Latest from Android Central

Xiaomi's latest flagship phones could launch outside China by end of February or early March.What you need to knowThe Xiaomi 12 series could launch globally later than its predecessors did last year.Xiaomi is tipped to release the phones outside China by the end of February or early March.The Indian launch is expected to follow soon after the global debut.Xiaomi may take some time to launch its latest flagship phones outside of China. The Xiaomi 12 series is tipped to be released globally by the end of February or early March.According to Mukul Sharma, a regular tipster, the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro will make their international debut during these months. MySmartPrice was the first to report on the new claim, and if this is correct, the phones will be available outside of China a little later than when the Xiaomi Mi 11 series was released globally last year.Xiaomi's latest challengers to the best Android phones are also said to arrive in India soon after the global announce...

Samsung teases a January 11 launch for the rumored Exynos 2200 featuring AMD graphics.What you need to knowSamsung has announced the launch date for its next Exynos chip paired with AMD's GPU.The upcoming processor, dubbed the Exynos 2200, will debut on January 11.AMD's GPU architecture also powers the Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5's graphics.Samsung seems to be all set to take the wraps off its next-generation Exynos processor, which will include an AMD-powered GPU; the South Korean tech giant has announced that its Exynos 2100 successor will see the light of day next week.In a tweet, Samsung confirmed that it will hold an event on January 11 for the unveiling of its next Exynos chip featuring a new GPU based on AMD's RDNA 2. For the uninitiated, the RDNA 2 graphics architecture is the same GPU used in the Xbox Series X, Sony PlayStation 5, and AMD's Radeon RX 6000 graphics cards.#PlaytimeIsOver. The gaming marketplace is about to get serious. Stay tuned for the...

The update is rolling out in India and North America for the time being.What you need to knowOnePlus has begun seeding another OxygenOS 12 update for the OnePlus 9 series.The latest release fixes a few problems including failure to connect to 5G and system upgrade failure.OnePlus promises to bring the update to the European market later this month.The stable OxygenOS 12 update for the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro had a rocky launch in early December, forcing the Chinese phone maker to suspend the rollout until the issues were sorted out. While some fixes were released a few days later, OnePlus still left a few bugs unresolved.A few days before the New Year, OnePlus announced a new stable OxygenOS 12 update based on Android 12 for the company's best Android phones in 2021. The latest release fixes a few lingering issues with the OS, including the system upgrade failure in some scenarios and the problem with accessing the 5G network in some cases.The latest set of patches follows ...

The streaming service will be required to stream 20 state television channels in Russia.What you need to knowRussia is reportedly forcing Netflix to carry its state-owned channels beginning in March.As part of the country's requirements for registered firms, Netflix will also be required to register a Russian subsidiary.The streaming service is also barred from airing programs containing "extremism."Russia's internet and telecom watchdog, Roskomnadzor, will require Netflix to stream 20 state-owned TV channels beginning in March after adding the streaming platform to its "audio-visual services" register, according to a report by The Moscow Times.The register came into being in late 2020 in an effort to require online streaming services with more than 100,000 daily users to carry state TV channels, among other requirements. In addition, companies listed on the register must establish a Russian subsidiary.The flagship Channel One, the entertainment-oriented NTV, and the Ru...

All cloud gaming and consoles found in one place on the television.What you need to knowSamsung's 2022 lineup of Smart TVs will include the Samsung Gaming Hub, one place that combines cloud gaming services and physically connected consoles.The dedicated interface will initially launch with Google Stadia, Nvidia's GeForce Now, and Utomik with the company saying "more to come."The Samsung Gaming Hub will release for select 2022 models later this year.Samsung unveiled a new feature coming to its 2022 Smart TV models at the Consumer Electronics Show today called the Samsung Gaming Hub. This new interface will offer access to cloud streaming gaming services such as Google Stadia, Nvidia's GeForce Now, and Utomik with "more to come."The Samsung Gaming Hub will allow players to launch games from these services directly from one screen and be able to "explore, search, and buy new games" from within the hub. The interface will also include access to YouTube and HDMI-connected cons...

The majority of the population in the U.S. now has 5G coverage from at least one carrier, so it's time to think about getting one of the best 5G cell phone plans with your new phone. T-Mobile has a commanding lead in coverage, with AT&T and Verizon struggling to get off the start line with C-band deployment, so for now, it's the best network to try out 5G. Still, all carriers have some level of 5G coverage and, in some areas, may even come out ahead of T-Mobile. Overall, the best plan for 5G is T-Mobile's Magenta plan with unlimited premium data, Netflix, and great family savings.Best overall: T-Mobile MagentaT-Mobile offers 5G on all of its plans, so if you upgrade to a 5G capable device, you can get connected with no hassle. T-Mobile's 5G network not only has the best coverage, but its use of mid-band spectrum has also made it one of the fastest overall. Best of all, this mid-band spectrum covers more than 200 million people, and it's still growing. With that in mind, the...

The best shows are streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxTrending on HBO MaxDrama on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxReality series on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsTrending Now on HBO MaxWhen it comes to new and popular series, HBO Max is one o...

ASUS finally made good on its promise before 2021 ended.What you need to knowASUS has released the stable Android 12 update for the ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip.The update included a slew of improvements as well as the application of the Android 12 design to the interface.Some third-party apps are not yet compatible with the most recent Android version.Android 12 continues to make its way to more devices after its debut on the Google Pixel 6 series, despite various issues encountered by other OEMs such as Samsung and OnePlus. The latest devices to receive the update are ASUS' ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip.The announcement comes as no surprise given the company's promise in October to update the ZenFone 8 series to the most recent version of Android by December. And, just a few days before 2022, ASUS delivered on its promise.ASUS' answer to the best Android phones released in 2021 is currently getting the update via an over-the-air rollout. For those who prefer not to wai...

One of the cheapest ways to get Wi-Fi 6.It's a lot of fun to talk about the fastest and most expensive routers you can buy, but at the end of the day, most people just want a simple Wi-Fi solution that has plenty of speed and coverage for their homes. Of course, it also helps if they can get it cheap. The Speedefy KX450 is a Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 dual-band router with a promise of plenty of speed for gaming, video streaming, and smart home devices, and for the most part, it meets these goals.The KX450 lacks many of the bells and whistles that the competition packs in, mainly because it has no bells and whistles. Instead, what you get is a barebones AX1800 router with solid MU-MIMO support, four gigabit Ethernet ports, and an app that makes setup and management quick and easy. If you're looking for a router that does the basics, Speedefy delivers, and the price is right, too.Speedefy KX450 review:Price and availabilityWhat you'll like What you won't likeThe competitionShould y...

The trade show will be a day shorter than planned as some of its biggest exhibitors have dropped in-person attendance.What you need to knowThe Consumer Technology Association has adjusted the CES 2022 schedule amid growing Omicron concerns.CES will conclude on January 7 instead of January 8.More than 2,200 exhibitors are confirmed to attend the trade show in person.Despite major exits in recent weeks, the Consumer Technology Association, which organizes CES, has remained steadfast in its effort to hold this year's iteration of the trade show. Now, the organizers have made some changes to the event's schedule due to an increase in Omicron infections in the United States.CTA has announced that CES 2022 will come to a close one day earlier than initially planned as an extra measure to existing health safety protocols. This means the trade show will commence on January 5, as originally scheduled, but will conclude on January 7. Prior to the adjustment, CES was set to end on J...

Google may be hopping on the AR space with the new project.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly working on a pair of augmented reality smart glasses.The ongoing AR project is said to be the result of Google's North acquisition last year.Google's recent job postings also suggested that the company was working on its own AR operating system.Google may be kicking its augmented reality efforts into high gear following the acquisition of AR glasses company, North, last year. The search giant is now reportedly working on "a new iteration of smart glasses."According to a report by The New York Times, Google is banking on its North acquisition to jump on the AR bandwagon (via Android Police). The Mountain View-based tech behemoth purchased the Canadian startup in the summer of last year, ostensibly in an effort to gain a foothold in the smart glasses market after its Google Glass project failed to take off.Before the buyout, North was selling the Focals smart glasses. Howe...

As much as we love playing with and testing the latest and greatest phones here at Android Central, there's something we can universally agree on that we're not fans of: paying full price for the best Android phones. So if you're in the market for a quality Android phone, but don't want to spend a thousand dollars, check out the best cheap Android phones, or grab one of the best-refurbished phones that offer a great experience at a fraction of what you'd typically spend. Here are our favorite options.Still a stunnerGoogle Pixel 4a Smartphone 128GBStaff PickAlthough the newer Pixel 5 and Pixel 6 series are already out, the Pixel 4a is still a fantastic value buy. The device sports the same primary camera as the Pixel 3a and 3 XL, along with a clean design. Plus, you'll still get a few more major software updates down the line.$315 at Amazon $390 at Walmart $285 at Back Market2020's bestSasmung Galaxy S20 FEIt's tough to ignore the Galaxy S20 FE, regardless of wheth...

Samsung got a lot right in 2021, but a few areas need attention.Samsung had a strong 2021, with the South Korean manufacturer holding on to its position as the world's largest phone manufacturer. This is mainly due to the Galaxy A series, where Samsung witnessed a massive uptick in sales over the last two years.Samsung's foldable strategy is also paying off; the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are just as reliable in day-to-day use as the Galaxy S21 series, and they even include water resistance this time.Things are going good on the wearable front as well. Google teamed up with Samsung to integrate Tizen into Wear OS, and the resultant Wear OS 3 platform made its debut on the Galaxy Watch 4 series. Samsung is leading on many fronts, but it isn't without its share of issues; here's what the brand needs to fix as we head into 2022.Launch creaseless foldablesSamsung redoubled its foldable efforts this year with the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3. Both devices featured stronger chassis ...

The results are not too surprising.What you need to knowWe asked what upcoming 2020 flagships users were looking forward to.Roughly half the poll votes were for the Galaxy S22 series.The Pixel 6a and OnePlus 10 series followed with the second and third most votes, respectively.The next generation of flagship smartphones is already upon us thanks to the introduction of phones like the Xiaomi 12 running Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg as we head into 2022, with plenty more smartphones to be announced. That's why we asked what phones our readers were most looking forward to in the first half of the year, as most flagships would be launched at least in the first quarter of 2022.Unsurprisingly, about 50% of the votes indicated that the Galaxy S22 series was the one to look to. That's not too surprising given the changes Samsung is rumored to make with its upcoming smartphones. To start, the standard Galaxy S22 is expect...

The messaging app picks up iMessage-style reactions and a new formatting to hide spoilers.What you need to knowTelegram has rolled out its last major update for this year.The update introduces a few new capabilities that users have been waiting for.It now has iMessage-style reactions, spoilers, translation, and more.Telegram has a new treat in store for its users before 2021 ends. The service has released a new update containing a bunch of new features including message reactions, hidden text formatting for spoilers, themed QR code, and translation.While majority of the best messaging apps for Android such as Facebook Messenger and Slack already support emoji reactions for quite some time, Telegram hasn't had this feature until now. Although it is a little late to the game, it has now added message reactions that clearly take inspiration from Apple's iMessage.You can bring up the emoji reactions by tapping or holding down on the message, just like you can with other me...

Back to basics in adorable style.I don't know about you, but the holidays are a hectic time in my world. Between decorating, friends, family, and travel, it's hard to keep up with my usual gaming schedule. So around this time of year, I'm on the hunt for simple games that punch above their weight in fun. Piffle, an adorable arcade puzzler from Hipster Whale, does just that.A silly good time, Piffle doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, but it does give a much-needed facelift to one of the oldest gaming genres around—the brick-breaker. Piffle is proof positive that good games don't have to be complicated, and this one is definitely going on the list of best Android games. Dating back to the late 1970s with games like Atari's Super Breakout, brick (or block) breakers revolve around one of the most simple concepts imaginable: chuck something at blocks to break them.That describes Piffle perfectly, but it doesn't properly encompass the many ways that Piffle elevates its simple ...

2021 was an ignominious year for apps and websites backed by the cloud — which is basically all of them.Cloud service outages are nothing new. However, 2020's shift to working from home exposed tons of vulnerabilities, as carriers, cable and fiber companies, and every popular app under the sun experienced some temporary, catastrophic collapse. It placed an unprecedented burden on the cloud infrastructure systems that back your favorite streaming and productivity sites. These outages were an inevitable consequence.You'd have hoped 2021 would show marked improvement. Instead, it proved that the internet is a deck of cards ready to collapse if the wrong foundational piece folds. Whether it's due to frugalness or poor planning, many sites put all their data and traffic eggs in one cloud basket; just one node failure can take out some of the highest-traffic sites, when we'd expect these sites to have much better contingencies in place.We saw our favorite messaging apps, smart home...

Doing it rightJabra Elite 7 Pro$200 at AmazonProsExcellent audio qualityEffective ANCGreat fit and comfortOutstanding call qualityReliable button controlsSolid battery lifeConsANC must be customizedNo multipoint yetJabra carries on its penchant for making earbuds that find themselves in the conversation among the best in the industry. The Elite 7 Pro fall well within that, starting with fit and comfort to set the soundstage for sonic excellence, clearer call quality, and solid battery life.Standing firmSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro$125 at AmazonProsBolder soundMore custom fitSolid ANC performanceDynamic ambient modeSignificant water resistanceConsLower battery lifeFit requires more fidgetingAmbient mode not as goodSamsung squeezed everything it could into the Galaxy Buds Pro, leading to a collection of features that converge into a successful pair of earbuds worth considering. Fit and comfort are hard to read for everyone, but you...

When it comes to big screens, you'll want to keep them scratch-free, which is why you'll want to use the best screen protectors for your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. The phone measures in at a whopping 6.8 inches, which means there's a lot of real estate that could get scratched. Luckily, there are already quite a few great options if you're looking for the best Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protectors to match up with your new phone.Ultra-thinWhitestone Dome Premium Film (3+2 pack)Whitestone Dome is primarily known for its tempered glass screen protectors. But the company also offers a five-pack of "EPU" film screen protectors. These are designed to be self-healing, and the kit includes three film screen protectors, an installation guide, and two tempered glass protectors for your rear camera bump.$15 at AmazonWorth itamFilm 3D Curved Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickThe amFilm 3D Tempered Glass Screen Protector requires a few more steps for installa...

Tons of spectrum and coverageT-Mobile has one of the most ambitious 5G plans of any carrier out there, and with its purchase of Sprint, T-Mobile has a ton of spectrum and a great platform to build a strong 5G network. T-Mobile has already deployed a nationwide 5G network on its low-band Extended Range 5G spectrum and is adding even more speed and capacity with its Ultra Capacity 5G spectrum. T-Mobile also has mmWave spectrum that has been deployed in a few cities. This combined network is poised to be one of the strongest in the nation.Jump to:Do I have 5G coverage?Which phones work with 5G?Which plans supoprt 5G?How is T-Mobile's 5G network different?What happens to Sprint 5G customers?Is 5G worth it?What is 5G For Good?Do I have 5G coverage on T-Mobile and Sprint?Most people that have T-Mobile 5G coverage right now are covered by a low-band network built on its 600MHz band n71 spectrum. T-Mobile calls coverage on this band Extended Range 5G. Reclaimed from bro...

Samsung doesn't operate in the same vein as Dell by releasing new laptops on a semi-quarterly basis. However, those looking for the best Samsung laptops will want to strongly consider the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro. This is one of the best laptops you can find, which is impressive considering how stiff the competition is currently in the laptop market.Best Samsung laptop overall: Samsung Galaxy Book ProOur previous favorite, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, has finally been succeeded by the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro. This laptop comes in two different sizes, 13.3-inches or 15-inches, with both options taking advantage of Samsung's gorgeous OLED displays. Powering these laptops are Intel's 11th-gen processors, which have integrated Intel Xe graphics that will help play some games or get some photo editing done on the go.As you might expect from a Samsung laptop, the Galaxy Book Pro includes a suite of apps designed to work in tandem with the best Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy S21 U...

From Pixel phones to Matter and Android 13, analysts expect a lot from Google in 2022.Google has had a busy year launching Android 12, updating the look and feel of the OS with Material You, announcing its first in-house SOC Tensor, and incorporating it in its Pixel 6 series.The company announced a partnership with Samsung to unveil the use of Wear OS 3 on Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4, which is also the best Android smartwatch. Google also launched a bunch of new Nest smart home devices this year.All of it wasn't perfect — we saw several bugs coming out of Android 12 and issues with the Pixel 6. And as much as everyone fell in love with the Galaxy Watch 4, it didn't necessarily mean that Wear OS was the reason for it (although some might think now is the time for Wear OS to shine).Through it all, Android Central spoke to many industry analysts to understand their perspectives on Google's performance this past year. So what about 2022? We ask Mishaal Rahman, senior technical edi...

The warning messages were sent in error.What you need to knowLastPass has denied reports that there were unauthorized login attempts to some accounts.The recent security alerts received by some users were apparently triggered in error.Some LastPass users received emails this week warning them about failed login attempts.LastPass users can welcome the incoming year with peace of mind after all. A LastPass executive confirmed that no accounts had been compromised following multiple reports from users claiming they'd been notified of failed unauthorized logins.The reports were first spotted by AppleInsider in the Hacker News forum. According to the alerts they received, some unauthorized third parties attempted to access their accounts from various parts of the world, such as Brazil. Fortunately, those attempts were thwarted because of the suspicious geographic origin.Most of the LastPass accounts that got the alert appear to be outdated. Furthermore, the developers behind...

The latest leak leaves almost nothing to the imagination.What you need to knowA teaser video for the upcoming OnePlus 10 Pro has appeared online.The video reveals the exact date when OnePlus will announce its next flagship device.The rear panel is noticeably different from its predecessor, despite the fact that the front design is broadly similar.The OnePlus 10 series is likely launching sooner than its predecessors did this year, if a new teaser video is any indication. The video also reveals the phone's supposed final design, which aligns with previous leaks.The OnePlus 10 Pro will be unveiled on January 11th, according to a leaked video posted on Weibo (via 9to5Google). OnePlus founder Pete Lau previously confirmed that the upcoming flagship phone would be announced in January, though the exact date was not disclosed. Oddly, there is no mention of the standard OnePlus 10 model.In addition to the launch date, the teaser corroborates previously leaked renders of the ph...

While the best 4K Android TVs have Chromecast built-in, some people want the benefit of casting without having to use the Android or Google TV interface. With a Chromecast Ultra or Chromecast with Google TV, you can stream in 4K, HDR, or Dolby Vision or play 4K HDR games with Stadia Pro on a wider range of TV brands. We're here to help you find the best 4K TVs for Chromecast — either built-in or as a peripheral — with the LG C1 OLED TV standing at the top of the list.Best overall: LG C1 OLED TVWhile the LG CX previously topped our best 4K TVs for Chromecast list — and is still worth buying if you want a discounted model — the new LG C1 OLED TV only improves on its sterling predecessor for visual quality, gaming, and streaming. Its new Alpha a9 Gen. 4 processor will upscale your cast content to 4K beautifully and naturally, something the Chromecast can't handle on its own. And it adds four HDMI 2.1 ports, which enable 4K gaming at 120Hz if you own a next-gen console like...

Taking a snapshot during a Google Duo call is easy. Here's how.Google Duo earns the highest rank when it comes to the best Android apps for video calling. Enjoying a particularly fun and memorable video chat with your loved ones? You can immortalize the moment by capturing a snapshot of the Duo call. Here's how you can use Google Duo moments to take and share photos on group video calls.Products used in this guide:Top-notch video calling platform from Google: Google Duo (free at Google Play Store)Xiaomi's lightest and slinkiest phone: Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite (£299 at Amazon UK)How to use Google Duo moments to take and share photos on group video callsInstall and open the Google Duo app on your phone.Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner.Tap Settings.Tap Call Settings.Turn on the toggle for Duo moments.Start a video call.Tap the little white circle in the bottom right corner.With the Duo moments feature turned on, you'll see the little round button ...

Best answer: If you want to keep your current phone, it needs to be unlocked and compatible with a new carrier. To keep your number, you need to port the number with the new carrier. Remember not to cancel your old account until the port is complete.Which carrier should you switch to?There are some great cell phone plans available, but the most important thing is the network when it comes down to it. It's no good signing up for a phone plan if you can't use it everywhere you go.While all carriers have made huge strides in recent years to make sure they offer service where most Americans live, some rural areas still strongly favor one carrier. T-Mobile has the strongest 5G network, but AT&T and Verizon tend to have greater coverage in rural areas. You'll need to check out the coverage maps for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon before signing up to be sure.If you like a carrier's network but not the plans, it's time to check out an MVNO. The best MVNOs can save you money by g...

Finding the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protector for your device is easy when you know what to look for. First, you want to find a product that is specifically designed for your model's case size (40mm or 44mm). Next, you'll need to determine what type of screen protector offers the best protection. Some popular choices include tempered glass for the display as well as protective cases for all-around coverage. We've put together a few of our favorites to help you choose.The best protectionSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-Pack)Staff PickWhen you're looking for all-around protection, you'll want to consider this three-pack from Supershieldz. All the features you seek in a screen protector are present. You'll enjoy high-quality tempered glass for maximum scratch protection, high-definition clarity, and hydrophobic, as well as an oleophobic coating, to reduce sweat and fingerprints.$8 at Amazon (44mm) $8 at Amazon (40mm)Amazing precisionSPGUAR...

Google recommends anyone with signal issues factory-reset their Pixel 6 and 6 Pros to the previous version.What you need to knowThe recent December Pixel Drop caused significant mobile connectivity issues for some Pixel 6 owners.Google has "identified a fix" but won't deliver it to users until late January.The next update will include all of the previous bug fixes.If you've downloaded the update already, your only recourse is to use the Android Flash Tool to revert to the previous version.Google's December update fixed a variety of Pixel 6 bugs that had plagued the phone since launch. Unfortunately, it also introduced an even worse bug that hamstrung the Pixel 6's network connectivity. Some users couldn't connect to networks in areas with great coverage and reported frequent signal drops.Google said it was looking into the issue on December 17, and paused the update's rollout. Now, nearly two weeks later, a Pixel support page indicates Google has found a fix for the issu...

Despite facing an uphill battle, PlayStation delivered a solid lineup of games and updates.2021 was a weird year for PlayStation, not to mention the games industry as a whole. It was the first full year the PS5 was on sale, but it also happened to be a year fraught with supply shortages amid a deadly pandemic. It's been near-impossible to buy a PS5, and as Niko Partners senior analyst Daniel Ahmed noted on Twitter, it's taken quite a toll on potential sales.Not all's bad for PlayStation, though. It managed to unlock expanded SSD storage on the PS5, drop some stellar exclusives throughout the year, and reveal a slate of impressive upcoming games.While I don't think it managed to have quite a great year as Xbox has had, especially with Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, PlayStation proved it wouldn't rest on its laurels and be complacent. It made some notable studio purchases and delivered easily the most impressive showcase of the year in September. PlayStation fans have ...

Samsung is on a roll with updates this week.Update, December 30, 9:00 a.m. ET: Samsung also updates the original Galaxy Fold.What you need to knowSamsung has started rolling out the stable Android 12-based One UI 4 update to the Galaxy S10 series and Galaxy S20 FE phones.While the rollout is limited to just a few markets right now, a wider rollout is expected to commence soon.Samsung has also pushed out stable One UI 4 to the Galaxy Fold a day later.Along with all the new One UI 4 features, the update also includes the December 2021 Android security patch.Earlier this week, Samsung resumed the stable One UI 4 rollout for its best Android phones after fixing a compatibility issue between the update and Google Play.It also expanded the rollout to the Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S20, and Galaxy Z Fold 2 phones. Now, the company has started pushing the Android 12 update to a few more devices — including the Galaxy S10 series and the Galaxy S20 FE.As per SamMobile, the One U...

Trim the fatTelloFrom $5/month at TelloProsVery cheap ratesAccess to T-Mobile LTE and 5GMobile hotspot on every planUnlimited plan is one of the cheapest in the industryConsUnlimited plan slowed at 25GBPlans lack extrasTello makes it easy to save with fully customizable phone plans with cheap data. Running on the T-Mobile network, every plan comes with tethering and can be configured up to unlimited with up to 25GB of data. Tello is one of the cheapest ways to try out T-Mobile 5G with plenty of data for most people.AT&T for lessCricket WirelessFrom $25/month at Cricket WirelessProsFamily multi-line savingsHuge AT&T LTE network with 5G accessUnlimited premium data availableData-only plans are availableConsMore expensive plansPhone compatibility is less consistentHotspot not included with data plansCricket is a great alternative to prepaid AT&T with a great variety of plans with a massive unlimited plan that comes wit...

Slabs are old hat now.Samsung's latest sales update for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are in, and they exceed expectations in every way possible. But it's not exactly impressive that Samsung sold four times the number of foldables in 2021 that they sold in 2020. It's not even impressive that these phones exceeded the lifetime sales of their predecessors in a mere four weeks.What's impressive is that Samsung has started stealing customers from other brands because, quite frankly, those other brands have become incredibly stagnant.Initial sales numbers show that Samsung sold around 2 million foldables and is poised to sell up to 10 million by the time the Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 debut in 2022 but, it turns out, a significant portion of those sales are coming from people who were once enamored with other brands like the iPhone. This is particularly true for the Z Flip 3.It's more than just an upgradeSamsung's own internal data from its trade-in programs and other ret...

Hey Google, this is what we want in 2022At times it felt like the longest year ever, and at others, it seemed to absolutely fly by. Despite all the ups and downs, we find ourselves finally at the end of an eventful and memorable 2021.As we look forward to 2022, we asked a handful of our editors, staff writers, and freelance contributors what they hope will come from Mountain View over the coming twelve months. No major area was off-limits, from Google's software, apps, and services to its various hardware divisions and corporate culture and ethical obligations.So without further ado and straight from the keyboards of our talented team of Android experts — here's what we want to see from Google in 2022.Jump to:Software and appsPixel phones and accessoriesNest and ChromebooksCompany cultureSoftware and appsAra Wagoner, staff writerI had hoped, perhaps vainly, that 2021 would be the year that YouTube finally got off its ass and made YouTube Music a consiste...

Samsung foldables blow expectations out of the waterWhat you need to knowSamsung has shared some key figures regarding sales of its foldable lineup in 2021.Sales of the 2021 foldable lineup exceeded market growth expectations.The company claims that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is enticing more customers than ever from other brands.When you look back at what Samsung introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, it was difficult to not be awe-struck. Not only is it apparent that the company is listening to its customers, but a few months later, it's clear that foldable phones are here to stay. According to Samsung, the Z Flip 3 brought an increase of 150% who switched from another brand compared to the Galaxy Note 20. That number drops ever-so-slightly to 140% compared to the Galaxy S21.Considering that Samsung opted to forgo the Galaxy Note 21 in favor of its foldable offerings, Samsung had a lot riding on the success of these devices. And according to Samsung directly,...

You can get a lot of phones for a modest price these days, and to prove it, we've rounded up a list of the best Android phones under $300 for your consideration. Motorola has been a leading name in mid-range options for years, and that holds true with its excellent Moto G Power (2020). You get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out for an extremely competitive price. Plus, it has a massive battery and convenient USB-C charging.Best overall Android phone under $300: Moto G Power (2020)Motorola launched a few different Moto G phones for 2020, but the one that stands out as the best pick for most people is the Moto G Power (2020). This phone nails all the basics, has a very affordable price, and a cool trick up its sleeve — battery life.A 5,000 mAh battery is crammed inside of the Moto G Power, meaning you can get between two and three days of use out of the phone before needing to charge it up. In a world where a lot of $1,000 flagship...

Once upon a time, uninstalling games from an Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 would result in losing your game saves. Whether you were just freeing up space for the best Quest 2 games or were trying to upgrade your headset from an Oculus Quest to an Oculus Quest 2, losing your game saves is terrible because it means you would lose all your progress in a game. Thanks to Oculus cloud saves, you'll no longer have to choose between free space on your Quest and keeping your game saves. Here's how to ensure this never happens to you.How to enable cloud save backup on Oculus QuestPut on your Oculus Quest and press the home button on the right controller to bring up the universal menu.Select the clock/settings panel on the left side of the menu bar at the bottom.Select Settings from the list.Select Backup from the left menu.Ensure that Cloud backup is toggled on. The toggle will be blue when enabled.With cloud backup enabled, any installed games that support cloud saves will ...

You get audiophile-style sound, but it comes at a price.Bowers & Wilkins already has the reputation befitting a reliable audio brand, so the company was bound to enter the fray with a refined pair of wireless earbuds. Its audiophile chops pretty much infer that you're entering a more luxurious level in both quality and performance.That's the premise the PI7 start with because they are the best Bowers & Wilkins currently has. Built to be great right out of the box, you get plenty to work with, but also have to be cool with what's missing, and that's what clears up who will ultimately want to wear them.Bowers & Wilkins PI7 review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceBowers & Wilkins PI7 Bottom line: Bowers & Wilkins stays true to its repu...

It's going to be an exciting year.2022 is just days away, but some of next year's flagships have already launched. The Motorola Edge X30 and Xiaomi 12 are two of the first phones to be powered by Qualcomm's newest flagship chipset and look pretty promising. However, there are still many flagship devices that haven't been announced, many of which we're expecting in the first quarter of 2022.We at Android Central want to know which unannounced 2022 flagship you're looking forward to the most, at least for the first half of 2022.Which flagship smartphone are you looking forward to in 2022?Samsung is set to make two major launches in Q1, starting with the Galaxy S21 FE. Rumors indicate that we'll see Samsung's latest "flagship killer" Fan Edition smartphone at the beginning of January, and it'll likely undercut some of the best Android phones of 2022. However, the company will likely launch its Galaxy S22 flagship series the following month, giving consumers a tough choice, espe...

Chromeboxes aren't laptops. You're not tossing one into a backpack and setting it up at Starbucks. Instead, it sits quietly behind a screen of some sort and is always ready. That means there's no reason to try and get by with 16 or 32GB of storage. Most models are easy to take apart and upgrade if you're the DIY type, but adding more storage is as easy as plugging in a cable. These are the best external hard drives and SSDs for your Chromebox.The affordable choiceWD 1TB My Passport Portable External Hard DriveStaff PickWD My Passport is the best Chromebox hard drive you can buy at a bargain. It's a spinning disk drive, so you won't be breaking any read speed records, but it's perfect for storing photos, music, and video. It's also available in 1TB to 5TB options.$45 at Amazon$55 at Best Buy$55 at NeweggWhen you wanna go fast!SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State DriveIf you need a big boost in storage for your Chromebox but need to have SSD speeds, th...

If you're a gamer who's into Xbox, PlayStation, or both, and plan to get your hands on the PS5 or Xbox Series X (or maybe you were already lucky enough to pick one up!), chances are you'll want the best experience possible. This requires loading up on some great PS5 accessories, including the best HDMI 2.1 compatible cables you can find to support higher resolutions, more bandwidth (up to 48Gbps), faster refresh rates like 120Hz and 144Hz, and dynamic HDR. Here are the best HDMI 2.1 cables to enhance your gaming experience even further!Braided strengthHighwings 8K HDMI Cable - 6.6-FootStaff PickIt's still early days for 8K, but if you have a future-friendly set-up for your intense video gaming sessions, this cable can support 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz to accurately reproduce every scene in the game in stunning clarity. The braided cord will ensure it won't break or fray, along with the anti-bending design and 24K gold-plated plug part material. The 6.6-foot length should s...

Stadia had a rough 2021, but it is still trudging on into 2022.Google Stadia's 2021 could be best described as having an explosive start followed by a low simmer for the rest of the year. I don't mean explosive as if the platform was firing on all cylinders and capitalizing on its own momentum. I mean it blew off a few limbs with fireworks and handicapped itself with much lower expectations.Stadia in 2020 was not perfect since it still lacked basic features and a small library, but the end of the year saw the releases of high profile games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Assassin's Creed Valhalla, showing the support was there. Cyberpunk 2077 capped off the year with Stadia unexpectedly becoming the best place to play it at launch, making the case that streaming could offer benefits that aging hardware could not.However, Google had other plans for Stadia for 2021.Google got out of video game developmentGoogle kicked off 2021 by announcing in February that it was shutti...

A look back at 2021.Another year has come and gone as we wrap up and prepare to jump into the new year with an onslaught of CES 2022 announcements. But before the year ends, we've decided to take a look back at some of the biggest moments that shaped 2021 for our readers. It's not an exhaustive list, considering Android Central posted over 3,000 news posts throughout 2021, covering various categories from Android, Amazon, PlayStation, Oculus, and more. However, these are some of the most notable topics we've covered throughout the year.Galaxy Watch 4 and Wear OS 3Google announcing Wear OS 3 was a big deal because it meant it was finally going to do something about its wearable platform, which for a while seemed all but abandoned. The company promised faster performance, better efficiency, new app experiences, and even integrations with Fitbit. However, the biggest news of all was the partnership with Samsung to launch the first Wear OS 3 smartwatch.And after years of Samsun...

Well, no one can say OPPO is copying its camera design.What you need to knowThe OPPO Find X3 Pro successor has just been leaked in new renders.The images show a different camera design with a unique shape.The flagship may ditch the microscope lens camera found on the X3 Pro.Hot on the heels of the OPPO Find N launch, the company's 2022 flagship has just leaked in a set of 5K renders. The images come from leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks) via the website Prepp, and show off the upcoming OPPO Find X3 Pro successor with a fairly similar design.From its looks, the front will resemble the Find X3 Pro with a large, curved display and a hole punch camera on the top left corner. However, the rear does have some slight but notable changes.Instead of an even square, the camera hump has a more liquidy, oblong shape. This would highlight the device's overall unibody design and definitely stands out among a crowd of similar-looking camera humps on some of the best Android phones...

OnePlus isn't short on things to fix next year.OnePlus had an interesting year; it publicly acknowledged its OPPO roots while announcing that it would become a sub-brand of the BBK-owned entity — all in a bid to deliver faster updates — and rolled out a lot of devices this year. While that would normally be limited to high-end phones, OnePlus now caters to the entry-level and budget segments in addition to flagships like the OnePlus 9 series.The Nord series has allowed OnePlus to post massive gains in sales figures, but it came at the cost of alienating its userbase. To compound matters further, OnePlus's foray into wearables hasn't gone to plan, and its efforts with TVs have languished in recent months. Here are a few things that OnePlus needs to fix next year.Figure out its identityAs we head into 2022, I have no idea what OnePlus stands for. Until two years ago, it was the go-to company if you wanted a value flagship that offered the same caliber of specs for hundred...

Rebecca, Jen, and Carli commemorate the end of 2021 by sharing their favorite games of the year. They also touch on what they're hoping to see in 2022. Happy New Year!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:...

Almost two-day battery life in a pair of earbuds sounds good, but what about the rest of the features?In the world of Android phones, there are budget options, upper-tier flagships, and mid-rangers that sit somewhere in between. Enter the bottomless pit that is the wireless earbud marketplace of today and you'll notice a similar pattern. You can get amazing Bluetooth earbuds that pull out all the stops with barely any compromises nowadays. It all depends on your budget and the segment you're targeting.Just like the best Android phone brands, Bluetooth headphones and earbud makers usually offer something at each price point. Tronsmart stands tall among them, offering premium earbuds like the Apollo Air+ and cheaper, lower-tier options like the Onyx Apex. Adding to Tronsmart's portfolio, the new Onyx Prime earbuds have now joined the ranks. After taking a close look at the latest entrant, here are my two cents on the Tronsmart Onyx Prime true wireless earbuds. Tronsmar...

It doesn't take a lot to win the heart, just the right mix of fun and practicality.It's been a fabulous year for the tech industry, with fun Android phones that flip and fold breaking into the mainstream. Between all the hustle and bustle, there were a few noteworthy launches that caught my eyes in particular. Samsung's chic Z Flip 3 stood out as a stylish accessory, making a bold statement and leaving its mark on the world. From a more practical perspective, the larger Z Fold 3 equipped with the S Pen Pro took its place as the best foldable we've seen to date.Let's not forget other awesome releases like the Amazon Echo Show 15, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds, and the Google Pixel 6 series. Pre-existing features were finessed and newer technologies made their debut. Despite all the outstanding new devices we've seen this year, the one that captured my heart was the Onyx Boox Nova3 Color. Confused? Let me explain. We constantly see crazy new specs obliterating the barriers that w...

Water resistance and portability make for an egg-cellent ambient light.The best smart lights come in typical form factors like light bulbs, adhesive strips, or table lamps. ECOLOR's unique entry doesn't fall under any of those categories. Instead, it's shaped like an ethereal Easter egg of large proportions. The football-esque design is something I have never seen before, in smart lights or otherwise. Aside from the unusual shape, the Smart Egg Lamp sports some unexpected features such as an IP65 rating and extensive control over each individual LED light.Considering the low-end pricing on the ECOLOR Smart Egg Lamp, I went in with pretty low expectations at first. Still, the specs are enough to get anyone excited and I was in high spirits upon receiving the package. It may be made for children but I can think of many adults who'd be very entertained by such a cute gadget. It's a charming little accessory worth every dime of that sub-$50 price tag. ECOLOR Smart Egg La...

Players will be adventuring below the depths of Watatsumi Island.With Genshin Impact Update 2.3 in the rearview mirror, miHoYo has already set sights on Update 2.4. Scheduled to launch on Jan. 5, Update 2.4 takes players below the ocean to a new area of Enkanomiya, a floating island that resides under Inazuma. Along with new character banners, miHoYo will be adding new events for players to participate in and earn rewards. Here's what we know about Update 2.4 so far.Genshin Impact Update 2.4: Visit the mysterious location of EnkanomiyaAs leaks had suggested, Genshin Impact Update 2.4 will open up a new location under Watatsumi Island. Enkanomiya is a floating island beneath Inazuma that's been sealed away for millennia. Because it's been sealed underground, there isn't a natural day and night cycle. Instead, miHoYo says that players will use the Dainichi Mikoshi, the artificial sun developed by the ancient civilization, as they explore the area.Genshin Impact Update 2.4: ...