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Chalk this under "ridiculous and strangely enticing."What you need to knowSomeone was able to get Assassins Creed running on a smartwatch via Google Stadia.The Kospet Optimus 2 runs full Android 10, comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.The smartwatch also features a 13MP camera capable of 1080p video recording.Wear OS may be the talk of the town amongst Samsung and Android enthusiasts, but one smartwatch decided that Wear OS wasn't good enough and went with full Android 10 instead. And to really bring things home, someone was able to get Assassin's Creed running on the smartwatch.That wasn't a typo; Mark B of MBReviews played Assassin's Creed Unity streaming with a connected controller from Google Stadia.The game ran surprisingly well on the small 1.6-inch 400x400 ISP display, despite the smartwatch rocking only 4GB of RAM. However, Mark notes in their Kospet Optimus 2 review that the experience playing Stadia on a smartwatch "has been a very weird experience" and ...

While the Google Pixel 4a 5G isn't going to be winning any beauty contests, the best Pixel 4a 5G cases jazz up this affordable 5G phone. Protecting your investment is paramount, but let's get real. Life's too short for boring phone cases. Thankfully, these Pixel 4a 5G cases are anything but and add pops of color and extra protection to keep your phone looking brand new.Keep it safeTudia DualShield Merge SeriesStaff PickTudia's Merge Series has been protecting Pixels big and small for years, and if you need some heavy-duty support for your Pixel 4a 5G from Day One, this case will do the job for less than a large pizza.$13 at Amazon $13 at WalmartFabulous feelGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric case feels just as amazing on the Pixel 4a 5G as it has in previous generations. This case comes in fun color options like Blue Confetti and the classic, but sophisticated Basically Black.From $45 at Amazon $40 at Best BuySuper ruggedSpigen Rugged Armor CaseFinished i...

While there are plenty of streaming services to choose from, Hulu has established itself as one of the best platforms for original movies. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of the best original movies on Hulu right now.The best Hulu Originals moviesPopular on HuluComedy on HuluHorror on HuluDocumentaries on HuluStream originals nowHuluFrom $6 at HuluHulu Originals and moreHulu is one of the best streaming services when it comes to original content. Sign up now to check out Hulu Originals series like The Handmaid's Tale and The Great, as well as new Hulu Originals films that span genres.Popular on HuluIf you're looking for original movies on Hulu, a good place to start is the Popular section on the platform's home page, which is where you'll land after logging in. Here are a handful of films that are trending now on the platform.Boss Level (2021)Boss Level stars Frank Grillo as former special forces agent Roy Pulver, who uncovers clues a...

Craving cat tweets? Sidestep your usual doomscrolling with Twitter Communities.What you need to knowTwitter Communities are alternate timelines focused on a specific topic, interest, hobby, or type of person.They will be invite-only and run by moderators. Anyone can see Community tweets, but only members can participate.Communities are being tested on iOS and the web; no Android access yet.You can apply to found and moderate your own Twitter Community if you want.Twitter has recently been on a privacy and safety tear, testing new features designed to make the app a bit less painful to use. Last week, it added a new Twitter Safety Mode to auto-block hostile users. Yesterday, we learned of new Twitter social safety tools like removing followers without actually blocking them. And today, we saw the newest way to insulate your feed to focus more on specific content you crave.imagine an alternate timeline where everyone just gets yousay hi to Communities—the place to connec...

Bringing new meaning to "wearable" tech.What you need to knowFitness wearable company WHOOP has announced its latest products with the WHOOP 4.0 band and WHOOP Body clothing line.The new WHOOP 4.0 band is 1/3 smaller than before and includes a new and improved sensor array and battery.WHOOP Body is a new line of clothing featuring the company's Any-Wear Technology that enables WHOOP customers to wear their tracker across multiple locations on their bodies.Fitness company WHOOP recently announced a couple of major updates to its refined product lineup in the form of a new fitness tracker, the WHOOP 4.0, and a new line of technical fitness garments called WOOP Body which are intended to work with the new tracker. This is the first major update to WHOOP's device lineup in over two years, and it comes fast on the heels of a major new fundraising and evaluation announcement, and its recent acquisition of PUSH, a personal training solutions provider.The WHOOP 4.0 is the succe...

Best answer: You should only buy a Wi-Fi 6E router if you already have devices that can use Wi-FI 6E. While Wi-Fi 6E offers a great upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 performance, the increase in speed isn't significant enough to justify the high price for most people.What is Wi-Fi 6E, and how is it different from Wi-Fi 6?For years, Wi-Fi has used channels at 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz, with 5.8 GHz adding a bit more capacity a while later. If you don't have a lot of close neighbors, these channels probably offer more than enough speed even when your connection is pushed beyond gigabit speed. For those of us that live in a dense area, we're starting to hit the limits.If you check out all of the connections in your area, you start to understand the congestion your router needs to navigate. A Wi-Fi analyzer app can help you see overlapping Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6 has been able to do more with this space thanks to tech like a more advanced QAM setup, but it still has to share the same chunks of spectrum. Wi-Fi 6...

Chrome 93 brings some enhancements to Tote.What you need to knowChrome 93 is rolling out on Chromebooks with several quality-of-life improvements.Users can now find more of their files in Tote, and the keyboard is easier to customize from settings.Apps can now be easily resized to preset phone or tablet orientations.Owners of the best Chromebooks are being treated to a fairly small update with the stable rollout of Chrome 93 on most Chrome OS devices.Following the release of Chrome 93 on mobile devices, the update for Chome OS is fairly small, bringing a few quality-of-life improvements.One feature that Chrome OS users should enjoy is better window management for Android apps. Chromebooks running Android 11 will automatically launch Android apps in their "defined orientations," and users will be able to resize apps easily with a new UI that appears when hovering over the top portion of the app window.The new resize lock should help Android mobile apps play better on...

The affordable Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE has finally launched in the U.S., and it comes with many favorite features from one of the best Android tablets, the Galaxy Tab S7. One notable difference, however, is its larger 12.4-inch LCD, making this a great tablet for work, entertainment, and everyday tasks like jotting down notes or drawing with the included low latency S Pen. To ensure your tablet's screen stays looking new and remains protected from unwanted scratches, these are the best Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE screen protectors to consider.Solid reputationSPARIN Screen ProtectorStaff PickSPARIN is a brand you can count on when it comes to protecting your electronics' screens, and this is no exception. This two-pack of 0.33mm ultra-thin screen protectors will, most importantly, support the Galaxy Tab S7 FE's S Pen without affecting touch sensitivity. And thanks to 9H tempered glass, it'll also be scratch-resistant as well as crystal clear.$15 at Amazon (2 Pack)Fan...

We've reached the final stretch before the full Android 12 release.What you need to knowGoogle rolls out the final beta release of Android 12.Developers are encouraged to complete final app compatibility tests before the full Android 12 launch "in the weeks ahead."The new Google Pixel 5a is eligible for Android 12 Beta 5.Google is rolling out Android 12 Beta 5, which is the last beta release before the full version is launched.Android 12 reached "Platform Stability" with Beta 4, so all system behaviors and APIs are already final and ready for developers to complete final app compatibility tests. That means making sure apps work with new Android 12 features like the Privacy Dashboard, new privacy toggles and indicators, the new app splash screen, and more.While the final beta release means there shouldn't be anything particularly new coming out of Beta 5, it does mean that many of the bugs found in Beta 4 should hopefully be ironed out by now.One notable addition to An...

Best answer: If you need a replacement S Pen for your Samsung Galaxy Tab, you'll need to purchase one.What's so great about the S Pen anyways?Samsung's decision to include an S Pen in the box with its last few Galaxy Tab devices is genius. It removes the burden of needing to purchase something else just to get the full experience of the device. The trend continues as the Galaxy Tab S7 FE includes an S Pen right in the box.Not only can the Galaxy Tab S7 FE's S Pen attach magnetically on the back, but it opens a world of creative and productive possibilities. From being able to take advantage of the best drawing apps for Android control your Galaxy Tab with Air Actions, or even marking up those annoying PDFs, there's something here for everyone.It's easy to understand why the Galaxy Tab S7 family of tablets are some of the best Android tablets, and that's without diving into extra software features like Samsung DeX Mode. The latest Galaxy Tab S Pen features the same ultra-lo...

The world may be on fire but at least the PS5 is here to distract you.Sony launched its most ambitious console to date on Nov. 12, 2020, with the PS5. The company dominated the last generation with the PS4 and silenced naysayers who said that console gaming was dead. After selling upwards of 112 million units over the last seven years, Sony hopes to replicate its success with the PlayStation 5, and if early demand is any indication, that shouldn't be a problem. According to the NPD Group, the PS5 is the fastest-selling console in U.S. history for unit and dollar sales within its first five months on the market. As of July 2021, Sony says that the PS5 has sold over 10 million units.Ever since I was a kid I've had an Xbox. I played every Xbox console right up until I had to buy a PS4 Pro for this job, actually. But now that I've used a PS5 for several months, I see it as my main console moving forward. The strength of the PS5, plus the revolutionary and welcome changes Sony made to...

After almost two years, Rza, Gza, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan are back for the second season of Wu-Tang: An American Saga and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes of the show online.After launching in the fall of 2019, Wu-Tang: An American Saga was quickly renewed for a second season by Hulu back in January of last year. However, just like with many other shows last year, filming was delayed which is why season two is releasing now. Hulu will kick off the second season of Wu-Tang: An American Saga by making the first three episodes available to watch at once while the remaining seven episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays.Set in New York City during the height of the crack cocaine epidemic of the early 90s, Wu-Tang: An American Saga tells the story of the birth of the infamous Staten Island hip-hop collective. Bobby Diggs aka The RZA (Ashton Sanders) turns to rap as a way out himself and a ...

Google has also announced new Meet features — including a "Companion mode."What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a bunch of new Workspace updates.Spaces are now live for all users. You will soon be able to "ring" other users with Google Meet inside the Gmail app.Google has announced new Workspace updates that aim to help hybrid work a lot easier. Spaces, which is a rebranding of Google's Slack competitor "Rooms," is now live for all Workspace users.Spaces make it possible for teams to easily "share ideas, collaborate on documents, and manage tasks from a single place." They offer deep integration with Workspace tools such as Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and Tasks. Google says Spaces will become even more useful in the coming months with a more flexible UI, discoverable spaces, enhanced search options, in-line topic threading, and new content moderation tools.To help make meetings more spontaneous, Google is rolling out the ability to "ring" member...

Looking to the futureFossil Gen 6From $299 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCImproved health trackingSnapdragon Wear 4100+Eligible for Wear OS 3 upgradeTwo size optionsConsWear OS 3 not available until 2022Pretty expensive The wearable world is changing before our eyes, especially when it comes to Wear OS watches. If you want a watch with any kind of a future, you'll need to be open to newer models such as the Fossil Gen 6 smartwatches. Not only do you get the latest processor and improved performance, but your watch will be eligible to upgrade to Wear OS 3 in 2022.Living in the pastFossil Gen 5From $207 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity trackingStunning designsGoogle AssistantBuilt-in mic/speakerConsOnly one size optionOutdated processorNot eligible for Wear OS 3 upgradeThe Fossil Gen 5 smartwatches were a hit when they first came out. While there may still be some appeal, users will have to start thinking about the bigger picture....

One of the best storage expansion options for PlayStation 5.Solid-state drives (SSDs) have been a staple in the PC gaming space for years now, but consoles have been well behind the trend since their inception. It's only now in the ninth generation that systems from Xbox and PlayStation are seeing SSDs built-in, favoring those higher speeds as opposed to the inferior speeds of comparably stone-aged HDDs. This all means bigger and better games for players, but most importantly — faster games. Load times on new-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X have been reduced to a handful of seconds, and in some cases they are almost instantaneous.Much to people's confusion, Sony shipped the PS5 with an 825TB (the Xbox Series X features a 1TB SSD), of which only 667GB is usable. That's not ideal for anyone, especially when games are frequently 50GB or larger. Because the PS5 didn't launch with storage expansion for PS5 games, players needed to delete and redownload their games if the...

This is the fourtheenth distinct first-party studio under the Sony Worldwide Studios umbrella.What you need to knowSony announced that it is acquiring Firesprite.Firesprite is a U.K. studio that has previously worked on games like Playroom VR. Sony announced the acquisition of Returnal developer Housemarque and PC porting team Nixxes earlier this year.Sony announced on Wednesday that is is acquiring Firesprite, adding the Liverpool-based studio to the Sony Worldwide Studios first-party family. Sony worked with Firesprite in the past on games such as Playroom VR. This team has over 250 developers and is looking to grow even further."I firstly want to thank PlayStation and their community for the warm welcome into a family of incredible creators. I'd also like to thank all of our 'Sprites, past and present, who have helped shape the Firesprite we see today. I'm proud of the talent we have at Firesprite and you'll continue to hear and see more from us all very soon!" says Gr...

The best Nokia phones are aimed at the budget and mid-tier segments. Nokia devices feature a classic industrial design and clean software with Android One, ensuring fast updates and no bloatware. The Nokia 5.4 continues to lead the pack, and Nokia has plenty of other options that are just as exciting. Here are some of our favorites to get you started.Do everythingNokia 5.4 | Android 10 | 128 GBStaff PickThe Nokia 5.4 is still one of the best options if you want a value-focused phone. It has great hardware in the form of a Snapdragon 662 chipset, 4GB of RAM, and 64 or 128GB of storage, and you get a 48-megapixel camera at the back and a 16-megapixel shooter upfront. The 6.3-inch has 400 nits of peak brightness, there's a 4,000mAh battery, and the phone also has a 3.5mm jack.$238 at Amazon (128GB) $250 at Best Buy (128GB)A new budget optionNokia G20 | Android 11 | 128GBThe Nokia G20 is an exciting budget device that is powered by the MediaTek Helio 635 chipset. As a...

Samsung's smartwatches are great for managing notifications and track health and fitness, but they're also great for music playback, thanks to Bluetooth and local media storage. So whether you want to listen to your favorite tunes on your weekly jog or take in a new audiobook, these are the best wireless headphones for your Galaxy Watch.Overall bestSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro - Bluetooth EarbudsStaff PickThese are Samsung's premium wireless earbuds and are also the most durable, with an IPX8 rating. If you're looking to do some runs and workouts with your Galaxy Watch, sweating in these buds won't be a problem. Doesn't hurt that you get excellent sound, active noise cancelation, and decent battery life to go with it all.$153 at Amazon $170 at Best Buy $170 at B&HNext in lineSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 - True Wireless EarbudsThese ultimately replace the Galaxy Buds+, and in so doing, come with an even better fit, greater comfort, and improved audio performance. They're n...

Google has been rolling out RCS messaging, colloquially known as "Chat features," to Android phones for years, and has finally gotten penetration to all three carriers in the United States. RCS messaging allows you to see when messages have been delivered and when someone is responding, send messages over Wi-Fi and mobile data, and more.With all of that comes one minor issue. You need to turn off chat features when you move to a different phone. Failure to do so can result in unpredictable behavior for up to eight days. That behavior can manifest itself in various ways, such as multiple phones receiving messages or the wrong phone receiving messages. Bottom line, if you don't turn off RCS messaging, things can get wonky #TechnicalTerm. Of course, that doesn't always happen, but why chance it? Messaging is something that should be absolutely bulletproof. So, to make sure it stays that way, we'll show you two ways to turn off RCS messaging.How to turn off RCS messaging on your pho...

Galaxy Z Fold 3 features great hardware with meh software and could be a better user experience.Foldable phones are still relatively new in the grand scheme of smartphones. But that doesn't mean that some of these products aren't impressive. For example, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 isn't a significant improvement over the second generation Galaxy Z Fold 2, the fine-tuning that Samsung has done with the device is very much welcomed. However, the bulk of that tweaking Samsung did with the Z Fold 3 was mainly on the hardware side of things. The software and UI are very much the same as the prior version — and that's unfortunate because it's still kind of a mess.Yes, Samsung did add a couple of new features and expand on a few others as well. But, when fellow freelancer Andrew Myrick put together his first 12 things to do with your new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, it further solidified the complicated feelings I had when using my own Z Fold 3. Put simply — if you want to get th...

The phone will likely be the first to use Samsung's new ISOCELL HP1 sensor.What you need to knowA new rumor suggests Xiaomi's next-gen Android flagship will arrive with a 200MP main camera.It is likely that the phone will use Samsung's recently announced ISOCELL HP1 sensor.Xiaomi will apparently continue to use 108MP and 64MP sensors for its mid-range and high-end devices.Xiaomi's Galaxy S22 challenger will come equipped with a 200MP camera, according to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station. In addition to the 200MP sensor, the phone will apparently have a 50MP "main" sensor as well.Although the tipster hasn't revealed more details, there's a good chance that the phone will be the first to feature Samsung's 200MP ISOCELL HP1 sensor. Announced last week, the ISOCELL HP1 sensor is Samsung's first mobile image sensor to have ChameleonCell technology for improved low-light performance.While the new 200MP sensor offers significantly higher resolution than the 50MP ISOCELL GN2 ...

Your media tweets will soon span the width of the timeline.What you need to knowTwitter has unveiled a new test that makes its timeline look more immersive.The test expands photos, GIFs, and videos across the full width of the timeline.Edge-to-edge tweets are currently available to a limited number of iOS users.Twitter is testing a new experience that gives more focus on photos, GIFs, and videos in the timeline. Media tweets now appear edge-to-edge in the new test, just like Instagram's display format.The experimental design offers a more immersive way of viewing photos and videos. Twitter says it's part of an effort to improve how it displays text-based and media tweets on the platform. We're continuing our work to improve how you view Tweets and all forms of media on Twitter. Today we're starting to test a more immersive timeline in which photos, videos, and Tweets with text spanning the width of your screen leaving no margin.Twitter's edge-to-edge design re...

Good tech has become cheaper and cheap tech has become better.It seems like it is almost impossible to buy a bad piece of tech nowadays, be it Android phones, wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or anything else. So top players in the game try to offer as much as possible in one package and then sell that for as little as possible. This has resulted in the existence of some spectacular budget wireless earbuds at astonishingly low prices.Tronsmart is one of the many companies that focus on creating highly competitive value products. I personally love the company's affordable line of audio devices such as the Apollo Air+ true wireless earbuds and the 30W Studio Bluetooth Speaker. They embody the phrase "bang for the buck" through and through.Priced at a reasonable $50, the Tronsmart Onyx Apex earbuds are the equivalent of an entry-level pair of buds. That's not much, but I still went into this review with moderately high expectations. Here's what I found out after using the Tronsmart...

For just $15 a month, HBO Max provides subscribers with access to a massive streaming library that includes more than 10,000 hours of film and television content from HBO and WarnerMedia. While the most straightforward way to sign up for HBO Max is through HBO, you can also access HBO Max through cable and mobile providers. Here are the options for getting HBO Max through cable and mobile providers right now.How to get HBO Max through your cable providerIf you already subscribe to HBO through your cable provider, you may already get access to HBO Max at no additional cost or for an extra fee. Here are the providers who offer HBO Max free of charge as part of your current HBO plan.1Tennessee BroadbandAcenTekAcme CommunicationsAdams Cable ServiceAlbany Mutual TelephoneAll West CommunicationsAllen's CommunicationsALLO CommunicationsAlpine CommunicationsAltice OneAltice USAAntietamArmstrongArthur Mutual TelephoneAT&TATC BroadbandAtlantic BroadbandATMCBaldwin ...

This is when things start getting interesting for Chrome tablets.What you need to knowLenovo is launching several new products at its Tech World event on Wednesday.The Chromebook Duet 5 and Tab P12 Pro are among the new tablets Lenovo unveiled at the event.Lenovo also revealed new wireless earbuds and a 5G model of the Tab P11 tablet.The new Chromebook Duet 5 and Tab P12 Pro start at $450 and $610, respectively.Lenovo Tech World today is showing off the latest and greatest from one of the largest manufacturers in the world. While the PCs and USB-C Monitors are all well and good, what faithful readers of this site will really be looking forward to are its Chrome and Android offerings. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 goes on sale next month, and here's why it'll absolutely earn its $450 price tag.Far and away, one of the best Chromebooks of 2020 and one of the most important was the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. It was the first Chrome OS tablet that felt like a full, well-rounde...

Twitter's "social privacy" features could save you from the wrath of the internet... maybe.Update, Sept 7 (8:13 p.m. ET): Twitter starts testing the ability to edit the follow listWhat you need to knowTwitter is reportedly working on a set of new privacy features.Users may be able to edit their follower list, hide liked tweets, and remove themselves from conversations.Twitter may allow users to hide old tweets after a set amount of time.Twitter is reportedly working on a set of new privacy features that will allow users to better manage their online presence on the social media site. The new "social privacy" features are meant to make people more comfortable engaging on Twitter.According to Bloomberg, Twitter is currently considering several features that users may find very helpful when navigating the site. One big one includes hiding old tweets from other users after a set amount of time. This could be anywhere from 30, 60, or 90 days, and tweets would be archived awa...

Samsung's 2018 flagship phone has been dropped to the quarterly security updates.What you need to knowSamsung has refreshed its update schedule for various lineups of smartphones.The Galaxy Note 9 has been downgraded to a quarterly update schedule as part of the change.Samsung's latest foldable smartphones are now receiving monthly updates.Samsung has officially removed the Galaxy Note 9 from its monthly security update schedule three years after the phone's launch. This is in line with what Samsung typically does to three-year-old Galaxy smartphones.This means the Galaxy Note 9 will start receiving security updates every three months moving forward. Samsung announced at its Galaxy Unpacked event last year that it would start releasing three generations of updates to its smartphones along with three years' worth of monthly or quarterly security patches.Samsung's latest move was noted by Android Police and brings the device a step closer to obsolescence. The quarterly up...

Hulu subscribers have a month until their subscription price goes up.What you need to knowHulu is informing users of an impending price increase.Hulu's lower-cost tiers will increase in price by $1 each on October 8.Live TV and bundled plans are not affected by the increase.Hulu subscribers are bracing for subscription prices to go up as the streaming platform starts sending out notices to viewers on Tuesday.The prices of Hulu's standalone ad-supported and no-commercial tiers are each going up by $1 each to $6.99 and $12.99, respectively. The price increase will take effect on October 8, giving subscribers a month to prepare for the change. The notice that appears when logging into the Windows app.According to Variety, Hulu's Live TV subscribers and those on the Disney+ bundle won't be affected by the price increase. We've reached out for additional details on the price increase, including why the platform has chosen to raise its price after dropping the price of its ...

Microsoft gives its news efforts a makeover across platforms.What you need to knowMicrosoft rebrands its news service as Microsoft Start.The new service features news content curated by AI and machine learning.It's accessible through Android, the Edge browser, widgets on Windows 11, and more.Microsoft is launching a new personalized news feed called "Microsoft Start" in hopes of reenergizing its efforts in bringing curated content to users.The new service builds on MSN and Microsoft News to provide users with content that interests them using the "latest advancements in AI and machine learning, coupled with human moderation."The service will display news and content "from over a thousand global premium publishing brands" based on user interests, which can be easily personalized based on various topics. Microsoft Start will then refine the content as users continue interacting and engaging with content, and users can also indicate the content they like or dislike as they...

Stadia Pro members also get a new game to claim this week.What you need to knowKatamari Damacy Reroll and Darkwood release on the Stadia store today.Stadia Pro subscribers can claim PGA Tour 2K21 for free on September 8.The Stadia Pro free weekend includes Madden NFL 22 and Rainbow Six Siege from September 9-13.Google announced a few games coming to the Stadia store this week and more games that Stadia Pro subscribers have access to in its blog post today.The company revealed two new games joining the Stadia store today: Katamari Damacy Reroll and Darkwood. Katamari Damacy Reroll is a remaster of the 2004 puzzle-action game originally released for the PlayStation 2, and is currently on sale for both Stadia and Stadia Pro users until September 21. Darkwood is a top-down survival horror game from developer Acid Wizard Studio now available on the store for $15.Meanwhile, Stadia Pro subscribers can claim another free game this week with PGA Tour 2K21 on September 8. The sur...

The September update is here for your Pixel smartphone.What you need to knowGoogle has released the September security update for Pixel smartphones.The update brings the newest Pixel 5a up-to-date with the latest security fixes.The update will roll out in waves depending on carrier and region.Google has begun pushing out the September security patch for its Pixel smartphones, marking the first security update for the newly launched Google Pixel 5a.The update doesn't appear to be any notable features or fixes to the devices outside of addressing system vulnerabilities in the kernel and updating media codecs. And while the update is rolling out to older devices like the Pixel 3, there's unfortunately no mention of the EDL Mode bug that users have been experiencing.For more on the September Android Security Bulletin, you can view the details on the Android Open Source Project website.The update is rolling out globally to devices from the Pixel 3 to the Pixel 5. The new P...

This teaser leaves a lot to the imagination.What you need to knowRay-Ban and Facebook are launching a pair of glasses on September 9, 2021.Interested customers can receive a special welcome reward when they sign up for the announcement notification.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously teased these glasses at the end of July.Facebook and Ray-Ban have partnered to bring a pair of connected smart glasses to the ever-growing smart wearables market, teasing a release announcement on September 9, 2021. Interested customers can head to the Ray-Ban website and enter their name and email address to get notified of more information on September 9, including a "special welcome reward," according to the site.Whether this is the fabled pair of Facebook AR glasses or something more along the lines of Razer Anzu glasses remains to be seen, though, as the teaser is extremely light on details. What can be gleaned from the image above, taken from the Ray-Bans website, is that these glas...

We've got a lot of news and rumors in store for you this week! Next-gen versions of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 may not be arriving this year. Also, the gang cover everything you need to know about preordering Horizon Forbidden West, Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles may be coming to Nintendo Switch, and more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 next-gen versions may not arrive this year | Windows CentralHorizon Forbidden West preorder guide: Every edition and what's in them on PS4 & PS5 | Android CentralReport: Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles coming to the Nintendo Switch | iMoreGame Boy games "likely" headed to Switch and Baldo makes us question the eShop | iMoreGIVEAWAY: Win one of seven PowerA Nintendo Switch accessories! | iMore...

There's a reason other apps have been trying to copy TikTok's style.What you need to knowTikTok reportedly surpasses YouTube's average viewership on Android.YouTube still dominates overall viewership and user spending compared to TikTok.The figures don't account for users on iOS or in China.TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps, and a new report highlights just how it stacks up to YouTube on the best Android phones.The report by app analytics firm App Annie shows that TikTok has overtaken YouTube in terms of average time spent on the app per user in both the U.S. and the UK. The figures show a sharp increase in time spent on TikTok around the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the U.S., with the two streaming services battling it out for dominance over the past year.In the U.S., users are spending an average of 24 hours on TikTok per month versus the 22 hours and 40 minutes spent on YouTube. The report shows a much bigger difference in the...

The company's new cover material is thinner than existing tempered glass-type materials and polyimide films.What you need to knowLG has developed a new cover material for foldable phones.The new "Real Folding Window" is claimed to be as hard as glass. LG says the first devices with its "Real Folding Window" will arrive by 2023. LG Chem announced on September 7 a new cover material that it claims is as tough as glass while being as flexible as plastic. It is also thinner than existing tempered glass-type materials used in the best foldable phones, despite being just as durable.The "Real Folding Window" developed by LG Chem uses a coating made of "new materials" on both sides of a Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. LG claims this solution helps improve the heat-resistance and "mechanical properties of plastic materials." The company is also working on producing a version of Real Folding Window with just the coating.LG's Real Folding Window is said to be superior to ex...

Nine official wallpapers for ColorOS 12 are now available to download as well.What you need to knowOPPO has confirmed that ColorOS 12 based on Android 12 will roll out late in September.The announcement also means Android 12 will launch sometime this month.The official wallpapers for the next ColorOS version have also been released.The next version of ColorOS is arriving soon. OPPO has confirmed that ColorOS 12 based on Android 12 will launch sometime later this month.OPPO shared the general timeline for the rollout of the ColorOS 11 successor via its Weibo account. The announcement fell short of revealing the exact date for the launch, but its release coincides with the expected rollout of Android 12 to some of the best Android phones.That only makes sense seeing as the Chinese phone maker was one of the first third-party OEMs to offer the Android 12 beta build earlier this year. Specifically, OPPO released the Android 12 beta on the Find X3 Pro, which looks set to pic...

It's expected to take on Apple's iPad Pro with Samsung's upcoming flagship chipset.What you need to knowA new rumor suggests that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra won't be powered by a Snapdragon chipset after all.The next-generation tablet will reportedly come with Samsung's own Exynos 2200 onboard.Samsung could launch the tablet early next year shortly after the debut of its next-gen flagship smartphones.It's no secret that Samsung is already working on the Galaxy Tab S8 series as the successor to the Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+, which are among the best Android tablets. The next-generation lineup was recently rumored to ship with Qualcomm's upcoming flagship SoC dubbed the Snapdragon 895, but that might not be entirely the case.A post on a Korean forum claims that the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra will be powered by Samsung's own Exynos 2200 processor, as per SamMobile. The new rumor also suggests only the Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus will feature Qualcomm's next-gen Snapdr...

All the best movies streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all of HBO's exclusive content. It features a rotating lineup of hundreds of television series and movies from Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and more. HBO Max will also launch brand new films from WarnerMedia in 2021 without waiting for them to play in theaters first. Here are the best movies on HBO Max right now, from new drama and comedy films to the best in action franchises and classic films.The best movies on HBO MaxJust added on HBO MaxBest action filmsBest comedy filmsKids & family filmsBest documentary filmsMovies and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind new releases and old favorites on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC, among other studios. Subscribe now to check out new blockbusters or your longtime faves.Just Added on HBO MaxWarnerMedia announced at the end of 2020 t...

Google started rolling out a new "Memories" album for Google Photos on iOS devices last year. Android devices started getting the feature in 2021 followed by a "Memories" widget. The widget feature launched on iOS first, followed by Android this month. While many will appreciate random trips down memory lane, not everyone is a fan. If you don't want to see specific unwanted memories, here's how you can hide them.How to hide unwanted memories in Google PhotosOpen Google Photos on your phone.Tap your profile picture on the upper right corner.Tap Photos settings.Tap Memories.Tap Hide people & pets to hide memories with specific people or animals.Tap Hide dates to hide memories from certain days.Once you've hidden memories of certain individuals and pets or specific dates, you won't see those unwanted memories in Google Photos anymore. If you'd like to change the frequency and type of memories, you can find the notification settings and advanced settings in the sam...

The Zenfone 8 is the ideal choice if you're looking for a compact phone in 2021.Between the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Find X3 Pro, and the OnePlus 9 Pro, I've used the best Android phones of 2021. This has been a standout year for tech in general; I used over 50 phones already, and I'm looking forward to switching to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 shortly and the Pixel 6 Pro later in the year.But there's one device in particular that has stood out: the ASUS Zenfone 8. At the outset, there's nothing to suggest the Zenfone 8 is any different to other value flagships; it is powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset, has a 120Hz AMOLED panel, and the camera is decent enough. If anything, its limited availability means it flew largely under the radar following the global unveil a few months ago.But what the Zenfone 8 gets absolutely right is the size; with phones constantly getting taller and heavier, compact devices have been left behind. The Pixel 4a is the only other phone I've used recently that is ...

MediaTek surpassed Qualcomm as the top smartphone SoC vendor in Q3 2020 for the first time.What you need to knowMediaTek reportedly held 43% of the smartphone SoC market in Q2 2021.Qualcomm's market share stood at 24%. The global smartphone AP (Application Processor) grew 31% YoY in the April to June quarter. MediaTek continued to lead the global smartphone SoC market in the second quarter of 2021, according to the latest research from Counterpoint.Data from the market research firm reveals the Taiwanese chipmaker held a 43% share of the market in the April to June quarter, thanks to a growth in shipments of low-end 5G chips. Unlike Qualcomm, MediaTek didn't have any major supply constraints either.Qualcomm's market share stood at just 24%, mainly due to "component supply constraint and lower yields at the foundry." During the same period last year, Qualcomm led the market with a market share of 28%. MediaTek was just behind Qualcomm with a 26% share. Since the compan...

Creative keeps the Outlier Air worth the price of admission.Creative has something going with its Outlier Air line of earbuds. While "V3" would suggest the Outlier Air V3 are a third-gen product, they're actually the fourth. With each successive pair, Creative has added something extra to make them more viable, be it the company's Super X-Fi technology or audio upgrades. This time around, it's addressing noise and call quality, among other things.Combining all these features and performance serves to make these earbuds stellar for what they cost, especially when factoring in battery life, comfort, and app support — they're easily among the best wireless earbuds in this price range.Creative Outlier Air V3:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceCreative Outlier Air V3 ...

Despite not offering official support for Bluetooth controllers, PUBG Mobile makes the best use of touchscreen controls that you will ever see on a smartphone. The game lets you customize the placement and size of every action buttons on the screen along with the maps and other HUD elements, letting you find the perfect layout to fit your device dimensions and hands.We'll show you how to go in and set up the best touchscreen controls for PUBG Mobile, along with highlighting some other advanced control settings that you'll definitely want to check out for one of the best Android games available.How to customize controls in PUBG MobileThe devs have made it really quick and easy to tweak the touchscreen controls just how you like it — and even on the fly in a match. Tapping the Gear icon from the game home screen or in-game HUD brings you to the game settings to see how you can tweak the touchscreen controls, which should be the first thing you do with pretty much any new gam...

It could take a few weeks for the revamped privacy settings to become available.What you need to knowWhatsApp is reportedly reworking its privacy settings for both Android and iOS users.You will soon be able to hide your "last seen" status from specific contacts. Once you disable your last seen status for specific contacts, you won't be able to view theirs either. WhatsApp is finally preparing to rework a feature that it rolled out a few years back. According to a new report, the popular messaging app could soon tweak its privacy settings to give users more control over who can view their "last seen" status.The folks at WABetaInfo have found evidence that suggests it will soon be able to hide your last seen status from specific contacts. Currently, the last seen Privacy setting offers just three options: Everyone, My Contacts, and Nobody. As you can see in the screenshot below, the new "My Contacts Except" option will let you choose specific contacts that you want to hide...

A clear favoriteNothing ear (1)$99 at NothingProsUnique designAmazing soundLightweight design is great for all-day useTwo modes of ANCAuto play/pause and Qi wireless chargingConsNo Google Assistant or AlexaANC is unreliable at timesAvailability issuesCase scratches easilyNo AptX audio codecsIf you're looking for $100 wireless earbuds, the Nothing ear (1) tick all the right boxes: they sound fantastic, have a great design that makes them stand out, and they have wireless charging. They're light enough for all-day use, and you even get decent noise isolation. They have average battery life and miss out on AptX, but if you care about sound quality, these are a great option.The obvious upgradeOnePlus Buds Pro$150 at OnePlusProsStandout sound quality with reliable ANCEven lighter than the ear (1)Qi wireless charging and fast chargeLasts up to 7 hours on a chargeBuds and case are water resistantZen Mode Air is a great additionConsNo...

More than half of the original list has vanished.What you need to knowThe Fossil Gen 5 series recently got an update via the Play Store that took away dozens of watch faces.On the other hand, the update introduced two new watch faces in exchange.You will see the default face on your smartwatch if you used any of the removed watch faces.Fossil recently rolled out an update to the Fossil Gen 5 series that added two new watch faces. However, owners of the smartwatch were greeted with a frustrating surprise: dozens of watch faces are gone.Some Fossil Gen 5 users took to Reddit to share how their favorite watch face has been removed after installing the latest update from the Google Play Store. According to 9to5Google, at least 33 watch faces have vanished, including the following:Big TicBlueCandice HuffineColoristCompassCory RichardsDarryl WestlyDefenderEttoreFlip DigitalFredGrantKJ ApaMagic 8-BallMandy MooreMcKinneyMechanical DigitalMen's Fashion Digital...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to multi-gigabit 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds up to 2.4Gbps per device to provide a better experience and more extensive coverage at home. Not only that, but most of these routers come with great software, including parental controls, to make your life easier. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops. So now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The TP-Link Archer AX90 is a great balance for most people, whether you're a gamer looking for a fast and stable connection or just want something that provides consistent coverage. OneMesh is included for easy expansion, and HomeShield keeps your connection secure. The AX6600 connection is perfect for families or streamers with plenty of capacity for dozens of devices.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, which i...

Doing it againGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series$100 at Best Buy $99 at B&HProsSame sound quality for lessIntegration with Android and Google AssistantLightweight build and comfy fitSame size caseFast chargingConsNo swipe gesturesNo wireless charging caseNo change in battery lifeStill no active noise cancelationFor an encore, Google didn't overhaul its Pixel Buds. It just tweaked them, gave them new coats of paint, and made them more affordable. To get there, the A-Series cut out a few things, but so much of the originals stay where they are, and that's why they're an intriguing choice among other earbuds.Back againSamsung Galaxy Buds 2$150 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy $150 at B&HProsBolder soundEffective ANCVery comfortable fitGood battery lifeNice color optionsConsIPX2 rating isn't very durableMicrophones are so-soFinicky controlsSamsung gave the Galaxy Buds 2 a slimmer profile, making them even more comfortable to wear tha...

No matter what type of smartwatch experience you're seeking, there are tons of Wear OS watches out there that will fulfill your needs. If you want support for contactless payments, be sure to check out the watches that support Google Pay. This handy software lets you leave your wallet at home and pay using only your watch at locations where contactless payments are accepted. Fortunately, this payment option is becoming more common these days. We've rounded up some of the best watches that support Google Pay to help you pick a winner.Welcome to Wear OS 3Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Staff PickIf you haven't heard, the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is here. More importantly, it's the first Wear OS 3 device. As a result, you'll enjoy stellar performance and a bunch of new Google-based features. As you might've guessed, this watch supports Google Pay! You also get two size options, 40 hours of battery life, GPS, and tons of health features.From $250 at SamsungTop of the lineTi...

Steelseries Arctis 7PComfort and convenience$150 at AmazonProsVery comfortableGreat sound qualityFantastic battery lifeQuality retractable micConsMore expensive than Pulse 3DCan be loose fittingThe Arctis 7P is an excellent headset if you're looking for great sound, build quality, and a solid mic to chat with your friends. Its price tag and comfort, which is dictated by your head shape, may put some people off though.Sony Pulse 3D Wireless HeadsetAffordable and official$99 at AmazonProsOfficial PS5 headsetCheaper than 7PGreat sound qualityComfortableSleek designConsMic quality could be betterButton placement feels slightly offThe Pulse 3D is the cheapest way to experience the PS5's 3D audio in a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing headset. However, the absence of an arm does harm the mic quality. Also, the control placement on the earcup feels slightly counterintuitive, leaving you occasionally feeling around for the desired...