galaxy S22+ or S22 Ultra deserves the full 45W of Samsung's Super Fast Charging speeds. With this charger, you also get a USB-C to USB-C cable.$29 at AmazonSmall yet powerfulAnker Nano II 45W Fast Charger - Foldable Charger...

Huawei's latest extension of multi-device collaboration brings together PCs, monitors, phones, and tablets.At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Huawei has today unveiled its latest multi-device concept, dubbed the "Super Device." Despite what the name might apply, this isn't a single device, but instead an extension of the cross-device collaboration features we've seen on Huawei's best phones and PCs for the past couple of years. Huawei's latest effort builds on this functionality, allowing various Huawei gadgets to be paired together to form — you guessed it, a "Super Device."We've been testing out Super Device on three of Huawei's latest devices over the past week — the P50 Pocket, MateBook E, and MateView 28.2" — and we've come away pretty impressed with how well it all works.Run multiple phone apps on PCThe experience starts in the Huawei Control Panel app preloaded on the manufacturer's PCs. From here, nearby devices appear and can be clicked and dragged to for...

Almost perfect-feature earbuds in a tiny package.The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the company's latest premium flagship earbuds. They have been in the market for a while now, which means there are already several reviews to help make your purchase decision easier. Ara Wagoner hailed them as close to perfect in her review. So why read yet another take on the same earbuds after months of launch? Well, after the newness wears off, initial impressions might change.I've been using the XM4 earbuds for a while, and I noticed nuances during my day-to-day usage. The Sony earphones are feature-rich on paper, but do these features translate into real-life advantages? Do these fancy features even come into use in everyday life? After several months, let's reevaluate what you know about the Sony WF-1000XM4.Jump to:What's goodWhat's badThings I like about the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbudsThere's no doubt about it; these are still some great earbuds. They are jam-packed with the latest and gr...

Bring the classic arcade action you remember to your phone with these great fighting games!Fighting games have fallen to the wayside on the latest consoles (and the less said about the state of arcades the better) but for a long while, fighting games reigned supreme in the video game world. They were often the battleground where gamers showed off their skills in arcade tournaments or huddled around a TV with their best pals. Fortunately, the genre is still well-represented on mobile devices with a great mix of ports and original titles to satisfy fans of fisticuffs.Here's hoping we see more ports of classic fighting titles but until then, enjoy these superb fighters. And when you're done here, be sure to check out the best Android games list to fall in love with some other fantastic games!Fighting games for AndroidBrawlhallaFighting Tiger - LiberalFinal FighterInjustice 2King of Fighters '97King of Fighters ALLSTARMortal KombatPrizefightersReal Boxing 2Real Steel ...

Get your game on — even in the off-season — with the best sports games available for Android.After a few golden years of fantastic entries, it seems like most mobile sports games have succumbed to the freemium model. There are far too few quality titles available that just let you jump into the game without having to deal with player cards, pointless upgrades, or waiting for stamina meters to refill. Nearly all the top mobile sports game franchises have switched over to a team-building system that requires you to unlock (or buy) card packs to upgrade your team.However, there are still great games to be played. We've tried to cover the five major North American sports here with some extras thrown in for fun. Be sure to note which games are more sim-based for the hardcore sports fan and which ones offer a more arcade-like option for casual players.Want something a bit less sporty? We have a list of the best Android games overall, too!Best sports games for AndroidAustra...

Speaking as a passionate mobile gamer, finding the best smartphone gaming accessories can save you from inadequate controls, a dying battery, tinny audio, and limited internal storage. With cloud-based streaming platforms on the rise and the best Android games adding controller support and more demanding graphics, having the right Android gaming accessories on hand can make or break a gaming session. We've rounded up the best controllers, battery packs, and headphones that you should consider if you want to step your game up.One size fits mostRazer Kishi Mobile Game ControllerStaff PickBuilt to slot in almost any Android phone with a center USB-C port, the Razer Kishi runs off your phone battery and supports pass-through charging. So unlike most Bluetooth controllers, you'll never have to charge it. It collapses into a convenient travel size, input lag is never a problem, and it's less conspicuous than a gaming-clip controller when playing on the go.$55 at Amazon$80 at B...

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best Android phones and also one of the most expensive. This phone brings the S Pen, amazing cameras, fast performance, and one gorgeous display. This is why you want to get the best screen protector for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, along with a fantastic case, to make sure your new phone stays safe.Curvy and curedWhitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraStaff PickCurved screens need curved screen protectors, which are more prone to pull up at the edges when used with thicker cases. UV-cured cases tend to have a stronger grip and won't peel up as quickly, part of why the Whitestone Dome Glass has such a devout following. Plus, this pack comes with two!$40 at AmazonPristine screenZAGG Fusion Curve with D3OYour display is kept safe due to the D3O technology and the flexible hybrid polymers in ZAGG's Fusion Curve screen protector. Not to mention it will also be less germy thanks to the anti-microbi...

No matter where you live, the internet is going to be filled with things you don't like. And it should be.Most Android Central readers are in North America so you might not know about the U.K. Online Safety Bill. It's a proposal by Parliament that is intended to improve user safety while online. It's well-intended, not yet a law or set of laws, and may or may not have any meaningful effect.Case in point: the latest proposed additions to the bill are designed to "protect people from anonymous trolls online." Yes, that's an actual quote from the Right Honorable Nadine Dorries, U.K. Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport; not something I have paraphrased. Besides the candid title, the additions also have the distinction of being absurd.I'll let you read through the actual text here but I'll also summarize for those who won't bother:Online platforms must give users a way to verify their identity and block unverified accounts or users.Online ...

Are you protecting your investment?Smartphones aren't exactly cheap these days. Sure, you can get great value from some budget Android phones, but if you're looking for a flagship smartphone like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, chances are, you're paying in the ballpark of $1,000 or more. That's not exactly cheap, so we expect you'll likely want to protect your investment by purchasing a phone case or screen protector.Do you usually protect your phone with a case or screen protector? Let us know in our latest poll below!Poll: Do you use a case or screen protector with your smartphone?Having a phone case can be a tricky thing for some. On the one hand, you want to appreciate and show off your phone's design, which companies put so much work into. On the other hand, you also don't want to ruin that design without a case, resulting in an unfortunate drop causing your device damage. Of course, the tradeoff here is the added thickness and weight you get from adding a case. The Galaxy S22 U...

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

Best answer: No. While HBO Max offered a 7-day free trial when it launched in May 2020, it took away the free trial option when it announced it would be releasing a number of Warner Bros. films on the same day they hit theaters.HBO Max free trial:Can you try HBO Max for free?Will the free trial come back?What exclusive movies are streaming on HBO Max?What plans and deals does HBO Max currently offer?Can you try HBO Max for free?If you're looking for an HBO Max free trial though, we have good news and bad news. Sadly, HBO stopped running this option quite some time ago and it doesn't look like it's coming back. On the plus side, you do have cheaper sign-up options than before thanks to a new ad-supported tier starting at just $9.99 a month on a rolling contract that you can cancel at any time.The ad-supported tier shows content in HD but for just $5 extra a month, you get resplendent 4K streaming and access to the day-and-date cinema movies, which is the one you nee...

Lacking powerMoto G Power (2022)$250 at Verizon WirelessProsFantastic battery lifeLow priceExpandable storage50MP camera is a great upgradeConsThe display is just badPerformance is slower than it should beBig battery handcuffed by slow chargingSoftware updatesMotorola is taking major steps in the wrong direction with the G Power (2022). The phone's display is subpar, to say the least, which might help to explain why battery life is so good. On the bright side, the 50MP main camera does perform better than you might expect.Good ol' daysMoto G Power (2020)$225 at Amazon (Renewed)ProsMore versatile camera systemHigher-resolution displayStorage can be expanded with a microSD cardSolid performanceConsTwo years oldNo NFCFrustratingly slow charging speedsSoftware updatesIgnoring the fact that the G Power is more than two years old, there are plenty of reasons why you won't want to upgrade. The original G Power offers a more versati...

MWC is a "unifying event" with no place for war.What you need to knowGSMA has announced that there will not be a Russian Pavilion at MWC 2022.The organization announced events in Ukraine unfold, with the GSMA condemning the invasion.A "handful" of companies have reportedly been banned from the show.MWC 2022 is just days away, but some significant changes are already taking place following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.GSMA, the organization that hosts MWC, announced on the event website that it does not agree with the invasion of Ukraine and that it's not hosting a Russian Pavilion at MWC 2022."The GSMA strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine," the organization said in its statement. "The situation is fast-moving, and we understand that various governments are considering broader sanctions against Russia. In light of this emerging situation and considering the tragic loss of life, MWC seems immaterial under the circumstances. MWC is a unifying event with a visi...

Fighting misinformation and helping keep users safe online.What you need to knowGoogle's European team outlines its response to the Ukraine invasion.Google says it has increased security measures in Ukraine to protect against online threats.YouTube is surfacing content from trusted news sources, removing videos and ads that promote misinformation.Google is also providing $2 million in donated ads to aid with resources.Amid the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the war in Ukraine, Google's European team has outlined ways that it is helping keep users and employees safe.The company posted a series of tweets on Friday highlighting the various steps it's taking to provide accurate information and help prevent cyber attacks.Our threat intel teams continue to look out for and disrupt disinfo campaigns, hacking, and financially motivated abuse, and are working with other companies and relevant government bodies to address these threats.— Google Europe (@googleeurope) Fe...

When you're playing something with your friends, be it a co-op game or competitive multiplayer, you often don't want to bother with game chat and want to stay separated, talking only to your friends. Hopping into a party, or Voice Chat, with another player isn't totally straightforward on PS5. Fortunately, it's a simple enough process to repeat once you've gone through it once. Here's how to set up a party on PS5.Products used in this guideGrab a headset: Razer Kraken XStay charged: PS5 DualSense controllerPS5 GuidesHow to transfer games and save dataHow to attach the PS5 baseHow to set up parental controlsHow to connect to Wi-FiHow to increase download speedsHow to manage multiple accountsHow to set up 2FAHow to update your PS5 system softwareHow to use Game HelpHow to enable 4K/8K resolutionHow to factory reset your PS5How to set up a party on PS5Parties on PS5 are referred to as Voice Chats, which are included in a general Party. Following recent fir...

First post-Android 11 update for the original Surface Duo.What you need to knowMicrosoft has updated its Surface Duo phones with the February security patch.The Surface Duo 2 is receiving several performance enhancements.The original Surface Duo receives support for app streaming via the Microsoft Your Phone app.The Microsoft Surface Duo duo is receiving new updates on Friday, including the February security patch and some notable enhancements, particularly for the original Duo.After finally receiving the Android 11 update in January, the original Surface Duo is getting its first monthly security update, which includes not only performance improvements but also a new feature. Now, Surface Duo owners will be able to stream their apps on Windows PC using the Your Phone app.Aside from running Android apps natively on Windows 11 PCs, a feature that is still on its way, the Your Phone app is able to run Android apps on your computer directly from your smartphone. This functi...

A fully charged Oculus Quest or Meta Quest 2 will give you about two to three hours of battery life, but if you have one of the best Quest battery packs, you can go even longer. For some players, the built-in battery is not nearly long enough for a good gaming session or for an extended media session in an app like Netflix. Battery packs are some of the best accessories you can get for your Quest and can double, or even triple, the battery life of your headset.The perfect pairingOculus Quest 2 Elite Strap with BatteryStaff pickThe Quest 2 Elite Strap comes with a battery pack built-in for extra playtime while keeping with the same design language and quality you've come to expect from your Quest 2. Besides increasing the comfort of your headset, the battery offers double the playtime and can be charged at the same time as your Quest 2 without needing to unplug it.$109 at Amazon$109 at Best Buy$109 at B&HJust what the doctor orderedDestek Capsule Battery Pa...

Manually transferring your number might help.What you need to knowSome Galaxy S22 owners on AT&T or T-Mobile in the U.S. might experience a delay when trying to send messages upon initial setup of the phone.AT&T and T-Mobile have their own RCS servers, so data needs to be transferred from Google's servers to your carrier's.This issue does not affect Verizon customers, as they will still use Google's servers.Google has a webpage that'll manually remove your phone number from its servers if you're having trouble.The Samsung Galaxy S22 family ships with Google Messages as the default messaging app for the first time in history, which enables better messaging through a technology called RCS. While most Android users who download and use Google Messages connect directly to Google's servers to send messages, AT&T and T-Mobile Galaxy S22 units will connect to their carrier's servers, instead.While this is made to be seamless and should require no user intervention, ...

Experience VR on the PlayStation with these exciting upcoming game titles.PlayStation VR is becoming an increasingly larger platform, especially with the upcoming PS5 VR release. But no matter where you play your VR games, whether on a PS4 or PS5, you're in for an incredible experience. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's easy to get overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games slated to hit PSVR in the coming months. We look forward to adding more upcoming PlayStation VR games to this list as they become available. For now, we hope some of our favorite picks on this list catch your eye.PlayStation VR games:StrideMoss: Book 2FirmamentLOW-FIHumanity Blunt ForceStrideEver wonder what Mirror's Edge would look like in virtual reality? Well, this is the closest thing you might get. Since you probably can't do parkour in real life, do it in the safety of VR with Stride. It's not exclusively about parkour eithe...

The international code for Ukraine is 380.Verizon, T-Mobile, and UScellular are waiving long-distance fees to and from Ukraine.What you need to knowVerizon Wireless customers can call to or from Ukraine from February 25 through March 10 for free, including SMS.T-Mobile customers can make and receive calls from Ukraine for free from February 25 through March 3. Customers roaming in Ukraine can also call local Ukraine numbers for free.UScellular customers can make and receive calls from Ukraine for free from February 25 through March 31.U.S. carriers such as T-Mobile and Verizon have announced that they are supporting customers by offering free calls to Ukraine beginning Friday, February 25.Verizon has announced that it will waive all long-distance fees for calls and texts made to or received from Ukraine. This will last from February 25 through March 10. This also includes business wireless customers and landline phone customers. If you're a Verizon customer in Ukraine, y...

Cue Spongebob narrator: Three months later...What you need to knowOnePlus has announced the OxygenOS 12 Open Beta for the OnePlus 8 series.The beta is also available for the OnePlus 8T and includes enhancements like improved Dark Mode, Canvas AOD, and more.OnePlus 8 and 8T owners can download the necessary files now to take part in the beta.Three months after launching the OxygenOS 12 (Android 12) closed beta for the OnePlus 8 series, OnePlus has finally announced that the open beta is now available.The OxygenOS 12 closed beta was limited to some OnePlus forum members, but if you were unable to join the closed beta, now's your chance to try out OxygenOS 12 on your OnePlus 8 series phone before the stable version rolls out.As far as what you can expect in this version, it's largely similar to what we got on the OnePlus 9 series, with features such as an enhanced Dark Mode, improvements to the Gallery app, new options to the Shelf, and more. Of course, since this is a bet...

PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people. It doesn't help that stock levels remain tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we here at Android Central have seen PS5s stay in stock is between 15 to 20 minutes (often just a few minutes, though). That's also at random times, so finding a PS5 is a truly challenging task. Sony warned it would be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, if not further, but retailers promise more are coming and that Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called the system a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. And after spending over a year with the PS5, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games and faster loading to the DualSense haptic feedback ...

Samsung is clearly trying to impress its loyal customers.What you need to knowGalaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra phones are now receiving the March 1, 2022 security update.The update carries a build number ending in AVBH and means Samsung is the first company to roll out the security patch.While unconfirmed, this patch could address the display issues that International Galaxy S22 Ultra models have been having.If you're the proud owner of a brand new Samsung Galaxy S22, your pride is about to swell just a bit more. Samsung has already begun rolling out the March 2022 Android security update to its latest line of phones, making them the first phones in the world to get the March update.It's entirely possible that this patch was pushed out early to address the display glitch bug that's causing problems for some early Galaxy S22 Ultra adopters who are using the International version with Samsung's Exynos processor inside.Beyond that, Samsung hasn't published...

Paramount Plus launched in early 2021 as the new version of CBS All Access. In addition to being the new and improved home for the likes of Big Brother, Star Trek: Discovery, and all the NCIS episodes you can stomach, the platform also hosts tons of content from BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and the Smithsonian Channel. Nearly a year later, Paramount+ has also added a ton of new original series and films. Here's everything you need to know about Paramount+.Paramount+ Streaming Service:What is Paramount+?How much does Paramount+ cost?Are there any Paramount+ deals?Where is Paramount+ available?What's streaming on Paramount+?What devices support Paramount+?Account limits and profilesTry Paramount+ for freeParamount+Binge it hereFrom $5/mo. at Paramount+So much content, so little timeParamount+ is the hub for all the content you don't want to miss from networks including CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more.What is Paramount+?...

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great Bluetooth speaker, so we've rounded up what we believe are some of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 to help save you money. So whether you're looking to pick up a speaker to listen to music, play your favorite podcasts by the pool, or stream music from your phone, there are plenty of great affordable options available. Our top pick would be the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 for versatility and excellent sound quality.Best overall: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2The WONDERBOOM 2 delivers everything you're looking for in an affordable Bluetooth speaker. It has IP67 water resistance, astonishingly great sound quality, and 13-hour battery life. The speaker also has multi-directional sound, and you can even pair two speakers together to create a stereo effect (although you can only pair it with other Wonderboom speakers).The versatility here makes the WONDERBOOM 2 stand out from the pack. You can take it to the pool without worry...

A new round of government funding for rural broadband expansion is leaving me with old familiar feelings.Living out in the countryside of rural America may sound romantic to some. But even as appealing as that lifestyle can be, it's still 2022, and connectivity is king. The unfortunate reality that we currently have to face is that if someone wants to live outside of a populated area, there will have to be some concessions. Aside from travel time for things like getting groceries and property maintenance, the most impactful concession for most rural families is the lack of reliable broadband.I've spent the better part of my life living in rural Kansas, anywhere from eight to 30 miles from the nearest town of considerable population. For the past six years, I have battled with obtaining any real semblance of legitimate broadband to my home. While the nearest town — a mere eight miles away — offers a few ISP options with gigabit connectivity, none of that is available to me....

Google announced that its Stadia video game streaming service would be available for more Android TV devices. Before, people who wanted to stream games from the cloud to their televisions needed the aging Chromecast Ultra. While the Chromecast Ultra worked well and was bundled with the Stadia Controller, it was the only option to play Stadia games on the television. Here is a list of every Android TV device that supports Stadia.Google's ownChromecast with Google TV - SnowStaff PickThe Chromecast with Google TV replaces the Chromecast Ultra and does everything of its predecessor and more. It can cast content from an Android or iOS device, allow users to browse content among several apps without switching, and control smart home devices. It also comes with a dedicated voice remote equipped with Google Assistant.$50 at Google $50 at Best BuyNew TVHisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)Those looking to upgrade their screen can go with the 2021 suite of Hisense...

While Qualcomm saw its shipments rise by 18%, MediaTek's shipments saw a decline in Q4 2021.What you need to knowMediaTek continued to lead the global smartphone AP market in Q4 2021.It held a 33% share of the market, while Qualcomm's share stood at 30%. Counterpoint expects MediaTek to have a strong 2022 due to 5G migration in several parts of the world, combined with continued LTE demand. The global smartphone AP/SoC market grew by 5% YoY in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to new research from Counterpoint. Unsurprisingly, demand for 5G smartphone SoCs continued to grow and accounted for almost half of the total SoC shipments during the quarter.MediaTek led the smartphone SoC market in the October to December period with a market share of 33%. When compared to the same period a year earlier, however, MediaTek's market share fell by 4%. Its shipments also declined due to "inventory corrections" by Chinese smartphone OEMs.Qualcomm's shipments grew by 18% in Q4 2...

As top dog when it comes to building phones, Samsung has the most to gain when it comes to profitable sustainability.Samsung is, by all accounts, one of the biggest companies in tech. It consistently ranks among the top three phone manufacturers every year, and more importantly builds some of the key parts inside its top two rivals' devices. Samsung makes all kinds of tech products that aren't phones or phone parts, either — even heavy artillery. Yes, even massive war machine weaponry needs technological mastery to work well.Because of this, Samsung probably saves enough money each year by using recycled products to feed a small country. While I would love to see Samsung take a year-long hiatus from making tech and feed some hungry people, what's important to the people in charge is the saving money part. Recycling is a big part of sustainability, but it's also a way to cut down on costs — especially when you're as big as Samsung and actively recycle everything yourself.Equ...

Latest and greatestSamsung Galaxy S22 Plus$1,000 at AmazonProsTons of color options, including exclusive onesBeautiful, bezel-less designUpgraded triple camera systemMore powerful processorConsExpensiveNo headphone jackNo optional microSD storageAs one of the latest smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy line, the S22+ has tons of features, looks gorgeous, supports fast charging, and has a wonderful camera system. There's little more you could ask for in a premium phone.Still a great choiceSamsung Galaxy S20 Plus$720 at AmazonProsHigher-resolution screenSupports optional memory cards up to 1TBQuad camera systemMuch cheaperConsNo headphone jackOlder modelOutdated Android OSIt might be a few years old now, but the Samsung Galaxy S20+ is still a solid option worth hanging onto. It even bests the S22+ in some departments, offers a snappy processor, takes great photos, and has expandable memory.Samsung's latest trio of devices inc...

Music is the heartbeat of our lives. It amps us up before a big test or a cardio workout, and soothes us through grief and loss. Because we expect our music to follow us from device to device, from home to car to work to cafe, having a music streaming service that fits your lifestyle is essential. While there are several music streaming services out there, we're going to focus on services available to much of the world.Best Overall: Tidal HiFiTidal was one of the first music services to provide high-quality lossless audio over streaming, even though it launched with a rather bare selection of artists and songs. Since its inception, Tidal has continued to grow its catalog and added some extra goodies, including high-definition music videos. In addition to the high-quality music available, the company offers more than its fair share of artist exclusive releases and was even live-streaming concerts before it was cool.The feature-set for Tidal is also rather robust since it's ava...

I just started using the iQOO 9 Pro. The brand won't be familiar to those in the west; it is the latest entrant from BBK, the Chinese conglomerate that owns OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, and Realme. BBK positioned iQOO as a Vivo sub-brand, similar to how Realme started off under OPPO's tutelage three years ago.Back to the device in question. The iQOO 9 Pro is aimed at the flagship segment and takes on the best Android phones, and as such it has a QHD+ AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh and dynamic scaling, Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and a 50MP gimbal camera that is fantastic for taking videos. The part that's particularly intriguing to me is the battery — the iQOO 9 Pro has a 4700mAh battery and charges at a frankly ridiculous 120W and 50W wirelessly. iQOO advertises a full charge in just 20 minutes, with zero to 50% taking just 8 minutes.Although iQOO kicked off the 120W trend last year, it isn't the only brand to do so. Xiaomi's 11T Pro and 11...

You might find yourself circling back to other earbuds.When it comes to wireless earbuds, most people's first priority is active noise cancellation, or ANC, to drown out the world while immersing yourself in tunes, movies, and other entertainment. However, in this work-from-anywhere world we now live in, ANC isn't well suited for those split-second interactions with people and things that need our attention in the real world. That's where the Sony LinkBuds come in.You won't find ANC here because it's not what these earbuds are for. Sony has taken an interesting design approach with the LinkBuds, outfitting them with a ring-shaped driver with a hole in the middle. That hole is there to let outside noise in, as opposed to keeping it out, so that you can remain aware of the important things around you, whether you're working, working out, or simply taking a stroll. It might sound strange, but it addresses a fairly specific pain point with the best wireless earbuds without relying on...

The best wireless chargers are a bit of a dream, breaking you out of the old rut of having to plug in your phone every time to sit down to work or sleep. Ditch your cables and quit wearing out your phone's charging port by getting yourself a handy wireless charger. It's easier than ever now that more wireless chargers are switching to USB-C so you can stick to one cable.Cool and compactAnker 15W Max Wireless ChargerStaff Pick$27 at Amazon $27 at WalmartThis Qi charger can output 15W for the few devices that support it right now, plus 10W/7.5W/5W for everyone else as needed, from Samsung to Apple and beyond. It's got a sleek look and takes Power Delivery or Qualcomm QuickCharge wall adapters.Best for PixeliOttie iON Wireless Duo (Made For Google Edition) - Dark Grey$43 at AmazoniOttie is better known for its car mounts, but it actually makes the best current Pixel stand on the market — yes, even better than Google's. The 15W EPP coils on the stand will charge y...