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Not every device in your home needs to be smart, but you can still stay in control with one of the best smart plugs for Google Home and Alexa. Whether you bought into either ecosystem or are balancing devices on both, having a smart plug that works with either is a huge relief. With so many options for smart speakers, people have ended up with both Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible speakers in their homes. If you're in the same boat, it's essential to buy smart home accessories that are compatible with both AI assistants, so we've rounded up the best smart plugs for Alexa and Google Assistant.No hub requiredKasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini - WhiteStaff PickThe Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a super affordable smart plug for Google Assistant and Alexa. It's just as reliable as larger smart Wi-Fi plugs and lets you set schedules for any devices plugged into the plug, as well as operate your plugs even when you're away from home. Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, no hub is required to ge...

The Galaxy S22 trio is expected to be unveiled at a Galaxy Unpacked event early next month.What you need to knowA new rumor suggests the Galaxy S22 series phones could be more expensive than their predecessors.The vanilla Galaxy S22 is tipped to start from $899.Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra, on the other hand, could start from $1,299. Samsung surprised everyone last year by launching the Galaxy S21 series at lower prices than their S20 counterparts. If a new rumor is to be believed, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S22 series phones may actually be more expensive than the S21 series.As per tipster @chunvn8888, the Galaxy S22 will start from $899 in the U.S. The Galaxy S22+ is said to start from $1,099, while the S22 Ultra could cost $1,299. If the information pans out, all three Galaxy S22 series phones will cost $100 more than their predecessors.Wrap up the S22 series and Tab S8 series pricesS22: $899S22+: $1099S22U: $1299Tab S8: under $850Tab S8+: $900-1000Tab S8U: around 1100 ...

Speed your way past the competition in these outstanding racers for Android!We've rounded up the best racing games found in the Google Play Store. With so many options to choose from, we've compiled a list that covers a whole slew of sub-genres — from stylized arcade racing to highly realistic racing sims — so no matter your preference, you should find an outstanding game that's right for you.And if you want some great games in other genres, we have our list of the best Android games, too. Ready? Let's hit the road!The gamesAsphalt 9: LegendsBeach Buggy Racing 2CSR RacingData WingDirt Trackin 2#DriveGrand Prix StoryGRID AutosportHill Climb Racing 2Horizon Chase: World TourMario Kart Tour Motorsport Manager Mobile 3Need for Speed™ No LimitsNitro Nation Drag & ShiftProject Offroad 20Rally Fury: Extreme RacingReal Racing 3Riptide GP: Renegade Thumb DriftTofu DrifterTop Speed 2: Drag RivalsAsphalt 9: LegendsAsphalt 9: Legends is the lat...

Carving out market share with carrier partnerships, $200 tablets, and foldable gambles.TCL kept to the status quo when it announced two budget 5G carrier phones — the TCL 30 XE 5G and TCL 30 V 5G — and six cheap Android tablets at CES 2022. Since TCL slapped its name on the Alcatel brand in 2020, it has largely stuck to the inexpensive side of Android when selling in the U.S. The problem for TCL is that the budget U.S. market for phones and tablets is only going to get more and more crowded starting this year.You need only look at the more popular Android brands' plans for the U.S. market in 2022 to see that most are abandoning the flagship tier to Samsung, Apple, and (to a lesser extent) Google. So that means that these same brands are all suddenly jockeying against one another for the same customers, and someone is bound to come out on top — or get left behind.If TCL wants to succeed, it'll have to take on Motorola/Lenovo, OnePlus/OPPO, Nokia/HMD Global, Amazon Fire, an...

All Pixels except the 2016 original (running Android 10 or later) can use the Now Playing feature to detect nearby music and identify the songs and artists right on your lock screen. It even stores that info so you can check it later, without any input on your part. Now Playing is a handy way to identify catchy music at a party, check song lyrics, or remind yourself what you were listening to yesterday. It's also easy to turn on, but certain features only work on newer Pixels. Here's how to set up the Now Playing feature on a Google Pixel and what to do with it once it's set up.How to set up Now Playing on your PixelOpen your Settings.Go to Sound & Vibration.Tap Now Playing.Toggle Identify songs playing nearby on.On this Settings page, you can also turn Notifications on and off, enable the Show search button on lock screen tool, or check your Now Playing history. Note: Pixel 2s and 3s won't have the search button option.Just like that, you've turned on Now Playing! ...

For many, Sony's PS5 VR (PS VR2) announcement at CES was a complete surprise. CES isn't typically a gaming-focused trade show but, funny enough, Sony's biggest — and most interesting — announcement was the next-generation VR headset they've been teasing for an entire year now.Throughout 2021, Sony unveiled new controllers, told us the PS VR2 will still be wired, and finally detailed the most important specs at CES 2022. In total, it shows a company willing to commit to only the finest premium VR experience you can get anywhere, and that's exactly what will set the PS VR2 apart from headsets like the Oculus Quest 2 and whatever an Apple VR headset might look like.Ascending to the throneOne thing abundantly clear from the get-go: Sony focuses on providing a premium VR experience that doesn't compromise on graphics or interaction. It isn't worried about using a mobile processor to power a freestanding experience. Sony is completely focused on the living room and delivering t...

The Galaxy S21 FE sits in an interesting spot between last year's S21 series and the Galaxy S22 we expect to arrive in a couple of months. Cheaper than the regular S21 (which has been in short supply) with the same basic specs and a larger 6.4-inch screen, the Galaxy S21 FE will seem like a no-brainer to many buyers. But before you hit the button, we're here to help you answer one question: which Galaxy S21 color should you get?Lilac lovelinesssSamsung Galaxy S21 FE LavenderThe smaller S21 first brought us this majestic purple hue, and it's become something of a standard color for Samsung, which is excellent because its Lavender hue looks fabulous! Want your phone to match your earbuds, your watch band, and more? Lavender is the way to go.$699 at SamsungShow me them pearly whites!Samsung Galaxy S21 FE WhiteWhite shines and sparkles like that gleaming castle at the end of a fairy tale, and nothing looks cleaner. It's also a great option if you want to pair it with tr...

A fitness winnerFitbit Versa 2$130 at AmazonProsGreat battery lifeDetailed sleep trackingGood size and design optionsOn-screen coachingMore affordableConsNo built-in GPSNotifications sometimes finickyFitbit is a leader in the smartwatch and fitness tracker market, and for good reason. Devices like the Versa 2 are versatile, can track just about anything, and connect you to a massive and growing community of users, including friends and like-minded individuals, who can help motivate you. The Versa 2 is an older model but can be yours for a good deal.Smart and stylishSamsung Galaxy Watch 3$289 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSStylish wristwatch designPairs with TV for workoutsTwo size optionsLTE optionConsShort battery lifeMore smartwatch than fitnessExpensiveThe Galaxy Watch 3 combines the fitness features you'd want in a design that rivals a standard wristwatch and that you can wear every day. It has all of the expected features of a...

The feature has only been rolled out to a small percentage of Buds Pro users so far.What you need to knowOnePlus has pushed a new firmware update for its Buds Pro wireless earbuds.The update introduces a new "Dual connection" feature that lets users connect the OnePlus Buds Pro to two devices at the same time. You can enable the feature within the Headphone settings on OnePlus devices. OnePlus has started rolling out a new update for the OnePlus Buds Pro, adding a nifty feature called Dual Connection. The new feature lets users pair the earbuds with two devices simultaneously for fast switching, without having to reconnect.As per a post on the company's Community forums, the update is being rolled out in stages and is currently available only to a small number of users. A broader rollout will apparently commence over the next few days.If you have a OnePlus device, you can enable the new Dual Connection feature by heading over to Bluetooth Settings and tapping the cogwhe...

The number of excellent smart home devices compatible with Google Home is significant, and it's only going to continue to grow as the new smart home standard, Matter, rolls out in 2022. With so many products available to add to your home, from the best Google Assistant speakers to some fantastic kitchen products, knowing how to remove one of these devices from your Google Home is likely to come up. So, when you've decided to upgrade a device or remove one because you no longer use it, we're here to walk you through the process of removing smart home products from the Google Home app.How to remove first-party smart home products from the Google Home appFirst-party devices within the Google Home app are limited to Chromecast and Nest devices like cameras, smart speakers, and doorbells. Removing these products is pretty straightforward, so let's start with these first.Open the Google Home app on your phone.Find the product you want to remove and tap on it.Select the ⚙️ in t...

All your live programming in one place.What you need to knowRoku launches an all-new Live TV Zone for its streaming platform.Live TV Zone brings together Roku's Live TV channel guide with other Live streaming apps.The new hub can be accessed from the left-hand navigation under "Live TV."Roku is rolling out a new feature onto its platform that will make live TV programming more accessible to users with the new Live TV Zone.It's a new hub that will consist of all the live TV apps and services available on the platform, making it easy for users to hop into whatever they're subscribed to. This includes Roku's own Live TV channel guide, of course, and also has YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu, and more.Users can access Live TV Zone from the left-hand navigation menu by selecting "Live TV" or searching for "Live TV Zone." From there, the hub will present live TV apps and "cable alternatives."The hub represents Roku's latest push into live streaming content. Last year, the 10.5 upda...

It's got stellar specs and a price to match.What you need to knowSony has begun shipping last year's Xperia 5 III in the United States.The phone was announced in April 2021 and features a 4K 120Hz OLED display.Sony is throwing in a free pair of WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds if ordered before the end of February.Sony isn't known for being exactly timely, which is why it doesn't come as much of a surprise that the company has announced that it's finally started shipping the Xperia 5 III in the U.S... nine months after it was launched.It's a shame, too, because the Xperia 5 III is a superb smartphone, at least on paper, featuring many of the same specs that are nearly as powerful as its big brother. That includes that 6.1-inch 120Hz Full HD OLED display, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a triple camera setup with the variable telephoto lens.The Xperia 5 III won't come cheap, though — the suggested retail price is $1000. While that's in line with many of the best Android p...

Motorola is going all out on the next Razr.Update, Jan 11 (12:15 p.m. ET): More Morotola Razr 3 details emergeWhat you need to knowMotorola is reportedly developing the Razr 3 to be a true flagship foldable.The device will allegedly feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 120Hz display.It could feature up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.Motorola is hard at work on its Razr successor, and while we've heard some bits and pieces here and there, we may know more about the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 3 competitor.XDA-Developers has caught wind of some information of the device, tentatively dubbed the "Motorola Razr 3," thanks to their sources, who have indicated that it will be a true flagship. In contrast to the Razr 5G, which features a midrange Snapdragon 765 chipset, the Razr 3 will be powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.Other specs include up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, NFC (which isn't always a given with Motorola phones), and possibly Ultra-Wideband...

CES 2022 is over and done with, and we've already taken a look at some of our favorite announcements from the event. However, some of the products announced at the show had us scratching our tilted heads while others convinced us that Black Mirror might actually be onto something. So we decided to take a look back at some of the CES products that we found particularly... interesting.Smart contact lensesSmart glasses are so 2021. CES 2022 shows us that the future of wearables could be in the ones you can't even see. Two companies showed off their take on smart contacts, Mojo Vision and InWith. The former is partnering with companies like Adidas to tailor its hard electronic lens for sports enthusiasts. InWith, on the other hand, will apparently be the first to use a soft electronic lens (pictured above). Its contacts will also be more general-purpose to help improve eyesight in certain scenarios while also having AR and VR applications.It sounds pretty crazy for such a small t...

If you're looking for a great streaming device, we've ranked the best Amazon Fire TV Sticks that you can buy right now. A streaming stick is a great, low-cost option to bring all of the content you want into your living room, and there really isn't a better option than a Fire TV Stick. Even though it's a couple of years old at this point, we still believe that the best choice overall is the Fire TV Stick 4K. It comes with a handy Alexa Voice Remote and is the best all-around version of a Fire TV device.Best overall Fire TV Stick: Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice RemoteLet's not mince words here. This is the Fire TV stick you want to get. Period. Yeah, the others work just about as well, but with the Fire TV Stick 4K, you're future-proofing yourself. Also, as more and more video content is available in better formats like 4K, UHD, HDR 10+, and Dolby Vision, you're going to want to have a device that can support and stream that content, especially if and when you upgrade your TV...

A Samsung executive has reportedly confirmed a February 8 debut for the upcoming flagship phone.What you need to knowSamsung is said to be planning on an early February announcement for the Galaxy S22 series.The device may also be available to purchase from February 24.The expected launch date is consistent with a previous tip courtesy of Jon Prosser.The Galaxy S22 series announcement may be less than a month away, if a new report citing a Samsung executive is to be believed. It also includes more details on when the upcoming flagship phone will go on sale and start shipping.According to Digital Daily, Samsung will hold its first Galaxy Unpacked event for 2022 on February 8, during which it will take the wraps off the Galaxy S22 series (via XDA Developers). As expected, the device will come in three models, namely the vanilla Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 Ultra.Pre-orders will apparently kick off the next day, on February 9. The phone will then become available...

The January security update could soon begin rolling out to more Samsung flagships.What you need to knowThe January 2022 Android security patch has started rolling out to Samsung's Galaxy S21 series phones in the U.S.It fixes 52 issues affecting Google's mobile operating system.For now, it looks like the rollout is limited to unlocked models.Last week, Samsung started rolling out the January 2022 security patch to Galaxy S21 users in the Netherlands. As per SamMobile, the update has now expanded to the U.S. and South Korea.The update arrives as version G99xNKSU3BULF in Samsung's home market and G99xU1UES4BULE for the unlocked Galaxy S21 series phones in the U.S. Carrier-locked variants, however, may have to wait a few more days to get the update.Unsurprisingly, the January security update doesn't bring any other changes aside from security improvements. Samsung's dedicated Security Updates page notes that the January 2022 security update includes a total of 52 fixes fro...

This week, we report on Sony's unveiling of the PlayStation VR2, which looks to ready to compete with the full VR market. A new Pokémon Legends: Arceus trailer shows off gameplay for the upcoming game, and there are rumor that Mario Kart 9 is on the way.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:PS5 VR is officially called PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2) | Android CentralPlayStation VR2 appears ready to compete with the full VR market. That's bad news for Windows Mixed Reality. | Windows CentralNew Pokémon Legends: Arceus trailer shows off gameplay | iMoreMario Kart 9 currently being developed with a "twist", says insider | iMore...

Whether you're about to start a weight loss journey or already have an established workout regimen, and you want to monitor your progress, a smart scale is an excellent tool for keeping your fitness goals on track. The best smart scales connect to a corresponding app on your phone or tablet. As a result, you'll receive detailed information that you can't get from an ordinary bathroom scale. Our favorite is the Eufy Smart Scale P1, which is very easy to use, tracks 14 key metrics, and can accommodate multiple users. So no matter what features you desire, there's a smart scale on this list for you.Best overall: Eufy Smart Scale P1If you're looking for the best combination of features, an attractive design, and a user-friendly app, you'll love the Eufy Smart Scale P1. It can track up to 14 insightful metrics, including body fat, BMI, muscle mass, and more. Got multiple users? No problem. This smart scale allows for up to 16 different users.It's compatible with popular apps, incl...

Contrary to what you might hear, you can print from a Chromebook, but it isn't quite as easy as it might be with other computers. Fortunately, that doesn't mean you can't ever print from your Chromebook. The following printers are among the best Google Cloud printers. Even though the Google Cloud Print feature is no longer supported, you can still connect these printers with a Chromebook for printing from the device without a complex setup.Simple and cost-effectiveEpson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet PrinterStaff PickNot only can you print wirelessly, but the refillable ink reservoirs last up to two years so that you can print without having to worry about running to the store for ink right when you're on a deadline.$296 at Amazon $200 at Best Buy $200 at TargetBest for the officeCanon Office Products MAXIFY IB4120 Wireless Color Photo PrinterDesigned specifically for the office with its 500-paper capacity, the Canon Office IB4120 printer works with mu...

Best answer: If you're able to factory reset your device before sending it in, as well as remove or wipe your eSIM card, then yes. However, if the phone is too damaged to turn on, there is a risk of someone accessing data even if you remote-wipe it. Because of this, you need to take steps if a hard reset isn't possible.Why you need to be carefulIn late 2020, game designer Jane McGonigal alleged that after she sent her Pixel 5a in for repairs, someone hacked into her phone and accessed her "Gmail, Drive, photos, backup email account, Dropbox" and other files while redirecting any emailed security alerts to her spam folder. According to McGonigal's interview with The Verge in December 2021, she described remotely erasing her phone, so it would wipe as soon as it connected to the internet. Yet someone still managed to bypass this failsafe.This disturbing privacy leak made plenty of people question if it's safe to send their Android phone out for repair.A Google spokesperson late...

The OnePlus 10 Pro is already one of the more unusual Android phones of 2022, with plenty of questions left unanswered following its CES semi-launch.CES hasn't traditionally been a huge show for smartphone launches. Even in normal years when the event's attendance wasn't slashed by 75% due to Covid-19, pickings would be relatively slim compared to the big European tech shows — Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, and IFA in Berlin. So it's been surprising to see the quietest in-person CES in years also be the busiest for flagship phone launches.We got Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE — a big enough deal in its own right and new Android features coming later this year, along with launches from Chinese brands Vivo and TCL. But the major announcement for Western Android fans had to be the OnePlus 10 Pro, one of the first Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 flagships from a brand that enthusiasts actually care about. We already have a full spec sheet, but no global launch date.OnePlus pulled its phy...

Smart glasses are here today, just not the ones sci-fi promised.For many technology fans and sci-fi nerds, smart eyewear is one of the most sought-after gadgets behind implantable brain chips. From augmenting the real world to immersing yourself into a completely virtual one through a lightweight pair of smart glasses, this has to be in the top three coolest pieces of tech to have — and it's here, right?Over the past decade, we've gotten a lot of different smart glasses, but none of them have given customers a compelling reason to pick up a pair.Perhaps the most famous, and potentially the product that set the category both forwards and backward, is the original Google Glass from 2012. This device most closely resembled what we had seen in movies, from the cyborg-esque design to offering a lot of functionality in a small computer worn on our faces. Unfortunately, in reality, the product was a bit ahead of its time, and neither the world nor the supporting technology was ready...

By now, most of us have used a phone with contactless payments, or if not, we've seen such devices in the wild. Samsung Pay first got its start in Korea in 2015 before being rolled out worldwide the following year. Paying with our phones is a great feature, but Samsung Pay can do so much more than that! We'll show you how to add credit/debit cards, gift cards, and membership cards to this handy virtual wallet on your Samsung Galaxy phone.What is Samsung Pay?As mentioned above, Samsung Pay has been around for about five years now, and in addition to offering users a secure digital wallet to store their payment, membership, and gift cards, it has utility above and beyond other mobile payment systems. For example, Samsung offers users the ability to purchase gift cards at a discount, and partners with retailers for promotions as well. You can store your transit payment cards, and you can even pay at traditional swipe credit card terminals that do not support other NFC payment opti...

The deal will make it a lot easier for Take-Two to bring some of its iconic franchises to mobile.What you need to knowTake-Two Interactive plans to acquire FarmVille maker Zynga.The deal has been valued at $12.7 billion. Take-Two expects the deal to close before the end of June 2022. Leading video game company Take-Two Interactive on January 10 announced that it will acquire FarmVille developer Zynga for $12.7 billion (via The Verge). The deal is the largest ever in the video game industry and is expected to close before June 30, 2022. As with any major acquisition, however, the deal is subject to approval from stockholders and regulators.The acquisition will bring Zynga's best mobile games such as FarmVille, CSR Racing, Empires & Puzzles, Golf Rival, Hair Challenge, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, High Heels, Merge Dragons, Toon Blast, Toy Blast, and Words With Friends under Take-Two's umbrella.Take-Two says the acquisition will allow it to "capitalize on the ...

You can access plenty more additional live channels thanks to Pluto TV.Google recently teamed up with Pluto TV to give Google TV users access to more than 300 free live channels, with the rollout already active on Chromecast with Google TV and some of the best 4K TVs from Sony and TCL. Here are the steps you need to take to access live channels with Pluto TV and Google TV right now.How to access live channels with Pluto TV and Google TVA selection of live TV channels are currently available to Google TV users at no charge via the Pluto TV app. If you have yet to install the Pluto TV app, here's what you need to do to access live channels with Pluto TV and Google TV.On the Google TV homepage, navigate to the Apps tab.Under Apps, select the search bar and enter Pluto TV.Choose the Pluto TV app and click the Install button.Once the Pluto TV app has been installed, select the Live tab. Once the Pluto TV app has been installed and added to the Google TV homepage, us...

PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people. It doesn't help that stock levels remain really tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we here at Android Central have seen PS5s stay in stock is between 15 to 20 minutes (often just a few minutes, though). That's also at random times, so finding a PS5 is a truly challenging task. Sony warned it will be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, 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 to the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive ...

WhatsApp is one of the best messaging services available on all platforms. One of its most useful features is that it seamlessly backs up all chat history to Google Drive, including photos and videos, making it a breeze to reinstall on new devices. Now, WhatsApp does the same on iOS, but it uses iCloud to store messages, photos, and videos. Unfortunately, this meant there wasn't a sufficient way to transfer message history from one platform to another, so if switching from iOS to Android, or vice versa, users had to start from scratch. While few services claim to transfer data from iOS to Android, they're not reliable. Thankfully, WhatsApp tackles this issue with its migration utility so you can move data from iOS to Android easily. Here's how you can take advantage of this helpful feature.WhatsApp migration tool device eligibilityWhatsApp's migration tool is available on Samsung phones by default, and it uses Smart Switch to migrate the data. The ability to do so is also rolling...

It will be available in China on January 13 with ColorOS 12.1 out of the box.This article has been updated to include the pricing in China as well as OnePlus' exact language for the phone's global availability.What you need to knowOnePlus announced the availability of the OnePlus 10 Pro in China.It will also be released in other markets including India, Europe, and North America later this year.The Chinese variant will run ColorOS 12.1 (Android 12) while the global version will come pre-installed with ColorOS 12.Rather than announcing everything about the OnePlus 10 Pro at once, the Chinese company followed its tradition of releasing information in a drip-feed fashion. It first revealed the phone's design in China earlier this month, followed by its specifications a few days later.On Tuesday, OnePlus announced that the OnePlus 10 Pro will be available to purchase in China from January 13. The company also finally disclosed the device's front design, showing off a curved...

Signal's CEO says goodbye at the top of a new year.What you need to knowSignal's CEO, Moxie Marlinspike, has announced that he is stepping down.Brian Acton will step in as interim CEO until a new one is found.Both Marlinspike and Acton are founding members of the Signal Foundation.Popular messaging app Signal is losing its longtime CEO, Moxie Marlinspike, as he announced on Monday that he is stepping down from his position.Marlinspike wrote in a blog post that he always wanted to ensure that the app could sustain itself beyond his involvement. Having worked on the app for nearly a decade, he was doing much of the work in keeping the app running, from writing all the Android and server code to managing. However, he explains that the app is now better positioned to function without him as CEO. Signal is now an amazing group of 30 people: a mix of wonderful engineers, super talented designers, gifted and unflappable support staff, and a very accomplished and committed le...

Becomes second Stadia game to support the mobile feature.What you need to knowThe Stadia version of Hundred Days - Winemaking Simulator now features direct touch controls when playing on mobile devices.Direct touch replaces the gamepad overlay with more intuitive controls for smartphones and tablets, and the game has also added a more friendly mobile UI.Stadia users have found they were unable to purchase the game if they had claimed it through Stadia Pro and would have to resubscribe to the service as the only way to play it.A new update for Hundred Days - Winemaking Simulator on Stadia has added direct touch controls when playing the game on smartphones and tablets. It becomes the second Stadia game to support the feature since the 4X strategy game Humankind launched last August.Playing some of the best Stadia games on mobile devices without a controller attached would fill the screen with a gamepad overlay to control it, which is not the most ideal way to play on a sma...

Google may "borrow" more media casting features with Android 13.What you need to knowAndroid 13 has been tipped to feature a new media handoff function.Users may be able to tap their phone to another device to transfer media playback.A mockup from Google shows the feature in action.While Google rejigs its audio casting features in the wake of the Sonos ruling, a fun new media feature has cropped up that could make it much easier to move media playback between devices in Android 13.The feature was spotted by Android Police, who uncovered a mockup from Google of a "Media TTT (Tap to Transfer) function. From the looks of it, the feature would allow someone playing media on any of the best Android phones to tap their device onto another to transfer playback of that media.You can see from the mockup how the user is prompted via a pill at the top to move the device closer to hand off playback.If this sounds a bit familiar, that's because Apple has a similar feature for iP...

The main perk of VR workouts is that you don't need to buy gym equipment or even go outside to burn calories. All you need is your headset! Yet without the right tools, you're liable to turn your Oculus Quest 2 into a sweaty, germy mess, or even potentially damage your equipment or injure yourself. Meta will release official Active Pack accessories sometime in 2022, but they aren't available yet. So, for now, here are the best VR workout accessories that'll make your daily indoor fitness routine that much cleaner, safer, and more fun.Stylish non-slip sweat-catcherTreadBands All Terrain Tieback Non Slip HeadbandStaff PickThe default Quest 2 facial interface is a sweat sponge, while replacement covers repel sweat, so it drips down your face. You need a headband for prolonged workouts, and this moisture-wicking TreadBands accessory is especially great for VR because it has a soft rubber strip on the inside that helps it stay in place, where others would likely slip onto your...

Motorola is going all out on the next Razr.What you need to knowMotorola is reportedly developing the Razr 3 to be a true flagship foldable.The device will allegedly feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 120Hz display.It could feature up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.Motorola is hard at work on its Razr successor, and while we've heard some bits and pieces here and there, we may know more about the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 3 competitor.XDA-Developers has caught wind of some information of the device, tentatively dubbed the "Motorola Razr 3," thanks to their sources, who have indicated that it will be a true flagship. In contrast to the Razr 5G, which features a midrange Snapdragon 765 chipset, the Razr 3 will be powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.Other specs include up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, NFC (which isn't always a given with Motorola phones), and possibly Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support. It will likely launch with Android 12.While XDA cou...

That didn't take too long.What you need to knowPopulation: One players have been having trouble communicating with each other since the January 6 update.Developer BigBox VR released a patch on January 10 that should fix the problems.Players who are having trouble updating should uninstall the game and reinstall it from the store.Update January 10, 2022 4:00PM ET: BigBox VR has updated the game with a patch that should fix the communication issues.While many players have been enjoying the latest Population: One season content, popping New Years balloons, and scoring big points, a big problem cropped up last week that's been preventing squads from being able to hear each other. If you've been playing and suddenly can't hear or speak with your squad, don't worry, you're not alone. Thankfully, a fix is here.The problems seem to have started around the New Years content update, which went live on January 6. This issue also appeared in a previous update sometime in 2021 but w...

Amazon makes some of the best smart speakers in its lineup of Alexa devices, and the new Echo Show 15 joins the ranks. Amazon also does a great job adding new features to its smart displays, and one of those is widgets. These widgets allow you to have multiple apps show on the screen in a smaller, bite-sized version until you tap one to expand it. This Amazon device is a wonderful canvas for this helpful feature, so let's get into how you can use your Amazon Echo Show 15 widgets to get the most out of the experience.How to customize Alexa Widgets on the Amazon Echo Show 15While you can make many adjustments to your Echo Show 15 through the Alexa app on your phone, widgets aren't one of them. Instead, it's all done directly on your smart display, from adding the widgets you want to resizing, arranging, and removing them altogether. So let's get into it.Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Widget Gallery to see the add widgets to your display.Tap on the plus sign in th...

New areas to explore and new machines to discover.One of the biggest, most beautiful games revealed during Sony's PS5 showcase The Future of Gaming was Horizon Forbidden West. This ambitious sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn is being developed by Guerrilla Games, which uses the Decima engine and the newfound power of the PS5 to great lengths. It will undoubtedly become one of the best PS5 games when it releases.The world of Horizon Forbidden West is one of mystery, and one of the highlights is the different machines that roam, fly, or swim through the world. As Aloy travels into what was the Western U.S., she's going to discover plentiful machines, both new and returning forms. Here's the complete list of machines in Horizon Forbidden West that we know so far.Horzion Forbidden West Machines:Machine ClassesBristlebacksBurrowersClamberjawsClawstridersChargersRollerbacksShellsnappersSlitherfangsSnapmawsSunwingsTallnecksTiderippersTremortusksMachine classesIn the...

Plastic takes the lead, but glass is still a favorite.What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they prefer smartphones with plastic or glass backs.More than 50% voted for plastic backs while 35% voted for glass.Some users expressed interest in metal or other materials.The days of Moto Maker are unfortunately behind us, meaning we're largely at the mercy of smartphone OEMs when it comes to the materials on our phones. Generally, we're looking at smartphones with plastic or glass backs, and while glass is usually reserved for higher-end smartphones and plastic more commonly found on lower-end devices, it's not a rule that's set in stone. However, with rumors of the base Galaxy S22 returning to a glass back, we asked our readers if they preferred glass or plastic on their smartphones.It's not too surprising that plastic was the most popular option amongst our readers, obtaining more than 56% of votes out of nearly 2400 responses. Glass is still a favorite, it seems, with...

See more from your door At A Glance.What you need to knowGoogle has reportedly begun updating the popular At a Glance widget on its Pixel phones running Android 12.The updated widget will be able to show a text notification along with a live thumbnail view from your video doorbell camera on the lock screen.This feature, along with flashlight and Personal Safety app notifications and a new At a Glance settings menu, should be rolling out to Pixel owners soon.Google appears to be rolling out a much-anticipated update to the popular At A Glance widget on its Pixel phones running Android 12. A report by Android Police indicates that the update will enable a text notification as well as a live video preview thumbnail on the phone's lock screen whenever someone activates your video doorbell's sensors.The new feature should work with any of the best video doorbells that are compatible with the Google Assistant and Google Home app, including Google's own Nest doorbells. Pixel own...

CEO of GSMA says the show will only cancel if Spanish authorities advise itWhat you need to knowMWC will continue on with an in-person event in Barcelona.COVID-19 cases growing, Spain saw over 120k average number of cases on Jan. 9.CEO of GSMA says the show will be canceled based on Spanish authorities' advice.MWC Barcelona will continue on with its annual conference in six weeks' time, despite growing concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the spread of the new Omicron variant.John Hoffman, CEO of the GSM Association (GSMA), said in a post on MWC's website that with previous safeguards and the ongoing efforts from health experts, scientists, and the government, he believes that conference-goers will be able to "convene safely" this year. "This new year also begins with more news related to the pandemic. Global circumstance continues to evolve and, one thing is becoming apparent, we will be dealing with the effects of Covid-19 for years to come. In times like these, respon...

The looksAmazon Echo Show 15$250 at AmazonProsLarge display is excellent for content consumptionWall mountableAlexa Widgets are great for glanceable informationPicture-in-picture makes it good for multi-taskingPrivacy slider for the cameraConsThe camera quality isn't very goodVisual ID is inconsistentLacks access to YouTubeAudio quality feels thinThanks to its picture frame design, Amazon's Echo Show 15 looks great on a countertop or mounted on the wall. The customizable widgets make excellent use of the 15.6-inch display, allowing you to see the info you want quickly. While the Echo Show 15 is perfect for content consumption, the poor camera quality makes the Visual ID feature and video calling less than enjoyable.The brainsNest Hub Max$190 at Best BuyProsGreat, wide-angle cameraFacial and voice recognition works wellAccess to YouTube and YouTube MusicGoogle Assistant is extremely helpfulThe display automatic color temperature adjust...

The French developer's Düsseldorf-based studio, Ubisoft Blue Byte is working on multiple new VR projects.What you need to knowAccording to the job listing, Ubisoft's working on VR entries for many of its biggest franchises.Ubisoft initially announced that Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell were headed to the Oculus ecosystem in late 2020.Ubisoft was one of the first major publishers to release VR games.Over a year ago, Ubisoft announced that it was working on two VR games for Meta's Oculus Quest devices. Now a job listing has revealed that the publisher is working on at least one more unannounced project.Last weekend, YouTuber and tech industry analyst Brad Lynch spotted a job listing on Ubisoft's hiring website that specifically referenced Ubisoft's previously announced VR titles as well as one new one.Ubisoft has open positions for Assasins Creed VR, Splinter Cell VR, and then there is also a new “Unannounced AAA VR Project"Content is coming pic.twitter.com/0vHvqIN...

Samsung Galaxy S21 FEUpdated for 2022$700 at SamsungProsModern designVivid AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rateSnapdragon 888 is powerfulVersatile camerasIP68 dust and water resistanceAndroid 12 with three further updatesConsUses the same camera hardware as S20 FENot as good valueThe Galaxy S21 FE kicks off Samsung's portfolio for 2022, and there is a lot to like here. The phone is based on the S21 series and utilizes the same contour cut design at the back for the camera housing, and you'll find the same internal hardware as the S21. You also get decent cameras, IP68 water resistance, a gorgeous AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh, and it runs Android 12 out of the box.Samsung Galaxy S20 FEStill a great choice$580 at AmazonPros120Hz AMOLED panelSnapdragon 865 still holds up in 2022Cameras continue to deliverIP68 dust and water resistanceAll-day battery with 15W wireless chargingWill get three Android version updatesConsNo 3.5mm jackWo...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsCheaper monthly ratesLots of plan optionsUnlimited talk and textFree hotspot accessWorks with most unlocked phonesConsCoverage isn't quite as dense as Visible'sOnly 5GB hotspot data on unlimited planMint Mobile uses T-Mobile to power its network, and with its extensive 5G coverage that means you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plans are sold in bulk, meaning you have a bigger upfront cost but save a lot of money month-to-month. And, unlike Visible, you can use Mint Mobile with just about any Android phone.No data limitsVisibleFrom $40/mo. at VisibleProsUnlimited talk, text, and dataVerizon's LTE and 5G networkFree hotspot accessTaxes and fees includedSave more with Party PayConsOnly works with select Android phonesNo roamingHotspot speed capped at 5MbpsWant access to Verizon's incredible LTE network for a fraction of the cost? That's what Visible brings to the table. For j...

The Magic V is the most powerful foldable phone yet.What you need to knowHonor has launched its first-ever foldable phone.The phone features a 7.9-inch inner screen and Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. It is slated to go on sale in China from January 18 from 9,999 yuan (about $1,570). Honor on January 10 announced the Magic V, the first foldable phone to feature Qualcomm's 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. Just as expected, the phone features an inward-folding design like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the recently launched OPPO Find N.Unlike the OPPO Find N, which is a "compact" foldable device, the Magic V has a massive 7.9-inch main OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and IMAX Enhanced certification. The phone's cover display is a 6.45-inch curved "creaseless" OLED panel with a 21.3:9 aspect ratio and a 90Hz refresh rate.The Honor Magic V impresses in the camera department as well, at least on paper. Honor has equipped the phone with a triple-camera arr...

Stay motivated on your journey to a better you.Fitness is a life-long journey full of ups and downs. Sometimes you may suffer an injury, or life just gets in the way. But, whatever is going on, it's never too late to start or restart. The end goal, after all, is a better physical and mental version of yourself.Though you can go it alone, some of the best Android fitness apps can offer help, guidance, and motivation to keep you going strong. There is integration with the best smartwatches for fitness, making it easy to keep track of all of your workouts. And when you're done here, be sure to check out our awesome roundup of the best apps for Android.The Top 3 apps1. FitNotes2. Nike Run Club3. JEFITMore optionsGoogle FitFitbitRunkeeperStrongWorkout TrainerMap My Run7 Minute WorkoutZombies, Run!What are the best fitness apps for Android?The Play Store is full of fitness apps that give you workout ideas and help you track your progress. Unfortunately, the...

The launch doesn't mean OnePlus doesn't care about North AmericaOnePlus' decision to launch the OnePlus 10 Pro in China first might seem perplexing, but experts say it makes sense from a competitive standpoint. They add that since its integration with OPPO, the company has a big year ahead to differentiate itself. Otherwise, the brand may drift into irrelevance.The OnePlus 10 Pro was announced in China on Monday, Jan. 3, and is a huge departure from the OnePlus 9 Pro by looking at the rear panel, which features a wrap-around camera bump that's very Samsung Galaxy S21-inspired. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau (who's also OPPO's chief product officer) confirmed that the series would be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, making it a worthy challenger to the best Android phones that will release this year.The device will be available on Jan. 11 and will likely launch in North America and other markets later (probably sometime in March); however, the announcement did not include...

The Indian variant of the phone is powered by Samsung's Exynos 2100 chipset.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S21 FE 5G is now official in India.It will be available in the country starting January 11 for ₹49,999 (about $675). The value flagship comes with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, Samsung's Exynos 2100 chipset, and a 4500mAh battery. Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which made its global debut last week, has now been launched in India. Unlike the global variant, which features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888, the Indian variant of the phone is powered by Samsung's in-house developed Exynos 2100 chip.The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a follow-up to the Galaxy S20 FE, which was among the best Android phones launched in 2020. As its name suggests, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is essentialy a watered-down version of the Galaxy S21.The phone sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. In the camera department, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a triple...

This upgrade is an uphill battle for Samsung thanks to steep competition.It's hard to believe that it's been a year and a half since Samsung redefined the "flagship killer" concept with the Galaxy S20 FE. At the time, the phone blew us away with its quality, delivering a true flagship experience for a significantly lower price than a "regular" Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S21 FE was rumored to be released the entire second half of 2021, and now it's finally here.The Galaxy S21 FE debuts with some of the expected upgrades over its predecessor but still retains many of the points that made the S20 FE a more affordable device. You won't find a brand new camera array on this phone when compared to 2020's device — that's a 12MP sensor for the main and ultra-wide lenses, while an 8MP sensor still resides behind the 3X telephoto lens — but Samsung has upgraded the styling to be more in line with the Galaxy S21 and the rumored look of the Galaxy S22 series.The display got a big touch lat...

Max everythingAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max$55 at Amazon$55 at Best Buy$57 at B&H PhotoProsLive View picture-in-pictureFaster processorAlexa Voice Remote includedHDR10 and HDR10+ certifiedWi-Fi 6 supportConsMore expensiveNot too many extra featuresAmazon's latest and greatest Fire TV Stick checks all of the boxes you could want, and then some.Paved the wayAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K$50 at Amazon$50 at Best Buy$50 at B&HPros4K HDR and HDR10+ playbackAlexa Voice Remote includedOffers most of the same features at a lower priceSame great designConsNo Wi-Fi 6 supportUnable to use Live View picture-in-pictureAlthough it's not on top of the mountain anymore, the Fire TV Stick 4K is still the best option for many.It's easy to want to see how the Fire TV Stick 4K Max vs. Fire TV Stick 4K stack up against one another as they duke it out for the title of the best Fire TV Stick. But are there enough improvements with Amazon...