Latest from Android Central

Samsung is churning out Android 12 updates like it's nothing.What you need to knowAndroid 12 is already rolling out on the Galaxy A52.The Galaxy S10 Lite is also receiving the stable One UI 4 build.Several U.S. models are now getting Android 12, including the Galaxy Note 20 series and Z Flip 3.When it comes to the One UI 4 (Android 12) update, Samsung is definitely on a roll. The company continues to churn out One UI 4 to more and more phones at an incredible pace, often beating its own update schedule. Now more international and U.S. models are being treated to the Android 12 upgrade, including the mid-range Galaxy A52.Closely following the Galaxy A72 update, SamMobile reports that Galaxy A52 models are the next A-series models to receive the stable update. Note this is the 4G model of the phone and not the 5G variant — although that model is probably not far behind — and it appears to be rolling out in Russia for now with firmware version A525FXXU4BUL8. This is pret...

Whether you're pulling your brilliant new Chromebook out of the box, were handed down a Chromebook from a parent or sibling, or you just power washed yours to start fresh, setting up a Chromebook is drop-dead easy. You can probably do it in the space of a commercial break while watching your favorite TV show, and so long as you're somewhere with reliable Wi-Fi, you can do it basically anywhere. So when you're under some blankets in bed or sitting in the office with your newly-issued work laptop, here's how to set up your Chromebook.How to set up ChromebookBefore you get started, your Chromebook probably came from the factory with a mostly full battery. Still, it's probably a good idea to plug your Chromebook in and fully charge it before beginning your setup.Open the lid of your Chromebook to turn it on.Tap You if setting the Chromebook up for yourself or Your child if you intend to. Enter the email address of your Google account. If setting up a child's Chromebook, either s...

The small puck is built to detect the sound of breaking glass, alerting you to any break-in attempt.What you need to knowRing has added a new sensor to its home security lineup.The new sensor detects the sound of breaking glass from up to 25 feet away.Ring's glass break sensor will cost $40 and will be available on February 16.Ring already makes some of the best smart home security systems in the market, such as the second-generation Ring Alarm system. The Amazon-owned company is expanding its product line with a new sensor that will notify you if it detects the sound of glass shattering in your home.The Ring Alarm glass break sensor is a small puck that listens out for breaking glass up to 25 feet away, the company said. The sensor uses artificial intelligence to distinguish genuine glass break events from false alarms like similar sounds from the John Wick movies.It is compatible with both the Ring Alarm and Alarm Pro, and it supplements the home security lineup's con...

Though it's something we often neglect, good mental health is just as important as the rest.We've previously brought you some of the best fitness and food tracking apps for your Android device, but we felt it was important to address one last element of your overall health profile: your brain. For being such a crucial element of our survival, who we are, and so on, it's surprising that many of us neglect its health.So these are the best mental health apps for Android. Oh, and when you're done here, be sure to check out our best Android apps roundup!The top 3 apps:1. Calm2. What's Up?3. notOKMore options:stoic. mental health trainingFinch: Self Care Widget PetNOCDPTSD CoacheMoodsDBT CoachYouperWhat are the best mental health apps for Android?Approaching this roundup, we took an app or two from different facets of mental health so that you can find exactly what you need. Though far less so than, say, food tracking, there are still quite a few mental heal...

Nothing like a cup of tea and a puzzle to get your day started.What you need to knowCubism is getting another free update on January 6 for Quest and Quest 2.The Passthrough Update lets players see their surroundings while solving puzzles thanks to the cameras on the Quest.Pieces can interact with the table when tabletop mode is enabled, creating a new sense of immersion.At its heart, Cubism is a casual puzzler that encourages players to try, try again. It's a game best played daily until you solve all the puzzles, and the latest update for the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 encourages that play in a whole new way. The Cubism Passthrough Update allows players to solve puzzles while still seeing their surroundings, opening up a whole new perspective on puzzling.Whether you're drinking tea while solving your morning puzzle or just making sure the kids aren't getting into mischief while you have a quick puzzle break, passthrough mode utilizes the four cameras on either Que...

Before the end of 2021, Google surprised everyone by adding a new app launcher to the Nest Hub Max. Shortly after the feature was added to the larger smart display, Google then brought the app launcher to the 2nd-generation Nest Hub. With this new app launcher available, you can now fire up specific apps such as Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube. However, there are also apps available to play games from your Nest Hub, along with sending a broadcast.How to enable the app launcher on your Nest HubBefore getting started, it's important to note that this feature may not be available for all Nest Hub owners just yet. For example, while our first-generation Nest Hub and 2nd-generation Hub are running the same firmware version, only the 2nd-generation Nest Hub has the new app launcher. Nevertheless, if you want to try and use the new app launcher on your Nest Hub, here's how you can do so.Tap your Nest Hub to wake it.Swipe up from the bottom to reveal the menu.Tap the See all button ne...

The best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers take whole-home wireless speeds to the next level. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has allowed mesh systems to deliver full gigabit speeds quickly throughout a large house by getting even more performance out of the available spectrum. Wi-Fi 6 lets compact routers hit gigabit speeds on their own and over 500Mbps while deployed as a mesh. With more phones than ever, including Wi-Fi 6 support, and families asking more of their internet connections than ever, it's an excellent time to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers?If you're looking for a nice balance that's a great fit for an internet connection over 500Mbps, the Netgear Orbi RBK752 is a solid choice, thanks to a tri-band AX4200 setup. This Orbi system dedicates a fast Wi-Fi band to connecting the mesh, keeping speeds high and consistent throughout your home.The second-best option is the Netgear Nighthawk MK62, designed for people who want a compact mesh system with enough speed for most ...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The free PlayStation Plus games offered this month include three major titles, all available on either the PS4 or PS5. Check out the list of games below, with downloads available starting Jan. 4. Enjoy the price of free until Jan. 30, 2022.★Race through any environmentDirt 5 (PS5 & PS4)Dirt 5 sees players choosing from an insanely large roster of cars and taking things off-road. Unlike traditional racers, Dirt 5 is mostly all about off-road racing, and the thrills of driving through a variety of locations, including 70 routes across 10 different global locations, including New York's frozen East River, Norway's snowy landscape with the Northern Lights shining above you, and more. A playgrounds creator mode also exists for those looking to create their own perfect landscape to race across.$60 at PlayStation Store★ A stylish adventurePersona 5 Strike...

Step into the most up-close look at the machines of Horizon yet.The world of Horizon is continuing to grow. While the mainline games of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West tell the story of Aloy, there's a new adventure coming in this vibrant universe. At CES 2022, Sony revealed Horizon Call of the Mountain, a game being built for PlayStation VR2, or PSVR 2.This is actually the first game ever revealed for the new virtual reality system, as well as the first game from PlayStation Studios announced for PSVR 2. It's a big shift in a lot of ways, from the protagonist to the style of gameplay. At the same time, there's plenty that'll be familiar to eager-eyed fans, meaning it could end up being one of the best PS5 games available. Here's everything we know about Horizon Call of the Mountain so far.Jump to:What is it?Check out some trailersWhat teams are developing it?Is it coming to PS4 or PC?When is the release date?What is Horizon Call of the Mountain?H...

Amazon and Lockheed Martin are pushing the limits of voice technology and AI with Alexa integration onboard Orion.What you need to knowAmazon is joining hands with Lockheed Martin to send Alexa to space.Alexa will be sent to space as part of Callisto, a tech demonstration on NASA's Artemis I mission. Callisto, which is embedded into the Orion spacecraft, has been built in collaboration with engineers from Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Cisco. Amazon and Lockheed Martin have come together to send Alexa to space as part of NASA's upcoming Artemis I mission. As many of you might be aware, NASA aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon with Artemis missions.Artemis I will also be the test of NASA's deep space exploration systems, including the new Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Alexa is one of the several new technologies that NASA will test as part of the uncrewed Artemis I mission. Amazon says the integration will "help t...

It's unclear if Factions and a Director's Cut of The Last of Us Part 2 will launch alongside the remake or not.What you need to knowIn 2021, Bloomberg reported that a remake of The Last of Us was in development for PS5.According to VGC and leaker Tom Henderson, this remake is almost finished and could launch in 2022. Naughty Dog is also reportedly working on Factions multiplayer and a Director's Cut of The Last of Us Part 2. The previously reported PS5 remake of The Last of Us is almost done and could launch in 2022, according to Tom Henderson, a person who demonstrated some knowledge of the inner workings of various game development teams. Henderson is joined in his claims by outlet VGC, which notes that Henderson's information lines up with its own.Bloomberg first shared news on the existence of this remake for The Last of Us in 2021, as part of a larger report on how Sony's focus on blockbusters was causing problems at various teams across PlayStation Studios. This rem...

The in-car media interface will arrive on more car models from Jeep, Ford and Chrysler.What you need to knowAmazon announced that it's bringing Fire TV to more vehicles this year.The media interface is coming to Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Explorer and Lincoln Navigator.Fire TV's version for cars will use Alexa's hands-free capabilities to let you play content using your voice.Late last year, Amazon Fire TV was integrated into Stellantis' Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, making these the first vehicles to have the platform for in-car entertainment. Amazon announced at CES 2022 that it will expand Fire TV for auto to more cars this year.According to a blog post by Amazon, the in-car media interface will be available in 2022 models of the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Explorer. It will also be incorporated into Stellantis' other vehicle models, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler Pacifica.The Fire TV interface for rear-seat passengers is generall...

Spill some blood with the best Android shooters currently on the market.Professional and/or competitive shooter games are fast becoming a sustainable industry trend for mobile gaming. Both game development and smartphone hardware is reaching the point where phones can absolutely deliver top-notch gaming experiences — even for first-person shooters.This still probably sounds like crazy talk to traditional PC gamers, but the fact is mobile shooters have cut out a nice niche within the pro-gaming community — franchises such as PUBG Mobile and Guns of Boom have competitive esports leagues that can be advantageous to people who love to stream or try playing for cash in a tournament. Just like other online games for console or PC, mobile games reward teams who can practice and train together — or you can just jump into the game and have some fun on your phone.And if you're looking for something a bit less violent, check out our favorite Android games of 2021!The games:Af...

Ready to get your productivity on?It's always a great time to try and kick those nasty habits or build some healthy ones. Trying to stop biting your nails? Want to make time to meditate each day? Need to catch up on your reading? Whatever it may be, there's never a bad time to start working on building healthy habits and/or breaking bad ones. Luckily there are a lot of the best Android apps for building better habits to check out on the Play Store.Doing this on your own can be pretty tricky, but with the help of these apps, you can put yourself in the best position possible to stick with your goals moving forward.Top 3 Apps:1. Grow2. Fabulous3. HabiticaMore optionsDailyGoogle CalendarHabitShareHabitNowTickTickHabitHubWhat are the best Habit apps for Android?So many Android apps can help you build better and more consistent habits every day. In fact, the numbers are so huge it's hard to get lost in the lists. However, we think that the best app for build...

Samsung makes some of the best Android phones around, but while it has streamlined its initial configuration in the last few generations, there are still several extra steps compared to other phones — Samsung injects its own steps alongside Google. The process is self-explanatory, but we have all of the information and tips you need to know about as you go through each step.How to set up your Galaxy phoneIf you're coming from a Samsung phone, you can skip most of this setup process and restore directly from that phone. Just open up Smart Switch on your current phone, and follow the prompts on both phones. We recommend using a cable rather than Wi-Fi, which significantly speeds up the process.Start by selecting the language you'd like to use for setup — you can change this later. Then tap the arrow button to begin the setup process.Agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy. This is mandatory to continue setup, but you can opt out of sending diagnostic data and i...

New year, new you.If you're like most people, your resolutions revolve around living a healthier lifestyle, reorganizing your budget, or building new habits. Those aren't easy for anyone, but with the help of these apps, you can ensure the best chance possible to stick to your resolutions and end your 2022 happier and healthier than ever before.Doing this on your own can be pretty tricky, but with the help of these apps, you can put yourself in the best position possible to achieve your goals moving forward.Top 4 Apps:1. Google Keep2. FitNotes3. Grow - Habit Tracking4. MonefyStay ProductiveTodoistGoogle CalendarCalendar Widget by Home AgendaHabiticaGet fit and healthyNike Training ClubFood DiaryMyFitnessPalTake time for yourselfCalmWhat's UpControl your financesMintAndroMoneyRobinhoodWhat are the best New Year's resolution apps?Starting and keeping your resolutions throughout the year can be rather stressful. Whether you want to ge...

Google Pixel 6 owners will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the feature again.What you need to knowGoogle appears to have restored Chromecast volume controls for most apps on Android 12.Volume controls for Chromecast media sessions were removed last year due to a legal issue.However, the capability remains missing on the Google Pixel 6 series.The ability to control the volume of an active Chromecast media session using the volume rocker on a Pixel phone disappeared with the release of Android 12 due to a legal dispute. Fortunately, the volume controls have now returned with the January patch for Pixels.Following the January 2022 update for Pixel phones, most apps now let you adjust the Chromecast volume with your handset's volume rocker. The volume slider appears without issue when casting from Spotify to a Google Nest Hub, as discovered by Mishaal Rahman.Surprise! Cast volume controls have been re-enabled with the January 2022 update for Pixel. Google ei...

The Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge is the first phone to launch in India with 120W charging.What you need to knowXiaomi's Redmi Note 11 Pro+ has been launched in India as the Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G.The phone's biggest selling point is support for 120W wired charging. Xiaomi claims it only takes 15 minutes for the phone to be fully charged. Xiaomi's Redmi Note 11 Pro+, which made its debut in China in October last year, has finally made its way to India. Just as rumored, the Indian variant of the phone has been rebranded as the Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G.The Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate and a claimed peak brightness of 1,200 nits. Powering the phone is MediaTek's 6nm Dimensity 920 5G processor, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage.In the camera department, the 11i HyperCharge 5G has a triple-lens setup on the back, with a 108MP main sensor. It is joined by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP t...

Redmi's latest earbuds have dual drivers and the latest connectivity, but the sound quality is ultimately lacking.Xiaomi is now the world's second-largest manufacturer of wireless earbuds, with the likes of the $72 Buds 3 Pro holding their own among the best wireless earbuds in the market today. Xiaomi offers products under its own label as well as the Redmi brand, with the latter focused more on the value category.I liked the entry-level Redmi Earbuds S that were released back in 2020, and Xiaomi has rolled out several products in the budget wireless audio segment in the last 18 months. The latest is the Earbuds 3 Pro, and Xiaomi is offering a lot here: these earbuds feature a dual-driver design, include Qualcomm's high-end AptX codec, and last over seven hours on a full charge.But as we shall see below, the feature-set is negated by the fact that the Earbuds 3 Pro are lacking in the one area that matters the most: audio quality.Redmi Earbuds 3 Pro review:Price and avai...

Not forgotten.What you need to knowSamsung brings One UI 4 (Android 12) to the Galaxy A72.The device is the first A-series smartphone to receive the OS upgrade.Other Galaxy A phones are set to receive the update in February, at least in the U.S.Samsung has been busy updating its flagship Android phones with One UI 4 (Android 12), but it seems the update is finally arriving on the company's mid-range devices. The Galaxy A72 appears to be the first of the A-series devices to receive the stable Android 12 update.As reported by SamMobile, the update is arriving for A72 owners in Russia with the firmware build A725FXXU4BULA along with the December security patch.The device was among the S series phones listed to receive Android 12, but as 9to5Google points out, it wasn't scheduled to receive the update until February. This is the same time the Galaxy A52 5G is set to be updated as well, at least according to the U.S. rollout schedule. That said, dates and models will vary ba...

What you need to knowVerizon's Ultra Wideband mmWave 5G has reached 100 million people covered in 1,700 cities, with C-band launching later in January.Verizon has updated its unlimited plans with more premium data and hotspot data though, Ultra Wideband data is now included.Verizon 5G Home Internet has also been updated with two unlimited plans featuring new perks when you sign up.Verizon announced some new features for its customers celebrating its milestone of reaching 100 million people with 5G Ultra Wideband coverage. Unlike its nationwide 5G network, Ultra Wideband uses mmWave tech to deliver gigabit speeds to devices, though it requires many more towers to accomplish. Verizon is also set to expand coverage even further, with C-band 5G joining its Ultra Wideband coverage later in January.Verizon held a livestream called the 5G Ultra Show to show off what was possible with its ultra-fast 5G network, hosted by Elizabeth Banks.Verizon now provides Ultra Wideband 5G cove...

Liteboxer aims to bring a new type of 'Immersive Fitness Experience' to the world of VR that combines rhythm-style gameplay and the Quest 2's hand-tracking technology.What you need to knowThis is Liteboxer's first software-only release.Liteboxer VR is the first optionally controller-free fitness experience on Quest 2.The 'Immersive Fitness Experience' launches March 3rd for $19 per month.As part of their first CES presence, at-home fitness company Liteboxer revealed their first VR fitness game for Meta Quest 2. Previously, Liteboxer's only products were full at-home fitness sets that centered around gamified music-based boxing workouts and workout experiences led by a crew of in-house trainers.The company seeks to set itself apart from the other VR fitness and boxing experiences on the Quest 2 by taking a more premium approach. Claiming to be "the first VR experience created by fitness experts," Liteboxer's VR component will cost users $19 per month following a one-week f...

Some of our favorite people and products from 2021.Every year for the past couple of years, Future has taken time to celebrate some of the people and products that made an impact on our lives. Over the past year, there have been many amazing products that we like to call out in our Future Choice awards, while many of the people behind these products are commemorated in our Future 50 awards.You may recognize many of our Future Choice list products, as we cover many of them extensively across our sites. For instance, the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (4th Gen) made our list as the best smart home product thanks to its ease of use, excellent audio, unique spherical design, and low price tag, making it easy for anyone to have smart speakers around the house.The Sony WF-1000XM4 also made it our overall best wireless earbuds, which is really no surprise. Despite their high price tag, they offer exceptional audio quality, a premium design, and long battery life. We've also got the Galaxy...

Android 12's new Privacy Dashboard is the one place where you can see exactly what apps are using which permissions and when they are doing it. It's not perfect — Android's permissions can be a little confusing, and Google isn't giving up much information about what each of them means, but it's a great addition nonetheless. Getting there isn't difficult once you know where to look. And remember, the best Android phone doesn't have Android 12 just yet, so you'll need to be using a Google Pixel with the Android 12 beta installed.How to open the Privacy Dashboard in Android 12Open your phone's settings menu.Scroll to the Privacy section and tap the entry.In the new window that opens choose Privacy Dashboard at the top of the list.Once you have the Privacy Dashboard open, you can choose a category to see which apps have used the associated permission. You'll find obvious things like Google Maps using your location and the phone app using your microphone. Still, you might ...

The Vive Focus 3 also gets a charging case and multiple battery charger.What you need to knowHTC unveiled the Vive Wrist Tracker for its Vive Focus 3 standalone virtual reality headset at CES 2022.The new accessory can track hands, is much lighter than the Vive Focus 3 controller, and will be available for $129 in early 2022. HTC is also working with Lumen Technologies for private 5G and edge computing on the Vive Focus 3, and with XRHealth and MyndVR for therapeutic applications for the Vive Flow smart glasses.HTC announced new accessories and features coming for its Vive Focus 3 at the Consumer Electronics Show 2022 today. The first new product is the Vive Wrist Tracker to be used with the standalone VR headset.The Vive Wrist Tracker works similar to the Vive Focus 3 controller, but can provide more accurate tracking from the fingertips to the elbow while out of view of the headset's sensors. The company said it can used for activities where hands would frequently not b...

Nokia's phone-naming conventions are only getting more obscure.What you need to knowDuring CES 2022, HMD Global announced four new smartphones: the Nokia G400 ($239), Nokia G100 ($149), Nokia C200 ($119), and Nokia C100 ($99).The G400 is the only 5G model, and has a surprising 120Hz refresh rate and 6GB of RAM.It also plans to release a new clamshell flip phone, the $79 2760 Flip.All of these new phones will release in the first half of 2022.In an interview with Android Authority, the company acknowledged its failings with the Android 11 rollout.Most recent Nokia phones have fallen into the $300-or-less category, offering simple software and competent specs at an affordable entry point. Phones like the Nokia G20 and Nokia X100 have made a good impression.In 2022, it looks like HMD Global will double down on the budget smartphone category, releasing phones almost anyone can afford and partnering with more carriers. At CES 2022, HMD Global announced two new midrange "G" p...

When you begin your search for the very best Google Fit accessories, you'll be met with tons of choices. After all, Google Fit is one of the best apps out there for tracking your fitness data. So whether you're keeping track of the food you eat, the calories you burn, or your fitness progress over time, there's no shortage of options to choose from. Your search might be focused on finding the best Android smartwatch for health/fitness tracking. Other users might prefer more basic accessories. Whatever the case may be, we've got options for you.Best fitness smartwatchSamsung Galaxy Watch 4 - 40mmStaff PickIt might be new to the market, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is an excellent fitness smartwatch. This makes it one of the best Google Fit accessories you can buy. Considering that it runs on Wear OS 3, you'll enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish. Android users can't go wrong with this smartwatch, especially when using Google Fit.From $210 at Samsung $210 at...

Have you gotten your hands on a PS5 yet?There's no doubt that VR gaming is becoming more of a thing as the technology matures and becomes more affordable and accessible for consumers. Headsets like the Oculus Quest 2 have helped popularize VR gaming thanks to its grab-and-go design, meaning you don't need to plug it into a computer for it to function; everything is right there for you to experience VR wherever you go.Yes, as impressive as some of the best VR headsets are, there's a ton of excitement for what's to come. With Sony teasing its next-generation PSVR2 and leaks of the Oculus Quest Pro making the rounds, we want to know what upcoming VR headsets you're looking forward to.Which upcoming VR headset are you looking forward to?While Sony kept its PSVR2 design under wraps, the company did give us a rundown of the technical specs of the headset during its CES presentation on Tuesday.The headset's controllers are dubbed PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, which makes s...

The best mesh Wi-Fi systems are networking versions of working smarter, not harder. Compared to a traditional router, mesh systems use several smaller Wi-Fi routers placed around your home to cover you from multiple angles and dodge things like thick walls that can kill your signal. So whether you want top speed and customizability or simplicity and consistency, there's a mesh system that will work in any home. Our top pick goes to Eero, which hits all of the sweet spots of a Wi-Fi system in a small, understated housing that loses obtrusive articulating antennas. But we ranked plenty of other trusted systems as some of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers on the market today, and we've included them all on this list.Best overall mesh router: EeroEero made one of the first consumer mesh Wi-Fi systems, and the company keeps making them better with each revision. The current third generation Eero has the best blend of advanced networking features of any system available, thanks to the smal...

The feature is currently limited to Google's Pixel and select Samsung Galaxy phones.What you need to knowGoogle is bringing its "digital car key" feature to more Android phones and vehicles.Google is also making Android Auto more helpful with new features, including the ability for certain apps to be projected onto the car display. It will also soon be possible to check on the status and lock or unlock your car from your home using Google Assistant-enabled devices. Along with announcing new features to improve the multi-device experience for Android and Chrome OS users, Google has also detailed several new features and services that will soon help further enhance the driving experience in every car.Google is making it easier to use your Android phone as a car key. Google's Pixel and Samsung's best Android phones already allow users to lock, unlock, and start compatible BMW cars. In the coming months, Google plans to make it possible to use your phone as a car key witho...

Motorola MA1 brings wireless Android Auto on wired head units.What you need to knowMotorola has introduced a new dongle that enables wireless Android Auto on your car.The Motorola MA1 wireless car adapter is developed in collaboration with SGW Global.It boasts a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection for fast media transmission.Many of the best Android phones already support a wireless Android Auto experience, but the vast majority of in-car head units still rely on tethered connections. That's where Motorola's new dongle comes in, adding wireless support to your existing USB-enabled Android Auto unit.Motorola announced a new wireless car adapter for Android Auto called MA1 at CES 2022, allowing drivers to connect to their vehicle's infotainment system without pulling out a cord. The new dongle was developed in collaboration with SGW Global."The Motorola MA1 eliminates the need to plug your phone into your car's infotainment system every time you get in your car, allowing for easy acc...

The feature is expected to roll out to users sometime in the coming months.What you need to knowGoogle has announced a bunch of new features that will make Android and Chrome OS devices work better together with other devices.Fast Pair will soon let users quickly connect their Android phones with more devices — including TVs and smart home devices. Google will also introduce new features that will make it a lot easier to move content across different devices. Google is building on its efforts to make it quicker and easier to set up and move content from one device to another. The search giant on January 5 announced a ton of new features that will allow devices "from Android's ecosystem and beyond" to work better together.Unlock devices with your Wear OS watchStarting later this year, Wear OS smartwatch users will be able to unlock and access their Chromebook and Android phone or tablet when they are close by. The feature will work similarly to how Android users can ...

The company claims to have sold over 10 million Android TV and Google TV units in a year.What you need to knowTCL announced that it has sold over 10 million TVs running Android TV or Google TV annually.The latest feat makes TCL one of the largest TV manufacturers that support Google's operating system.In addition, the company unveiled new TV models at CES 2022 including a sub-$8,000 QLED-powered unit.TCL's strategy of hitting every price point in the Android TV and Google TV market over the past year appears to have paid off. The Chinese firm has revealed that it has sold more than 10 million units running Google's operating system for smart TVs.The company has claimed that it is now "one of Google's largest TV partners worldwide," which is quite a remarkable feat after only a year of launching its first Google TV models. Those TV units were unveiled at CES last year, although those models initially ran Roku's platform before the Google TV models were released.TCL made ...

Sony is stepping it up in a big way for a new generation with PS VR2.Jump to:What is the PSVR 2?PSVR 2 specsPriceRelease dateThe new controllersDisplay and lensesWired or wireless?Room scale trackingHeadset designEye-trackingFace-trackingNew types of gamesWill the original PSVR work on the PS5?From brand new controller designs to higher-fidelity visuals, there's a lot to get excited about with PS5 VR. PlayStation VR on the PS4 has been a success story in some very real ways, and Sony plans to continue that trend on the PS5. With over 5 million units sold and a steady library of games, Sony proved that VR gaming could be successful as an add-on to an already successful console. Sony has confirmed that the PSVR 2 will be a PS5-exclusive release and will debut in 2022 with some exciting new technologies in tow.If you've ever played or owned an original PSVR, you'll know that, while it's a great overall experience, there are certainly some improvements that can ...

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro offers freedom from the electrical grid, but at a steep price.Keeping an excellent portable charger handy is a relatively normal thing for people these days. Aside from charging phones, USB-C is now a more common way to charge something like the best Chromebooks, so having one of these portable power sources is almost necessary. However, when it comes to powering devices larger than a laptop, such as your home's essential appliances during a power outage, you'll need something much more substantial — like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro.The EcoFlow DELTA Pro isn't like anything you've ever seen before. It wasn't for me when I first found out about it in June 2021. Things like the Anker Powerhouse II 400 and even the Jackery Explorer 1000 are relatively common products. But for all the excellent uses of these power sources, when it comes to genuinely power-hungry electrical appliances, they can't help.I've spent the past six months putting the EcoFlow DELTA Pro thr...

One size fits all.What you need to knowFossil introduces the Skagen Falster Gen 6 smartwatch.The new smartwatch is powered by the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset and will be upgradable to Wear OS 3.Skagen Falster Gen 6 retails for $295 and comes only in a 42mm case size.Fossil knows its design language isn't for everyone, which is why the company is finally introducing its latest smartwatch under the Skagen brand. The new Skagen Falster Gen 6 is basically a Fossil Gen 6 with a minimal design that we know and love.On the inside, you'll find there's nothing that differentiates the new Skagen Falster Gen 6 with the latest Fossil or Michael Kors watches. It's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset, which should make Wear OS 2 much more manageable. It packs 8GB of storage and 1GB of RAM, the same upgraded health sensor for monitoring your vitals, and the same impressive fast charging capabilities to get you to 80% in just over 30 minutes.The differences are al...

Complete with a Chroma watch face.What you need to knowFossil introduces a limited-edition Razer variant of its Gen 6 smartwatch.The watch features engraved bands and exclusive Razer watch faces.The Razer X Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch launches this month for $329.Only 1,337 units will be available for purchase.Fossil is stepping out of its comfort zone to launch a new smartwatch in partnership with Razer. The new Razer X Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch takes the best of the Fossil Gen 6 and adds some additional Razer flair that the companies hope will appeal to gamers and fans of Wear OS.Off the bat, you won't find this smartwatch decked out in RGB Chroma lighting as one would hope. Instead, the Razer X Fossil Gen 6 features exclusive Razer watch faces, from a standard Analog with Razer branding to a Text watch face that spells out the current time.The watch also has a Chroma watch face, which displays a colorful ring around the edge of the display. This watch face can be custom...

It doesn't get much better than Waze when it comes to navigation apps. Not only does it safely guide you on a route from Point A to Point B, but it also provides multiple route options to avoid roads with tolls or even paths that will skip highways. This intelligent app also factors traffic, construction, and other potential roadblocks. So how does it achieve this? Through crowdsourced information acquired by its many members. What's more, you can easily switch between the different voice options in Waze's navigation app, and we'll show you how.Why would you use Waze?I use Waze on almost every drive, even when I know where I'm going. It provides useful information like estimated arrival time, obstructions on the road, advice on if there's an accident along the route or a car pulled over to the side of the road up ahead, and even when a police car or red light camera is nearby. If there's some unexpected traffic, you can even get re-routed to make it to your destination more quick...

The update is rolling out "in the next few weeks."What you need to knowMicrosoft is preparing to release Android 11 to the original Surface Duo soon.The rollout will start once the validation and certification process for Android 11 is completed.It was supposed to make its way to the foldable phone by the end of 2021, but it didn't happen.Despite a significant delay, Microsoft has confirmed that the original Surface Duo will receive Android 11 as soon as the validation and certification process for the operating system is completed.The software giant has told Windows Central that both the unlocked and locked variants of the Surface Duo are set to be upgraded from Android 10 to the next OS version "in the next few weeks." That said, a specific timeline remains unknown.Kimmo Lehtosalo, senior director of program management at Microsoft, has also revealed that the update was originally planned for release in December 2021. However, the company waited "a few more weeks to ...

What you need to knowWi-Fi Alliance releases new Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 Release 2 with new features to improve performance and power management.This certification update adds support for uplink multi-user MIMO to support greater upload activity.Power management features included broadcast target wake time (TWT), extended sleep time, and dynamic multi-user spatial multiplexing power save (SMPS).Wi-Fi networks are more important than ever with users pushing their Wi-Fi to the limit with new devices and increased demand all the time. Wi-Fi Alliance is evolving its Wi-Fi certification to meet this increasing demand with the release of Wi-Fi Certified 6 Release 2 adding support for increased uplink traffic as well as new power management features. These new features are supported across all supported bands for Wi-Fi 6 including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz.These updates are designed to ensure the best performance possible while providing strong WPA3 security. President and CEO of Wi-Fi Al...

XGIMI's first UST projector is one of the best you'll find in this category.XGIMI is seeing a lot of momentum in the projector category, and while the brand made its name on the back of portable projectors like the Halo+, it has ventured into the high-end segment over the last 15 months with the Horizon Pro, a 4K projector that's among the best you can get right now.While XGIMI has an extensive catalog aimed at various categories, it didn't offer an ultra-short-throw (UST) option — until now. The Aura is XGIMI's first offering in the UST laser projector segment, and it goes up against recent entrants like the VAVA Chroma and the more established Optoma Cinemax P2.The XGIMI Aura offers 4K resolution with HDR10, a throw ratio of 0.233:1 that means you can put it right next to a wall and still get a big picture, 60W built-in sound, and Android TV 10 out of the box. In short, it nails the basics, and while the retail price of $2,499 sounds like a lot, it is undercutting its rival...

The Galaxy S21 FE may be fashionably late to the party thanks to supply issues and all this nonsense (waves dismissively at 2021), but it's here at last with a small price cut and a larger screen. Whether you're picking one up from Samsung or your carrier, your new phone deserves the best protection at the best price, which is why we've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases for you to choose from, whatever your style or budget.Vibrant gripCaseology Nano PopStaff pickThis case has the perfect blend of compact yet cushioned, flashy yet functional. Caseology's Nano Pop Series offers robust protection around the S21 FE's sweet, sweet cameras while staying slim and stylish.$17 at AmazonReady to workSupcase Unicorn Beetle Pro SeriesThis mil-spec rugged case uses its size to hold a wide, stable kickstand that works in both portrait and landscape mode. The built-in screen protector has a special circle of adhesive to ensure you still get crystal clear fingerprint s...

The app no longer lets you disable video backups over cellular data.What you need to knowGoogle has quietly removed an option in Photos to prevent video backups while using mobile data.Instead, this option has been replaced with the ability to specify a daily backup limit.The latest change removes the ability to separate video backup from photos over cellular networks.In regions where available Wi-Fi connections are limited and data allowances are small, the ability to prevent mobile data from being used to back up large media files comes in handy. Google Photos, on the other hand, has quietly removed a useful feature that allowed you to save mobile data from video backup uploads.The option to disable video backups over cellular data in Google Photos has been removed, as first noticed by 9to5Google. Previously, there were separate options to back up photos and videos over cellular data, and you can choose to only back up videos over a Wi-Fi connection.Instead, the servi...

The dual selfies cameras are housed within a notch at the top of the phone's displayWhat you need to knowVivo has launched two new photography-focused V series phones.The new V23 and V23 Pro have a unique color-changing design and feature dual front cameras. The phones are now on sale in over 50 markets, including India. BBK-owned smartphone maker Vivo on January 5 announced two new premium mid-range Android phones featuring a color-changing design and "unique selfie camera capabilities." The new Vivo V23 and V23 Pro phones have an ultra-slim 3D curved screen with a velvet-like exterior surface using Fluorite AG technology that changes its color under direct sunlight.The Vivo V23 Pro sports a 6.56-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, HDR10+ compliance, and a 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 1200 chip, which also powers some of the best Android phones in the value flagship segment.The phone has a triple-lens camera system at the rear, fea...

SmartThings here, StartThings there, SmartThings is going to be everywhere.What you need to knowSamsung announced the Home Hub, a smart home controller display for SmartThings connected devices.The device will debut first in Korea, and there's no word on global expansion.SmartThings Hub is being integrated into more of Samsung's smart home appliances.Samsung has also become a founding member of the Home Connectivity Alliance.Samsung's CES presence didn't end with the launch of the long-awaited Galaxy S21 FE. On Tuesday, the company took to the stage to announce its latest efforts in the smart home space and SmartThings, Samsung's connected ecosystem. While the company announced plenty of smart home products, such as Bespoke home appliances, it also unveiled a new Home Hub display for controlling and monitoring devices.At first glance, Samsung's Home Hub is just a tablet with a dock, but it's really much less than that, and that seems to be the point.Home Hub is a ded...

New details also shared on the controllers and a first-party game.What you need to knowSony shared more details on its next version of PlayStation VR at CES 2022.The company confirmed that the system is being called PlayStation VR2, or PSVR2. Sony also revealed a first-party game for the system called Horizon Call of the Mountain.At CES 2022, Sony officially revealed that the next generation of PlayStation VR is called PlayStation VR2, or PSVR2. This next-generation VR is being built specifically for the PS5. The controllers are called the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, featuring the same haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense.Sony also shared some technical specs for the PlayStation VR2:4K HDR, 110-degree FOV 2000×2040 per eyeFoveated renderingHeadset-based inside-out trackingUSB-C connectionOLED display3D audio90hz/120hz refresh rate supportThere's still no word on the price or release date of the headset, or a look at the official desi...

The big spec reveal!What you need to knowOnePlus has revealed most of the specs of the OnePlus 10 Pro.The phone will be powered by Qualcomm's latest flagship processor.There are a few key details that remain unknown, officially.Just yesterday, OnePlus revealed that the OnePlus 10 Pro will debut in China later this month, along with sharing a few official renders of what the device will look like. Now, the company is back again, stringing out the inevitable, as we now know what will be providing the power.As expected, the OnePlus 10 Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, instantly making it a contender for one of the best Android phones, and will use LPDDR5 RAM along with UFS 3.1 storage. Unfortunately, we don't know how much RAM and storage will be available, but it's safe to assume we'll see a base configuration with 8GB and 128GB, respectively.The display itself uses the second-generation LTPO technology, which helps to enable the 120Hz refresh rate ...

The Pixel 6 will get the update later.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out the January update for its Pixel smartphones.The security patch includes a number of bug fixes, including the Microsoft Teams emergency calling bug.The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will receive the update later this month.The latest Pixel update is rolling out now, bringing with it the January security patch and a host of bug fixes to some of Google's best Android phones like the Pixel 5a. This marks the first update of the year for Pixel smartphones, although Pixel 6 owners will have to wait a bit longer before they can get their hands on it.The most notable fix addresses the mysterious Microsoft Teams bug that prevented users from making emergency calls. The app was already updated to address this problem, but Google is issuing its own system-wide update, which should hopefully prevent this problem from surfacing again.Microsoft Teams isn't explicitly mentioned, but the support page lists it a...

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...

The companies are working to ensure 'metaverse' isn't a proper noun.What you need to knowMicrosoft and Qualcomm are working on new processors to power the next generation of AR glasses.These new chips are designed to help make AR glasses lighter and more power-efficient.The companies announced that Microsoft Mesh and Qualcomm Spaces will be interoperable, helping to cohesively build metaverse software technologies.The metaverse is about as an ambiguous topic as you can get — despite the implication that Meta could own such a term given its recent rebrand from Facebook — but the term encompasses so much more than living in a virtual world hidden behind a pair of VR glasses. That's why Microsoft and Qualcomm have partnered up to develop both hardware and software technologies for one specific corner of the metaverse market.We're talking specifically about AR glasses, a type of smart glasses that packs transparent or projected displays in the lenses of a pair of glasses ...