Latest from Android Central

Finally got a Google Nest smart speaker? First off, congratulations! Google smart speakers are among the best smart speakers around. The handy devices open a whole new world of possibilities for expanding your smart home. It can function as the hub for controlling and/or tapping into a multitude of smart products, from lighting to speakers, home appliances, security cameras, video doorbells, and more. Plus, you can play music, ask Google questions, like what the weather or traffic is outside or how many grams are in an ounce, hear news headlines, and more. But before you get started, you need to set up the Google Nest smart speaker. Thankfully, this is a pretty simple process.What to consider before setting up a Google Nest smart speakerBefore setting up a Google Nest smart speaker like the Nest Audio, which we deemed the best smart speaker for most people in our detailed review, decide where you want it to live. The best spot is a central location where commands can be heard f...

Get out and put your feet to the pavementFor many of us, running is hard work. Maybe it's a motivation thing, or perhaps it's a physical thing. Whatever the reason, the simple fact is that running is exercise, and exercise can be a real pain.We're looking at some of the best running apps for Android, and we've got a few different kinds of apps here. Some are more of the hardcore variety, for folks used to exercise who may be looking to increase and improve the way they do things. The best part about most of these apps is that they can integrate with the best running watches as well as the best fitness trackers so you can have all of your workout information in one place. Others are more simple — only tracking steps or basic movement. There's a place for all of these, and some work rather nicely with the best fitness apps.The top 3 apps1. Strava2. Runkeeper3. Nike Run ClubMore optionsZombies, Run!Map My Run by Under ArmourFitbitAdidas Running App - Your Sports ...

If COVID keeps resurging, tech showcases could face a reckoning.CES 2022 was half-virtual, half in-person, and 100% messy, with many of its major announcements coming from companies that has already fled Las Vegas due to COVID concerns. With some tech conferences like MWC plunging ahead with in-person plans while others like E3 preemptively go virtual-only, tech companies and journalists alike have to reimagine how trade shows fit into our new normal.Many tech sites and CES attendees have speculated that CES 2020 was one of the original super-spreader events for COVID-19, back when no one could reasonably understand what was happening. This year, CES 2022 took place amidst the raging Omicron variant, with everyone involved fully aware of the risks. "CES will and must go on." Apparently."CES will and must go on." So said Consumer Technology Association CEO Greg Shapiro in an opinion piece for the Las Vegas Review Journal, despite most major tech companies and journalism org...

Characters in higher tiers tend to be more powerful.Genshin Impact, the latest action RPG from miHoYo, has two dozen characters, along with many more coming soon. As with any gacha game, the best Genshin Impact characters require a fair bit of luck and/or money to add to your team. Characters each have different rarity levels and belong to different tiers. Typically, the higher up the tier they are, the more powerful they are. So, which characters should you be hoping for and investing your resources in leveling up? We're here to help and when you finish, be sure to check out our best Android games for even more mobile fun.Genshin Impact Tier ListHow many playable characters are there?S Rank CharactersA Rank CharactersB Rank CharactersC Rank CharactersD Rank CharactersComing soonHow many playable characters are there?There are nearly 50 different playable characters in Genshin Impact. A handful are rewards for completing certain portions of the story, includi...

Using the Quest 2 in a communal space can end in disaster if a person or pet unexpectedly enters your Guardian circle. Thankfully, Meta developed Space Sense, a new detection system that makes people visible when they get too close. It's an experimental, unpolished system that is hard to find if you don't know where to look. Here's how to use Space Sense on the Oculus Quest 2.How to turn on Oculus Quest 2 Space SenseGo to the main menu by pressing the Oculus button on the right controller.Select Quick Settings on the left side of the Universal menu.From there, select Settings on the top-right side of the menu.Next, select Experimental Settings.Scroll down until you find Space Sense. Select that option, then toggle on the feature. You've activated Space Sense!Space Sense registers any person or object within your Guardian area from up to 9 feet (2.74 meters) away, with the color changing from blue to pink to red based on how close the thing is. They'll appear as a ...

Facebook offers some of the best Android apps out there for tasks like video calling and messaging. The OG Facebook platform is full of useful features for social purposes. For instance, you can add Facebook events to your Google Calendar, making it easier to track your schedule all from one place. Here's how you can add events from Facebook to your trusty Calendar on Android phones and desktops.How to add Facebook events to your Google Calendar on your Android phoneOpen the Facebook app on your Android phone.Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.Tap on Events.Select the event you want to add to Google Calendar.Tap on Manage.Select Add to Calendar.Tap Allow to give Facebook access to your calendar.Select the email address associated with your Google Calendar.The process of adding Facebook events to your Google Calendar is much easier and faster on your good ol' Android phone. But if you like, you can follow the next set of instructions to add ...

Amazon recently made it easier to access the most-used features on your Amazon Fire TV device by launching the Alexa shortcut panel. The new features started rolling out in mid-December 2021 and make it easy to review the content currently saved in your Library or to check the weather in your area, among other features. With that in mind, we've put together this handy how-to that explains how to access the shortcut panel on Amazon Fire TV devices.How to access the shortcut panel on Amazon Fire TV devicesThe Alexa shortcut panel is one of the latest features to roll out on Amazon Fire TV devices, including Amazon Fire TV Sticks. While the new shortcut panel functions similarly to the quick access shortcut screen, which is launched by holding the Home button, there are some key differences. Here's how to access the shortcut panel on Amazon Fire TV devices via your Alexa Voice Remote.Tap and release the Alexa or microphone button at the top of your Fire TV remote.The shortcut pa...

The offer works for both new and current Stadia accounts.What you need to knowAT&T is offering a six-month subscription to Stadia Pro for its new and current wireless customers that have an eligible 5G phone and unlimited plan.The promotion does not require buying a new smartphone or adding a line if already eligible.Existing Stadia accounts that have used Stadia Pro in the past can claim the offer.AT&T is handing out six months of Stadia Pro for free for its wireless and fiber users. The offer is available for new and current wireless customers with an eligible 5G smartphone and unlimited plan, or new residential fiber accounts with a qualifying internet plan.The company had been offering six free months of the streaming subscription service alongside a coupon that heavily discounted the Stadia Premiere Edition since last year. The difference is that the promotion is now extended to existing AT&T Wireless users that already own an eligible 5G smartphone, inst...

The best Android tablet available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. But, of course, it's pricey and not the right pick for someone who prefers a smaller, more portable tablet. Still, as an all-around device, it can't be beaten. For those with different needs (or budgets), we gathered a few additional options that will work just as well for media consumption and won't break the bank.What is the best Android tablet for you?Picking a quality Android tablet typically boils down to either Samsung or Amazon models. Samsung dominates the premium and mid-range tablet market while competing with Amazon's cheaper, budget A-models. So when weighing the best Android tablet for you, specifically, start with Samsung unless you don't have much money to spend.There's much more to a tablet than just its display, but it's hard to deny how important a role that particular spec plays. The Galaxy T...

From phones to dongles, CES had a little of everything this year.CES 2022 has come to an end, and it went off without a hitch — unless you count the numerous companies that pulled out of physical appearances at the venue. Regardless, there were tons of companies still at the show, and the ones that weren't there managed to still present some cool products. There was a lot to sift through, but here are some of the top announcements that we saw at the event. Also, be sure to check out Android Central's Best of CES 2022 for even more reveals.OnePlus 10 ProIn typical OnePlus fashion, the company spent CES teasing its latest flagship phone, little by little. We, thankfully, got a full, official look at the OnePlus 10 Pro design, including its Galaxy S21-like camera stove with Hasselblad branding, impressive specs including the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and much faster charging, and the first set of camera samples and features.Although there's no word on its global launch,...

Honor's upcoming foldable phone could be bigger and have a larger battery than Samsung's bet.What you need to knowNew renders and specs of the Honor Magic V have leaked.The leak suggests the upcoming foldable phone will outperform the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in key departments such as the display, camera and battery size.We also get a glimpse of the phone's three color options.A few days ago, Honor teased its upcoming challenger to the best foldable phones, along with information on the device's launch date in China. The teaser revealed an inward folding handset in the style of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, but a new leak sheds more light on the Honor Magic V.According to the renders and the specs sheet shared by Ishan Agarwal with MySmartPrice, the upcoming phone will measure 160.4 × 141.1 × 6.7mm when folded out. This implies that it may be larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which measures 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm when unfolded.There are a few other areas where Honor's first fol...

The premium heft or light and durable?In the smartphone world, one of the main differentiators between lower- and higher-end devices is the material they're made from. While aluminum used to run rampant across smartphones of yore, these days, the battle is mainly between two materials: plastic and glass.While there are benefits and tradeoffs to both, we're curious about what material our readers prefer on the back of their smartphones.Do you prefer glass or plastic backs on smartphones?When it comes to the best Android phones, you're likely to find glass on the back of the device. While glass has the unfortunate characteristic of being prone to scratches, fingerprints, and, of course, the dreaded crack, it often provides smartphones with a more premium look and feel while adding a certain heft that users may appreciate. Plus, the use of Corning's Gorilla Glass makes these phones much less prone to this sort of damage (at least on paper), which should provide users with some ...

Do Google and Fitbit have what it takes to compete with Samsung and Apple?If you paid attention to the wearable world in 2021, you know that the hottest topic of the year revolved around the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatch. This wasn't just another Galaxy Watch; it became the first Android smartwatch to run on the new Wear OS platform — and remains the only Wear OS 3 watch today.If you didn't know, Google and Samsung joined forces to bring Samsung's Tizen OS and Google's Wear OS together into a single platform. While this was exciting news at the time, much of the following news tempered our excitement.We eventually learned that not all existing Wear OS watches would be eligible to upgrade to this new platform — including all previous Galaxy Watch models, which would remain on Tizen OS indefinitely. To worsen the blow, the handful of eligible watches would not receive Wear OS 3 until early 2022.As you can imagine, these realizations were met with frustration by many...

It's now easier to add your YouTube account to smart TVs with a new mobile sign-in option.What you need to knowYouTube for smart TV has introduced a bunch of new capabilities, including a new sign-in process.It allows you to log in to your YouTube account without using the on-screen keyboard.YouTube will also now display the current video playback resolution dynamically.Signing in to your YouTube account on smart TVs can prove unwieldy if you're left with no other choice but to use the on-screen keyboard. Fortunately, YouTube added a sign-in option using a web browser, but a new option makes that process much easier.YouTube has added a new feature that allows you to sign in to your YouTube account on your smart TV without having to use the virtual keyboard on the screen. You only need to approve the login attempt on your smartphone. This eliminates the need to manually enter your email address and password.The new mobile sign-in option was discovered by Android Police, ...

The most recent leak reveals a rather dismal outlook for the phone's software update.What you need to knowA new leak provides almost all of the information we need to know about the upcoming Moto G Stylus (2022).The device will most likely come pre-installed with Android 11 and will receive bi-monthly security updates for the next two years.After upgrading to Android 12, Motorola may not release another major software update for the phone.Motorola was previously rumored to be planning a mid-year release of the upcoming Moto G Stylus (2022). While some of the phone's specifications were leaked late last year, indicating some improvements, a new report reveals a potentially significant drawback.According to XDA Developers, the mid-range phone will run Android 11 out of the box. This means it will be one Android version behind some of the best Android phones under $200 such as the Moto G10 Power and the Moto G Fast (2021) by the time it launches. Motorola is set to roll out ...

A proper media player is inbound.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out Chrome OS 97 to Chromebooks.The update brings improvements to the Gallery app with a new audio player and multi-window support.Chrome OS 97 also brings offline, on-device grammar check.Hot on the heels of Google's major Chrome-related CES announcements, the company is now pushing the Chrome OS 97 update to some of the best Chromebooks. The update features a few notable changes and upgrades for the gallery app, the full-screen magnifier, and more.Probably the most notable changes come to the Gallery app. With Chrome OS 97, users are now able to open and edit photos in multiple windows with different images, which should come in handy if you want to compare and contrast. It's a pretty basic function, but one we're glad has finally arrived on the OS.Additionally, the dedicated audio player is getting a notable upgrade from the tiny pop out it's had up until now. For the masochists out there that pr...

The Samsung TV Plus app is a free, ad-supported streaming service that provides users with access to more than 190 curated channels in the United States spanning sports, news, entertainment, and more. Here's how to access the Samsung TV Plus app on your Samsung TV.How to access the Samsung TV Plus app on your Samsung TVThe most common way to access the Samsung TV Plus app is on Samsung smart TVs released since 2016. An internet connection is also required. If your smart TV meets these requirements, these are the steps you need to take to access the Samsung TV Plus app on your Samsung TV.Turn on your Samsung TV.Use the app bar located at the bottom of your TV screen to navigate to the Samsung TV Plus app.Click on the Samsung TV Plus app to enter the experience.The Samsung TV Plus app should be located on the far left of the screen in a fixed position, rather than mixed with the third-party app. It's also worth pointing out that, while the Samsung TV Plus app was prev...

Good news for Sony Xperia fans.What you need to knowSony details its Android 12 update, which has begun rolling out.The Xperia 1 III and 5 III models in Russia are the first to receive the new update.It's unclear when other regions or devices will receive the update.While Samsung is in the middle of furiously updating its vast smartphone lineup across devices and regions, Sony is finally arriving to the party with the stable Android 12 build for the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III flagships.An Android 12 support page was found on Sony's website, highlighting some of the changes arriving alongside the update. That includes features like native scrolling screenshots, privacy indicators for the camera and mic, approximate location, and improved one-handed use, which is ideal for a phone as tall as the Xperia 1 III.Essentially, these are all features we see on Google's Pixel 6 phones, which isn't surprising since Sony keeps a pretty vanilla version of Android. However, the pa...

Best answer: Yes. The Samsung TV Plus app is free and offers more than 160 curated channels, giving users instant access to content spanning news, sports, and entertainment.What is Samsung TV Plus?The Samsung TV Plus app originally launched in 2016 as a streaming service hub on Samsung smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets. While the platform no longer allows users to rent or purchase content within the app, the Samsung TV Plus app still boasts a variety of free shows and movies across hundreds of "live" channels. It also requires no download, no additional device, and no credit card information. In fact, the only requirement is an internet connection.In addition to being available on Samsung smart TVs released as of 2016, the Samsung TV Plus app can also be streamed via casting on Chromecast with Google TV devices.Channels on Samsung TV PlusThe Samsung TV Plus app offers instant access to a variety of new and classic streaming content across its more than 190 curated channel...

Cutesy and packed with all the pop and EDM tracks you could ever want, Sweet Sins Superstars is a solid free mobile rhythm game.Many moons ago, back in the hellscape known as 2021, I was wholly and completely addicted to just one rhythm game: Cytus II. I still play regularly, and it's still the top dog of mobile rhythm games as far as I'm concerned. However, I'm always willing and happy to give other rhythm games a try, since it's arguably my favorite mobile genre. A friend recently introduced me to Sweet Sins Superstars (aka Sweet Sins 2), which is a charming, free-to-play title that doesn't quite give Cytus II a run for its money, but is fun nonetheless.For any other rhythm junkies out there, the best way I can describe Sweet Sins Superstars is that it's Muse Dash lite. It's a bit less polished, a lot less scandalous, and a little less fun, but Sweet Sins Superstars has something that Muse Dash doesn't: it's free. Even the base version of Muse Dash is $2.99 and the extra song p...

New and exciting PS4 releases seem to come out each month, giving dedicated gamers plenty of worlds to choose from. With the PS5 officially here, fans now keep track of multiple new releases and updates more than ever. Fortunately, we've gathered all of the best titles and listed other worthy games for you to consider adding to your collection. Here are all the PS4 and PS5 releases to look out for in January.★ A legendary collection — Jan. 28Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection — PS5Staff PickThe Uncharted video game series is one of the most legendary in all of gaming, and two of the most recent releases are getting remastered in the form of the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection. This collection bundles together both Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, both of which have been remastered for the PlayStation 5 with improved visuals and frame rates.$50 at PlayStation StoreJan. 20Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction — PS5 & ...

What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they were looking forward to the Oculus successors or PSVR2.Nearly 50% voted for the Oculus Quest 3/Pro.Almost a third voted for the PSVR2, with some readers saying they want both.Sony and Meta are gearing up to launch the next-gen VR headsets, and they sound pretty exciting, so we asked our readers what they're looking forward to between the next Oculus Quest and PSVR2. After all, both companies make some of the best VR headsets available and the successors are likely to come with nice upgrades.Meta's Oculus Quest remains one of the most popular devices, so it's not too surprising that about 50% of the votes were for the next-gen Oculus Quest 3 or Pro. Details on these devices are scarce, but we know that Meta will use them to push users further into the metaverse.Sony surprised us with more details of the PSVR2, which is shaping up to be an impressive device. Features like a USB-C connection and foveated rendering should help...

Although there's an all-new PET film and IPX8 water resistance on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, you can never be too careful. Samsung even upgraded the Cover Screen, bringing its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. So if you want to make sure both displays are protected forever, we've rounded up the best Galaxy Z Fold 3 screen protectors.The ultimate optionWhitestone Dome Glass for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3Sponsored PickSince the Galaxy Z Fold 3 already has a screen protector installed from the factory, the Dome Glass from Whitestone offers the best-tempered glass screen protector for your Cover Screen. This kit includes two screen protectors and an installation kit, which uses UV curing light to make sure your screen protector remains bubble-free.$50 at AmazonNo compromisesOlixar Screen Protector (2-pack)Staff PickThis two-pack of screen protectors from Olixar offers excellent protection for the inner display of your Galaxy Z Fold 3. There's an oleophobic coating a...

Take a breath and manage your scheduleKeeping track of a busy schedule full of social events, appointments, and work deadlines can seem almost impossible. However, if you have a handy calendar app in your pocket, you (likely) won't accidentally overbook yourself or miss your niece's recital.Some of the best calendar apps for Android are simply companion apps that integrate with and improve the most popular apps. Others offer better, more specialized features than the big-name players offer. There are even a few calendar apps that integrate and work well with the best to-do apps that you may already be using. Whatever you need, these are our favorites.The Top 3 Apps1. Google Calendar2. Calendar Widget by Home Agenda 3. DigiCal Calendar Agenda More optionsCalendar NotifyAny.do CalendarBusiness Calendar 2Simple CalendaraCalendarMicrosoft OutlookKeeping track of your schedule is easier than everWhile there are way too many calendar apps available on the Pla...

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is here with outstanding camera upgrades, instant dictation/translation thanks to Google Tensor, and a curved 6.7-inch screen with a variable refresh rate. Anyone who's ever owned a curved-screen phone knows, protecting the sides of that phone is crucial to keep it intact and alive. With that in mind, here are the best Pixel 6 Pro cases to keep your shiny new flagship safe.Slim, but secureSpigen Liquid Air Armor Designed for Google Pixel 6 ProStaff PickIf you don't want to bulk up your super-sized Pixel 6 Pro, what you want is something slim but still thick enough to provide some impact protection and significantly add grip. The Liquid Air Armor has great textures both across the back and on the sides, which is why I recommend it over its classic Rugged Armor sibling.$16 at AmazonTerrific two-toneCaseology Parallax Protective Case Compatible with Google Pixel 6 ProWhile the Caseology Parallax isn't packing quite as colorful a lineup as it ha...

You'll no longer be able to adjust the volume on your speaker groups all at once following the ITC's verdict.What you need to knowGoogle announced new changes to its smart speaker group volume controls after a legal ruling.Customers will have to adjust the volume on each Nest and Cast-enabled speaker instead of using the group volume controller.The changes are in response to the International Trade Commission's recent patent infringement ruling in favor of Sonos.Google's feature that lets you control the volume of multiple smart speakers in your house at the same time is coming to an end. Following the U.S. International Trade Commission's patent ruling in favor of Sonos, the search giant announced that it's changing how you can adjust the volume of Nest and Cast-enabled speakers.If you own multiple models of Google's best smart speakers at home such as the Nest Audio or Nest Mini, controlling their volume is getting a bit cumbersome. Google said in a Nest community blog ...

Virtual reality is all about immersion, but the last thing you want is to miss some vital text or email because you spent too long playing Beat Saber. Oculus has added the option to receive Android or iOS phone notifications on the Oculus Quest 2, but you must enable the setting. Here's how to turn them on, adjust which notifications come through, and manage what data Meta collects.How to set up phone notifications on the Quest 2Open the Oculus app on your phone. These instructions will work for both Android phones and iPhones.Tap the Devices icon in the bottom navigation menu.Turn on your Quest 2 and make sure it shows as Connected to your phone in the app.Under Headset Settings, select Phone notifications.On the subsequent menu, select Continue. You'll receive a Bluetooth Pairing Request.Put on your headset and make sure the 6-digit code matches, then select Pair.Allow the Quest 2 to display your notifications.You should now see a Phone Notifications in VR toggle,...

Samsung wants to bridge the gap between cloud streaming and console gaming with its Gaming Hub, a place that brings all of your gaming services together.Television manufactures haven't always done the best when it comes to gaming. With the rise of smart TVs, that began to change. Samsung has partnered with companies like Microsoft and Sony in the past to integrate gaming features and apps, but its latest push is its biggest yet. At CES 2022, Samsung announced the Samsung Gaming Hub, an all-in-one discovery platform that provides quick and easy access to your favorite game streaming apps and consoles.Set to launch later in 2022, the Samsung Gaming Hub will support Stadia, GeForce Now, and Utomik upon release. Players can use their existing controllers to stream games through these apps, and quickly launch any connected consoles directly through the hub.Here's everything we know about the Samsung Gaming Hub.Jump to:What is the Samsung Gaming HubStreaming appsSupported Sa...

Track your eating habits and diet with ease.I recently restarted my fitness journey, and with that came a radical shift to my diet. For years, I thought that if I ate less (or not at all), I would lose the weight I gained since injuring my knee a few years ago. I was wrong. Changes needed to happen, and I was forced to make conscious decisions to upend my terrible dietary habits.So here are the best food tracking apps for Android, which can help you gain some perspective on your diet, just like they did for me. When you've taken a gander through our list, be sure to head over to our best Android apps roundup for some more great app ideas.The top 3 apps1. Food Diary2. See How You Eat3. FatSecret Calorie CounterMore optionsMyFitnessPalFooducateProtein TrackerStupid Simple Macros TrackerLose It!LifesumMyNetDiaryWhat are the best food tracking apps for Android?I'm glad you asked. As you might have guessed, there are a lot of food tracking apps on the Play ...

Like 5G, Wi-Fi 6E leverages new spectrum to enable multi-gigabit wireless connections, and Android phones were some of the first devices to take advantage of the latest tech. Starting with Samsung's priciest flagship Galaxy phones, Wi-Fi 6E now makes its way to a much wider range of phones. Wi-Fi 6E with 160MHz support has doubled Wi-Fi speeds on phones compared to Wi-Fi 6-only devices. Luckily for enthusiasts, the tech is included in some of the best Android phones you can buy.One of the bestGoogle Pixel 6Staff PickThe Google Pixel 6 gets just about everything right from the powerful Google Tensor CPU under the hood to the dual cameras on the back. It's got a large 4614mAh battery to keep it powered all day and comes with Google's most up-to-date version of Android. It also comes with IP68 water resistance and comes in three nice colors.$599 at Amazon $599 at Best Buy $599 at B&HThe whole packageSamsung Galaxy S21 UltraThe Galaxy S21 Ultra has been arou...

Perhaps it was because of the abbreviated schedule, or maybe it was the smaller numbers of in-person attendees and exhibitors, but it sure felt to us like CES 2022 came and went quicker than ever before. Yet even though it was a bit of an unorthodox event, we still saw some pretty amazing tech come out of this year's Consumer Electronics Show.Our team has been closely following all of the exciting announcements coming out of Vegas, and we've compiled a list of some of the favorite products and initiatives we saw this week. Here are the ones we've crowned with our Best of CES 2022 awards!Best of CES 2022TCL NXTWEAR AIRNews coverageSmarter glassesSmart glasses represent a nascent, but quickly evolving, category of coverage here on AC. TCL has continued to iterate on its spectacles, taking studio glasses to the next level by allowing you to watch your entertainment with its NXTWEAR series. The original NXTWEAR G looked cool, but its design was marred by its bulkiness. Th...

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

There's plenty to look forward to in the world of Android this year.Google and Samsung dominate the conversation around Android (for obvious reasons), but dozens of players from all over the world contribute to the broader Android ecosystem. Chinese phone manufacturers like Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are increasingly focusing on western markets, and Amazfit and Mobvoi are doing all the right things on the wearable front.In short, there are many exciting developments in the Android ecosystem right now, and these are the brands that you should pay more attention to this year.OnePlus, OPPO, and VivoThe BBK triumvirate of OnePlus, OPPO, and Vivo had a good 2021, and they're looking to continue their strong showing. OPPO kicked things off in style with the Find N, a creaseless foldable that gives us an early look at what's possible in this category in the coming years.OPPO and Vivo dominated sales in China last year, but they also did well in global markets — particularly in the...

Mint Mobile is a prepaid carrier operating on T-Mobile's network that sells its plans in multi-month bundles so you can save money. You can buy three, six, or 12 months at a time, and plans come in 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, and even unlimited with 5G included. If you decide to try out Mint Mobile, porting your number from another carrier is relatively simple and painless. Best of all, it's free.How to port your number to MintBefore starting the porting process, it's important to note that your phone number must remain active on your previous carrier throughout the process. If you cancel your old service before moving to Mint, you likely won't be able to recover your phone number — at least, not without going through a much more tedious process.You will need a Mint Mobile SIM card and a compatible phone to get started. Mint Mobile will work with any of the best Android phones thanks to the T-Mobile network's great compatibility.If you have a Google Pixel phone or newer iPhone, you ca...

Wearables offer various benefits. One is to track your fitness, and knowing how to sync your fitness band to Google Fit is an excellent way to keep all of your info in an easy-to-access app. Google's health and fitness platform can connect with some of the best smartwatches for fitness on the market, ensuring that regardless of what brand of wearable you prefer, you'll be able to have a common location for your fitness data. Let's get into connecting your fitness band or smartwatch to Google Fit.How to sync your Wear OS watch to Google FitMost Wear OS smartwatches come with Google Fit pre-installed. However, if you don't have the app already on your watch, you'll want to go to the Google Play store and install it. This even applies to the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 lineup of wearables since Samsung has switched platforms to Wear OS. You will also want to be sure that you have Google Fit installed and set up on your phone so that your watch can sync with it.Press the side butto...

The triple-camera setup on the back of the phone includes a 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide shooter, and an 8MP telephoto lens.What you need to knowOnePlus has detailed the OnePlus 10 Pro's second-gen Hasselblad camera.The camera system includes an all-new Movie Mode and a 150° ultra-wide camera. There's also a new "OnePlus Billion Color Solution" that allows the phone to capture photos in full 10-bit color. Earlier this week, OnePlus revealed nearly all the key specs of the upcoming OnePlus 10 Pro. Although a launch date hasn't been confirmed yet, the phone is expected to be unveiled sometime later this month. Ahead of its formal unveiling, OnePlus has shed light on the phone's second-generation Hasselblad camera system.The OnePlus 10 Pro features a new OnePlus Billion Color Solution, allowing the phone to capture photos in full 10-bit color. That's an increase of 64 times compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 9 Pro. 10-bit color isn't limited to just the main ...

It's not a good look for Google.What you need to knowThe U.S. International Trade Commission has ruled against Google in a patent infringement case.The ruling posits that technology in Google is infringing on Sonos-owned patents in Nest and Chromecast devices.Google will have to stop selling imported products that infringe on the Sonos patents.Many of Google's products are facing an import ban following a ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that the company has infringed on Sonos patents. The ruling, reported by The New York Times, follows a lengthy two-year battle with Sonos and affects products such as Nest speakers, Chromecast devices, and Pixel smartphones.Sonos first sued Google in 2020, claiming that the company used their partnership to undercut Sonos and use the company's intellectual property its own products. This includes technology allowing speakers to connect and sync up wirelessly, something that many of the best Sonos speakers are known ...

Stormland, Insomniac's last release before Sony purchased the studio, briefly disappeared from the Oculus storefront.What you need to knowSony and PlayStation acquired Insomniac Games in August of 2019.Stormland came out a few months after in November of 2019, making it their last non-PlayStation release.Oculus published the title, but Insomniac, now owned by Sony, owns the property.Earlier today, VR YouTuber Nathaniël de Jong (aka Nathie) first noticed and tweeted that Stormlands was no longer available on the Oculus Store. One of our favorite Quest 2 games, Stormlands was developed by Insomniac Games, which used to make Oculus games before joining Playstation Studios. The developer's other Oculus Store game, The Unspoken, was also removed.So it seems like Stormland has been pulled from the Oculus store. You can no longer buy it but can confirm that it can be installed. Maybe the contract with Insomniac Games has expired or they did it because the servers became a ghost...

Meta's own internally-developed one-size-fits-all OS has reportedly been canceled.What you need to knowMeta has reportedly ceased development on its own combined AR/VR internal operating system project, dubbed XROS.The report says that hundreds of employees had been working on the OS for years, bringing Meta's development strategy into question.The Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2 currently run Android, and it's likely future Quest headsets will also continue to run Google's OS.Update: Meta responds.For years now, Meta has been hard at work on its own operating system, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg regularly citing it as the way forward for the company as it continues to delve into the AR and VR space. Now, according to a report by The Information, via Ars Technica, Meta has decided that a fully in-house operating system for the Oculus Quest 2 and future AR glasses is not actually the best way forward.According to the report, Meta had "hundreds of employees" working on the new XR...

Take a trip to the past with your Chrome browser.What you need to knowThe original Prince of Persia launched in 1989.You can now play the original Prince of Persia via your Chrome browser for free.The game even supports full touch controls.The original Prince of Persia, released in 1989 for the Apple II, is a side-scrolling adventure and quite different from later entries in the franchise. If you want a bit of nostalgia and are looking for a way to play through it again (or for the first time) then you're in luck.As noted by Android Police, all you have to do is navigate to a website called PrinceJS and you'll be able to start playing. This works on any Chrome browser, including on any of the best Android phones available. The game uses Javascript and it even supports touch controls, which will naturally work best on a tablet or Chromebook.Prince of Persia has a long legacy in the gaming industry, from one of the most iconic games in Prince of Persia: Sands of Time to t...

Let's see if Tweet Take lasts longer than Fleets.What you need to knowTwitter introduces a new way to react to tweets with the new Tweet Take feature.Tweet Take allows users to post videos and images with the original tweet embedded.Twitter is also testing a bottom bar composer for tweets.Twitter is coming in hot with a few new features that it hopes will make tweets more engaging and make it easier to compose a tweet.The first new feature is dubbed Tweet Take and will be added as a new option for the Retweet button. When a user selects "Quote tweet with reaction," they'll be able to "react" to the tweet with an image or video with the original tweet embedded. This is similar to TikTok's video replies, a feature that Instagram eventually borrowed for Reels.Instagram has been focused on getting people more engaged in conversations on the app, and Tweet Take appears to be the latest experiment for the social platform. However, after the failure of Fleets, another feature ...

Somalytics says its sensors will create more natural interactions with our favorite gadgets.What you need to knowSomalytics debuted the world's smallest capacitive sensors at CES.These sensors are made of carbon nanotube-based paper and measure in at just 40,000,000,000th of a meter.These sensors can be used for a wide variety of applications including touchless buttons, smart home switches with gesture recognition, and even camera-less eye-tracking for VR headsets.CES is always full of unique and interesting gadgets, and one of the most interesting we've seen so far is a new type of sensor from a company called Somalytics. Somalytics is headed by a team of industry experts, including Barbara Barclay, who I sat down with virtually at CES to discuss what the startup has been working on.In the short of it, new sensors made of carbon nanotube-based paper — which measure in at just 40,000,000,000th of a meter — are used to measure electrical impulses. Capacitive sensors a...

Lite is just rightAmazon Fire TV Stick Lite$30 at AmazonProsMost affordable Fire TV StickComes with Alexa Voice RemoteCertified Climate Pledge FriendlyConsDoesn't support 4K, UHD, or Dolby VisionDolby Atmos Audio only accessed via HDMIpass-through cableRemote can't control TV's basic functionsWhile Amazon's Fire TV Sticks have often gone on sale for this price, none have retailed for such a consumer-friendly amount. This entry-level streamer can play HD-quality video and even Dolby Atmos Audio with an HDMI cable. Plus, you get a version of the great Alexa Voice Remote.A good Stick pickAmazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)$40 at AmazonPros50% faster than the previous generationHD quality picture with Dolby Atmos Audio integrationFull Alexa Voice Remote that can control your TVCertified Climate Pledge friendlyConsDoesn't support 4K, UHD, or Dolby VisionFor just $10 more than the Lite, the regular Fire TV Stick gets you full Dolby Atmos A...

If anyone can get these to the market, it's Samsung.What you need to knowSamsung's foldable display concepts are on display at CES 2022.The company shows off different variations of phone concepts with multiple folds.The Flex Slidable and foldable laptop/monitor concept are also on display, as well as a unique AI speaker.While Samsung is busy trying to convince consumers that its best foldable phones have broken into the mainstream, the company is also already working on a way to advance beyond the "basic" fold we have today. Samsung is showing off its foldable display concepts at CES 2022 to give us a better look at the various form factors in development.The Flex S and Flex G concepts look a bit like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 but take things up a notch by adding an additional fold. This effectively segments the display into three separate parts that become one when folded out.The Flex S concept shows a device with a display that folds out with an "S" shape into a tablet-s...

Google's vision for the future of gaming is here.The world of gaming is changing, thanks in part to new cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia. Rather than coming to market with another console or PC competitor, Google employed its powerful cloud-streaming tech to allow anyone with a fast internet connection to play AAA games on their phones, tablets, Chromebooks, Macbooks, and other underpowered devices. While we're big fans of Stadia, it's undeniable that the service is going through some serious issues lately.Ready to learn more? Let's dive in.Everything you needPlay and Watch with Google TV Package$109 at GoogleA good way to startPlay and Watch with Google TV Package is the latest bundle that contains the Chromecast with Google TV and a Stadia controller to easily start playing Stadia games on the television.Stadia:How it worksPlans and global availabilityReviews and recent newsIs Stadia shutting down?Supported devicesStadia controllers and acce...

Following its announcement late last year, Schell Games' latest experience is heading exclusively to Quest and Quest 2 at the end of this month.What you need to knowLost Recipes comes out on January 27th.Lost Recipes will launch for $15 on Meta's Quest platforms.Schell Games has released PDFs with every recipe in the game.Schell Games, the studio behind games like I Expect You To Die 2 and the upcoming Among Us VR port, has announced the release date for its next Meta Quest 2 game, Lost Recipes.Following in Schell Games's tradition of developing educational games, Lost Recipes will feature real historical recipes from Song Dynasty in China, Ancient Greece, and the Yucatan Peninsula. You will play as a "Ghost Chef in training" in "authentic kitchens" styled after what they really looked like at the time. The developer partnered with a number of historians and anthropologists to ensure the game's historical and cultural accuracy.Jesse Schell, the studio's CEO, said the st...

Give everyone their own save files while sharing the same purchases.Meta may have sold about 10 million Oculus Quest 2 units, but a lot more than 10 million people use them. Many people share their headsets with loved ones, kids, roommates, or friends at parties. But sharing means those people can use (and mess up) your save files or multiplayer records. Thankfully, you can create multiple Quest 2 accounts while sharing game libraries between those accounts, keeping things separate without wasting money. Here's how to do so.How to create multiple accounts and share apps on the Quest 2Before you start, decide who will be the "administrator" on your Quest 2. Whoever operates the primary account will have the option to delete the other accounts. Also, only apps bought on the primary account will share with the secondary users; any games bought on non-primary accounts will only be playable on those accounts. So the main account should likely go to whoever plans to buy the most game...

Well, I wasn't expecting this big boy to show up at CES.What you need to knowASUS quietly debuted its first Alder Lake Chromebook at CES 2022.The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) is also the first Chromebook with a 16.0-inch screen, filling in the gap between 15.6-inch and 17-inch Chromebooks.Available with 12th Gen Intel Core processors (up to i7), Iris X graphics, and up to 512GB of storage, this premium Chromebook will be ideal for power users.ASUS debuted a whole host of new Windows 11 PCs for gaming, business, and creativity, but it also snuck in a pretty beefy Chromebook during their tidal wave of CES 2022 announcements. ASUS's 2021 offerings focused mostly on larger form factors like the 15.6-inch ASUS Chromebook Flip C536 and the 14-inch CX9, and they're stepping things up again this year with the first 16-inch Chromebook: the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601).If you remember that the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 already launched last summer, that's because one did; ...

It's time to get off the couch and get in shape!Did you have bold plans to start running more at the start of the summer, but things just didn't pan out? It can be tough to just go out for a free run when you're still working on your form and endurance.That's where using one of the best running apps can come in handy. The most popular smartphone apps for runners are the Couch to 5K training programs. They are typically built around an 8- or 9-week program that eases you into running using the interval training method. The goal is for you to be able to complete a full 5K run with no walking breaks needed by week eight.The top 3 apps1. C25K - 5K Running Trainer2. Couch to 5K3. Nike Run ClubMore optionsZombies, Run! 5k TrainingJust Run: Zero to 5KStart to Run. Running for BeginnersCouch to 10K Running Trainer5K Run - Couch to 5K Walk/Jog Interval Trainingadidas Running App - Your Sports & Run TrackerGo from couch potato to hero with these Couch to 5K app...

Whether you're a new runner, a budget shopper, a casual athlete, or a seasoned expert, there are plenty of smartwatches to choose from these days. You'll discover that many of the best running watches also happen to be some of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. If you're craving a well-rounded experience that caters to your passion for running, you'll have a plethora of options available to you. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music continues to be the best running watch overall with tons of advanced running features, solid battery life, and highly accurate activity tracking.Best overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 MusicIf you're a runner of any kind, chances are you've heard a thing or two about the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It's been around for three years, but this is one of those running watches that ages gracefully. Newer models continue to come out — from Garmin and other top brands — but the Forerunner 245 Music continues to be a go-to choice for many running enthusi...