Latest from Android Central

If you plan to travel to the U.S. and want to avoid expensive roaming charges, getting a prepaid SIM Card for U.S. travelers and tourists is the way to go. As long as you own a GSM unlocked phone that's compatible with local networks such as T-Mobile and AT&T, getting a SIM card online or at a local retailer is both easy and affordable. These are some of the best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists to consider.Best overall: Ultra Mobile TouristUltra Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Though Ultra Mobile offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile Tourist plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for three weeks or less. This is a more traditional travel SIM and after 21 days, this plan will expire, convenient for anyone who doesn't want to deal with the hassle of cancellation. On that same note, you won't be able to recharge your Ultra Mobile SIM card, so make sure you'r...

One of these things is not like the other.There has been plenty of talk about how the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 compares to its competition. This makes sense as everyone loves to speculate how any new product will fare compared to current and future products, even if much of it is still just a guess. Tech enthusiasts are just wired that way.Qualcomm is facing tougher competition than ever before, too. The presumed rise of MediaTek has certainly been noticed by Qualcomm, and if products like the new Dimensity series are as good in the real world as they are on paper, Qualcomm must address it by releasing its own amazing new line of chips. And it has; despite some areas of lackluster improvement, real gains in key areas should make the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (I'm already tired of typing that silly name) the best chip the company has ever released.Having said all of this, there is one thing we should remember when we're reading or talking about how one chip matches up against an...

The report says Google and Apple's control of the mobile ecosystem is not only limiting innovation and choice but also leading to higher prices.What you need to knowThe Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its interim report in connection with its market study into mobile ecosystems.The report claims consumers are losing out because of Google and Apple's duopoly. A final report on mobile ecosystems is expected to be released by the CMA in June 2022. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on December 14 published its interim report on mobile ecosystems, expressing concern over the "vice-like grip" that Google and Apple have over mobile devices.Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said in a statement: Apple and Google have developed a vice-like grip over how we use mobile phones and we're concerned that it's causing millions of people across the UK to lose out.The report has provisionally found that the two companies have created "l...

Powerful and portableRoku Streaming Stick 4K$40 at RokuProsSupports Dolby Vision Voice remote with TV controlsLong-range Wi-FiConsNo ethernet portNo headphone jack on remoteDoesn't work as seamlessly with Alexa/Google Home speakersThe Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the brand's most powerful and fastest streaming stick yet. In addition to featuring a new compact design, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K boasts long-range Wi-Fi and supports both Dolby Vision and Apple AirPlay. It also comes with the Roku Voice Remote.Casting and moreGoogle Chromecast with Google TV$40 at Best BuyProsSupports Dolby VisionBuilt-in Google Assistant in remoteBetter for gaming optionsConsNo Alexa, AirPlay or HomeKitNo expandable storage No Ethernet connectivityThe Chromecast with Google TV features an excellent app library of free content that, combined with AI recommendations and Google Assistant navigation, makes your fave shows and movies even easier to find....

Bigger and betterLenovo Duet 5 Chromebook$400 at Amazon (4GB/64GB)$500 at Best Buy (8GB/128GB)ProsMuch larger screenKeyboard isn't cramped8GB RAM optionTwo USB-C portsConsTwice the priceAlmost too big at timesLenovo took time and learned from the original Duet what worked and what didn't, allowing the Duet 5 to feel like a much more complete and polished product. Powered by the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2, this 13.3-inch Chrome tablet seems odd on the spec sheet but great in hand.Value-mindedLenovo Chromebook DuetFrom $199 at Amazon (64GB)$299 at Best Buy (128GB)$215 at Walmart (64GB)ProsBright touchscreenLong-lasting batteryFrequent salesSupported until June 2028ConsKeyboard can feel crampedKeyboard doesn't magnetize to screen when closedOnly 4GB RAMThis little tablet began a new era for Chrome tablets, and even 18 months after its launch, the Duet remains one of the best values in Chromebooks. Perfect for weekends on the couch o...

Adidas plants its logo on a pair of decent wireless earbuds.There's no question Adidas comes with plenty of cachet, so brand recognition already comes in spades with a pair of earbuds like the Z.N.E. 01 ANC, even if it might not seem like the combination fits. In a fast-growing category, everyone wants a piece of the action, and this is no different.But to stand out, you need more than just a logo and concept. True to its branding, Adidas considers these sporty earbuds worthy of any active lifestyle. But did it cut too many corners to make that happen, or not go far enough?Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceAdidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC Bottom line: The Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC are a nice pair of earbuds that fit well and play well but are...

Netflix is getting aggressive in India, with the Basic plan now costing just ₹199 ($2.6).Netflix debuted in India nearly six years, and while the streaming service has a decent-sized following in the country, it is far from the best streaming service in the region — that honor belongs to Disney+ and Prime Video.The latest figures put Netflix at around 5 million subscribers in India, versus 17 million for Prime Video and a staggering 34 million for Disney+. The main reason for Netflix's lackadaisical growth in India has to do with pricing; the service costs roughly the same as its U.S. counterpart, making it a non-starter for a wide swathe of Indians.Netflix even tried with a $3 mobile-only plan with 480p streaming to entice users in India, but it hasn't made much headway in the country. The service is now making another bold play by rolling out huge price cuts on all of its plans in the region, making India the most affordable country in the world for streaming Netflix's va...

Don't let thieves ruin your holidays.You've probably heard of the phenomenon of "porch pirates" in recent years. Perhaps you've even been an unlucky victim of package theft yourself. This can be especially frustrating during the holiday season. If you haven't already taken precautionary measures to safeguard your deliveries for the holidays, we've compiled some tips for how to keep your holiday deliveries safe and your packages from getting into the wrong hands. While there is a bit of overlap, we've broken our suggestions down into three main categories:Jump to:Technology solutionsLogistical solutionsPeople solutionsHow to keep your holiday deliveries safe: Technology solutionsOne of the quickest and easiest solutions to the problem of package theft is to install some sort of security device to monitor your front porch. A video doorbell from Ring or Nest, or a dedicated porch security camera from Blink are ideal because they allow you to monitor your home on a w...

YouTube TV subscribers will have to sign up for Disney's own streaming service to continue watching Disney content.What you need to knowGoogle has started warning YouTube TV subscribers that its distribution deal for Disney's portfolio of channels will expire this Friday.Google and Disney are yet to reach an equitable agreement, which means there's a chance that YouTube TV subscribers will lose access to Disney-owned channels. YouTube TV wants Disney to offer it the same rates that services of a similar size pay.YouTube TV subscribers may no longer be able to access Disney channels, ABC stations, the ESPN networks, and National Geographic channels after December 17.In a service update posted on its website, YouTube TV says it is "working hard" to keep Disney content on its platform, but an equitable agreement hasn't been reached yet. We welcome a renewed agreement provided we can reach equitable terms with Disney.YouTube TV wants Disney to treat it "like any other ...

Debuting with the next Find X flagship smartphone in Q1 2022.What you need to knowOPPO launches its first NPU to enhance its smartphone imaging.MariSilicon X enables 4K AI Night Video, enhanced RGBW Pro Mode, real-time RAW image processing, and more in a power-efficient design.OPPO says that the chip will debut on its next flagship Find X smartphone, slated for Q1 2022.OPPO took to INNO Day 2021 to unveil its first in-house imaging neural processing unit (NPU), the MariSilicon X. This new chip will enable enhanced imaging capabilities that will take OPPO's smartphones to another level.MariSilicon X is a 6nm chip that combines an NPU and image signal processor (ISP), both of which can take full advantage of the chip's computing power. This should boost performance while simultaneously reducing power consumption. OPPO touts 20x faster performance than the Find X3 Pro, which already produces impressive imaging.OPPO says the MaliSilicon X chip "unlocks the full potentia...

It's not your typical smart glass.What you need to knowOPPO introduces Air Glass, an AR wearable with a monocle design.Air Glass features a Micro LED display and micro projector to display information.The wearable works with the OPPO Watch 2 for hand gestures and can be operated with head movements.OPPO Air Glass will be available in mainland China in Q1 2022.During OPPO's INNO Day 2021, the company has taken the wraps off a new aR (Assisted Reality) wearable, the OPPO Air Glass. The device takes a slightly different approach to other smart glasses like the Nreal Light by offering just a single monocle-like display that attaches to a more traditional frame to give the appearance of normal glasses.At its core, Air Glass is meant to be a fairly discreet way to view information while seamlessly interacting with the world around you. To display information, the device combines a Micro LED display with OPPO's novel Spark Micro Projector, which OPPO claims is one of the small...

It may not be the last update for the LG Wing.What you need to knowLG has begun rolling out the Android 11 update to the LG Wing.The update arrives just as manufacturers start pushing Android 12 to their devices.The Wing was LG's last major smartphone launch before exiting the smartphone industry.Owners of the LG Wing can rejoice, as the company has begun pushing out the Android 11 update, proving that LG has not forgotten about its fans... yet.The update should include many of the Android 11 goodies we're familiar with, such as conversation bubbles and a few other changes that are likely specific to the Wing:Conversation bubbles: notify you of a new message via a floating bubbleWireless Emergency Alert: changed from LG APK to Google APK in R-OSTap&Pay: Tap&pay moves under Settings Connected devices NFC. Tap&pay will be shown when NFC is on, and disappears when it is off.Mobile Hotspot: Removed Manage connections and 802.11 mode menu.The update may se...

This should address some issues users were having with the "stable" build.What you need to knowSamsung has started pushing out a new update for its foldable phones.The latest One UI 4 beta update addresses problems encountered in the stable release.The update is rolling out in S. Korea and is likely to make it to the U.S. soon.Not long after the "stable" One UI 4 (Android 12) update was released for Samsung's best foldable phones, it was reportedly pulled due to some instability. Now, Samsung is hoping to address the issues with another beta update.Samsung announced via its community forum in S. Korea that it's pushing out a new update for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 to address "important issues that occurred after the One UI 4 official firmware was opened." These included problems with the display, such as screen flickering, performance issues, and some users complaining about the phone entering recovery mode after the update.According to the forum post, th...

Only the Pixel 6 Pro can support every feature in the December Pixel Drop.Update, Dec 13 (4:30 p.m. ET): The update is now live for Pixel 6 devicesWhat you need to knowNew Pixel feature and security updates will arrive on eligible phones next week.Along with digital car key support and new wallpapers, you'll also be able to customize your Google Assistant shortcut press time or back tap to snap photos.Google also announced improvements to Now Playing and Nearby Share.You can download the factory images or OTAs now.Google announced a double-whammy of Pixel updates on Monday, with its December Pixel Drop and Security patch arriving to close out 2021. The new Pixel updates, which will arrive next week, will add everything from digital car key support to new shortcuts for Google Assistant and Camera, plus some snazzy new wallpapers.Nothing here is as vital as the fingerprint scanner fix from last month, but these are all nice-to-have features that Google has been advertisi...

Apple finally addresses its AirTag privacy concerns with its latest Tracker Detect app.What you need to knowApple launches Tracker Detect app for Android phones.The app will allow Android phones to locate AirTags and other Find My devices.The app includes instructions on removing the battery from an AirTag.Six months after announcing that it was working on a privacy app for Android users, Apple has finally released its Tracker Detect app aimed at locating unknown AirTags.The new app, which was first spotted by CNET, works by allowing owners of the best Android phones to scan for nearby trackers that are separated from their owners. The app can help users locate the tracker by prompting it to play a sound at least 10 minutes after being separated.If you think the AirTag is being used to track you, the app includes instructions on how to disable it by removing the battery. Otherwise, if the tracker is in Lost Mode, users can tap the tracker with their NFC-enabled phone, a...

A leaked case reveals the design of Xiaomi's next flagship phone.What you need to knowThe Xiaomi 12 Ultra's rear design has been revealed through a leaked case.It could have an unorthodox camera design, though a key piece from its predecessor might be missing.A Leica logo has also been spotted on the back, implying a collaboration between Xiaomi and the camera manufacturer.Xiaomi took a bold step earlier this year when it introduced the Mi 11 Ultra, which featured a square camera island that took up almost the entire upper portion of the back and a small screen next to the camera array. Its successor appears to have yet another outlandish design.The phone's alleged case has surfaced on Twitter, and the folks at Technizo Concept have created a slew of 3D renders of what the upcoming flagship device, particularly its back panel, may look like. LetsGoDigital, a Dutch blog, was the first to report on the renders.As seen in the images, the Xiaomi 12 Ultra could have an extra...

Aloy is back in action for the next generation.One of the biggest games revealed at the June 2020 PS5 showcase was Horizon Forbidden West. Developed by Guerrilla Games, this PlayStation title brings the custom Decima engine and everything it's capable of to next-generation hardware.Aloy returns as a protagonist, heading into the former western U.S. There are new threats, new machines, and new lush lands to explore. It's currently set to release on Feb. 18, 2022. Here's everything we know about Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 so far.Jump to:What is Horizon Forbidden West?Check out its trailersStory, gameplay, and featuresDoes it have multiplayer?Is it coming to PS4?Is it coming to PC?What we'd like to seeWhen does it release?What is Horizon Forbidden West?Horizon Forbidden West is a sequel to Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn, released in 2017. It's an action role-playing game in the 31st century, in a world where humanity now exists in tribes and gigantic me...

More people want microSD card support, but it seems fewer phones include it.What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they prefer to have support for expandable storage in their smartphones.More than 75% of responses indicate that they'd prefer to have the option.Recent cloud server outages may have affected trust in the cloud.Over the weekend, we asked if our readers cared if their smartphones included support for expandable storage. Between more devices dropping support for microSD cards like the Galaxy S21 and recent outages affecting users' access to cloud services, we wanted to know exactly where our readers leaned towards when it came to expandable storage.Of nearly 2500 responses, 76% voted that they would rather have the option for expandable storage than not. This is interesting because support seems to be waning amongst the best Android phones, similar to the 3.5mm headphone jack. That said, nearly 17% of responses indicate that internal storage is enough, wh...

Better is still not quite good enough.It's been nearly two years since we first got our hands on Nreal Light and, at the time, Nreal seemed like it was finally ready to deliver a consumer AR product that people might actually care about. Considering it's hundreds or even thousands less than the competition and Nreal Light is available at Verizon stores, all the pieces are in place for success.After all, the premise is pretty exciting. Put on a pair of Nreal Light glasses, plug the USB Type-C cable into your phone, and you suddenly have a choice between turning your phone's screen into a giant 220-inch virtual projection — that only you can see, of course — or working via a fully-tracked mixed reality virtual desktop with floating windows and the whole nine yards.Since they're AR glasses, not VR like an Oculus Quest 2, you can see right through the lenses to the world around you.It sounds like something from the pages of science fiction and, indeed, much of it feels just w...

Full smartwatch experienceSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2$235 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCOptional LTETwo size optionsApp supportActivity/sleep trackingConsMore expensiveShorter battery lifeIt may not be the newest wearable out there, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is still as impressive as ever. It offers advanced health/fitness tracking, built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, optional LTE connectivity, electrocardiogram (ECG), NFC payments, and more.Falls short of a smartwatchOnePlus Watch$159 at OnePlusProsBuilt-in GPSHeart rate + blood oxygen monitoring14 days of battery lifeMusic storageActivity/sleep trackingConsRTOS limits smartwatch featuresLacks NFC, LTEThe primary reason for buying the OnePlus Watch is the affordable price tag. If you're new to wearables, it could be what you're looking for. It has GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, and other useful features. However, it falls short in terms of sma...

It could retail for less than €300 in Europe.What you need to knowSamsung's next budget Android tablet has leaked in new renders.The Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 appears to borrow its predecessor's design.It could be available from January 2022 starting at €230 in Europe.Samsung's successor to the Galaxy Tab A7 first popped up in September, thanks to a bunch of high-resolution renders from leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer. Those leaked images revealed a striking similarity between the most recent version and the upcoming model, and a set of new renders has now leaked to corroborate that.Courtesy of WinFuture, a bunch of Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 renders appeared online. The tablet will reportedly sport a 10.5-inch FullHD+ LCD screen, larger than its predecessor's 10.4-inch display. The screen could also have a 16:10 aspect ratio and 60Hz refresh rate.Under the hood, it may be powered by a Unisoc Tiger T618 SoC, coupled with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The internal storage apparently comes in th...

The first annual Quest Day begins December 14 for U.S. residents.What you need to knowQuest Day takes place on December 14, 2021.Interested participants can follow the Oculus account on Instagram, where all the Quest Day festivities will take place.Meta didn't specifically say what was being given away, but Quest 2 accessories and swag are almost certainly on the list.If you're an Oculus Quest 2 owner (or are about to become one), then you owe it to yourself to check out Meta's first Quest Day, a made-up holiday for all Quest 2 fans who might be interested in getting some free Quest swag this Holiday season. Quest Day takes place on December 14, 2021, and all you'll need to do is follow Oculus on Instagram to take part.At this point, Meta hasn't revealed anything specific, but an email sent late last week from "Dr. 6DOF" shows an email correspondence between Reality Labs and "Boss" asking if there were any free accessories or creations available to give away to fans in li...

Nvidia is a little stingy when it comes to deals on the Shield streaming media players. We don't often see them drop in price, and it usually takes a big event like Black Friday or Prime Day to get any sort of price drop at all. Right now you can get the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 4K media player on sale for $179.99 through Amazon and a couple of other retailers like Best Buy. That's a nice $20 drop just in time for Christmas, and it matches deals we've seen in the past on the same device.Nvidia Shield Android TV Pro 4K media player | $20 offUses Nvidia's Tegra X1+ chip and can enhance video up to 4K with next-gen upscaling. Has two USB ports for storage expansion and such. Includes Plex Media Server built in, 3GB RAM, and 16GB storage. Supports Dolby Vision and Atmos. Voice controlled.$179.99 at AmazonYou can even save on the non-Pro version right now. The regular Nvidia Shield 4K streaming media player has dropped to $129.99 through Amazon and other retailers. That's als...

Don't know where to start? We're here to help.We're a year into the new console generation, but systems are still incredibly difficult to come by. This means that many will be getting ahold of the PS5 for the first time over the holidays. If you're unfamiliar with PlayStation or Xbox, the setup can be an intimidating process. And even if you know your way around a gaming console, there are still a few things you may want to know beforehand. We'll walk you through everything you'll need to know about buying a PS5, setting it up, and more.Jump to:Where to buy a PS5Setting up a PS5Transferring data to PS5Why you should get PlayStation PlusUpgrading your storageWhat to do when the PlayStation Network is downFinding a PS5The PS5 was released alongside the PS5 Digital Edition in November 2020, priced at $499 and $399, respectively. If you haven't been able to pick one up yet, be on the lookout at retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop. Stock is ...

Customize your console, then get a new controller to match.What you need to knowSony is bringing colored PS5 faceplates available for purchase starting in Jan. 2022.The faceplates will be available for the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition at $55 each.There's also new matching DualSense controllers available in three more colors.Sony is introducing official PS5 faceplates starting in Jan. 2022. As detailed on PlayStation Blog, these faceplates come in five colors, with options for Midnight Black, Cosmic Red, Nova Pink, Starlight Blue and Galactic Purple. The faceplates are available for both PS5 console models: the regular console and the PS5 Digital Edition. The faceplates are also $55 each.If you are picky about making sure your controller matches your console, Sony has even more good news. Three new DualSense colors are on the way, with Nova Pink, Starlight Blue, and Galactic Purple DualSense controllers starting to be available at various retailers in Jan. 2022. You can tak...

Experts say it's time Amazon offers offline controlsAccording to experts, Amazon's Web Services (AWS) should start offering local or offline controls of its smart home devices, following a major outage that left consumers unattached to several products for hours last week. However, there are mixed reactions as to whether Amazon will commit to this feature.During the morning of Dec. 7, AWS, or Amazon's massive cloud system, began experiencing connectivity issues with servers. As a result, the outage affected many web services throughout the day, including popular payment app Venmo, streaming services such as Disney Plus and Netflix, in addition to smart home apps like iRobot and Amazon Alexa. Most Amazon services like Prime Music and Prime Video were also down during the outage, and customers were even unable to order items from Amazon during parts of the outage.Amazon's Ring Video Doorbell customers also reported that they were unable to access the Ring app, which means custome...

It doesn't look like the Nord 2 CE will be a big improvement over its predecessor.What you need to knowAlleged specs of OnePlus' upcoming Nord 2 CE have leaked.The phone is tipped to come with a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset, a 90Hz display, and 65W fast charging. It will apparently launch in India by mid-February next year. OnePlus launched a stripped-down version of the popular OnePlus Nord earlier this year, dubbed the Nord CE. According to a new report from 91Mobiles, the company is planning to launch a follow-up to the Nord CE early next year.Per the report, the OnePlus Nord 2 CE is codenamed "Ivan." Unlike the current Nord CE, which is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset, the upcoming mid-ranger is tipped to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 900 5G. The 6nm chipset could be paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.Disappointingly, it looks like the Nord 2 CE will not bring any significant upgrades in the display department. It will a...

Whether you know the name of a setting or not, you can still search for it.Five years ago, Android setting names and locations varied wildly between manufacturers. The steps to change your always-on display might've been in Display on one phone but under Security on another. Google has slowly standardized the way most settings are located and named on most great Android phones, but a decade of added features means that there are more settings to find and change than ever before.The Settings app on almost every single Android phone these days has a settings bar at the top. Unfortunately, it's hard to search for something you don't actually know the name of. Here's how to look for a setting whether you do — or do not — know its name.How to quickly find any Android system settingOpen the Settings app.Tap the search bar towards the top of the screen. (If you don't see a search bar or magnifying glass, swipe down and it should appear up top.)Type in the name or a function o...

Don't expect to see it on the Xiaomi 12, though.What you need to knowXiaomi has unveiled a new battery technology that increases capacity without changing the battery size.The new tech also features a gauge system that prevents overcharging when a phone is plugged for too long.Mass-production of the battery is expected to start in the second-half of 2022.Xiaomi continues to make great strides in battery technology. After pushing the limits of fast charging speeds with its 200W HyperCharge technology, the company is now focusing on cramming more capacity into the same battery volume.Xiaomi announced a new "breakthrough" in its battery technology on its official Weibo account, cramming 10% more battery life into the same battery size (via Android Police). The Chinese phone manufacturer plans to achieve this capacity storage efficiency by tripling the silicon content of the battery and upgrading the packaging system.The result is 100 minutes of additional life on a single ...

OnePlus is entering a new product category next year.What you need to knowOnePlus is rumored to launch its first Android tablet early next year.The OnePlus Pad, as it's currently dubbed, could launch in India following its China debut.However, the tablet may not be announced alongside the upcoming OnePlus 10 series.OnePlus was rumored in July to be working on its first Android tablet to challenge Samsung and other OEMs. A new rumor now points to the company's plan to expand into that segment early next year.A new report from 91mobiles, backed by information coming from tipster Mukul Sharma, claims that the OnePlus Pad will arrive in India sometime in the first half of 2022. That said, it remains unclear if the final product will carry that moniker.The tablet is expected to make its debut in China first, where the company may unveil several models. The OnePlus Pad, on the other hand, may only be available in a single model for the Indian market.At the moment, little is...

Harish, Nick, Jerry, and Ara check in on the announcements from the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit. Pixel Watch inches closer to reality, and OPPO is sent to release their first foldable phone.The gang also investigate a week's worth of outages and bugs, including AWS downtime and the inability to dial emergency services.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 mobile platform ushers in a new generation for Qualcomm | Android CentralSnapdragon 8 Gen 1 is coming to these phones in 2022 | Android CentralQualcomm takes the fight to Intel with new 5nm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 ARM chip | Android CentralQualcomm teams up with Razer for the next evolution of mobile gaming | Android CentralThis could be our first look at official Google Pixel Watch images | Android CentralGoogle's Pixel Watch looks like the Moto 360 successor I've been waiting for | Android CentralOPPO's first fold...

Google gets the basics right with its latest pair of true wireless earbuds.The life cycle of a Google hardware product usually takes one of two directions: it starts full of bugs and slowly, with software updates, ends up being a solid product with a whiff of reputation damage; or it starts seemingly flawless and, over time, loses its luster as small issues crop up and don't get solved.The company's first true wireless earbuds, 2020's Pixel Buds, were the latter. In April 2020, as the pandemic started raging across the country, Google appeared triumphant as early reviews praised the earbuds' sound quality, comfort, and general ease of use. But it became quickly apparent that users would discover endemic connectivity issues as they spent more time wearing their new buds. Google chalked it up to early firmware and promised fixes, but even after several updates, the problems have yet to fully abate — even today, Google's support forums are full of posts about the Pixel Buds' chopp...

I love my Nest Hub, but I want more.I own a couple of Google's Nest products. I have the original Google Home in my bathroom, and I sprinkle some Nest Minis around my apartment. However, my favorite is the first-generation Nest Hub display that I leave on my bedside table. It's the perfect size as a digital clock, but versatile enough to do most of my smart home things.However, even with the bigger Nest Hub Max and the newer Nest Hub (2nd Gen), I can't help but feel like Google's smart display lineup is quite lacking, and I wish it would launch a broader range of first-party devices.The main reason I feel this way is Amazon. Every time Amazon launches a new version of its Echo Show devices, I can't help but be a little jealous. The Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) looks so cool with its swivel display that follows the user around, and the new Echo Show 15 looks like something I would love to hang up on my wall.At the risk of sounding like an iPhone user when asked to switch to Andr...

OPPO looks serious about taking the fight to Samsung with its first foldable device.What you need to knowOPPO's first foldable phone has been leaked a few days after its official teaser.The OPPO Find N appears to resemble the Galaxy Z Fold 3 design, but with a smaller body.OPPO will officially take the wraps off its first foldable device on December 15.OPPO finally teased its first foldable phone a few days ago after having been rumored earlier this year to be working on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 challenger. While the teaser gave us a glimpse of what the device would look like, it left us wanting more.Thanks to reliable leaker Evan Blass, we now have a handful of high-quality images of the OPPO Find N that reveal what was missing in the official teaser: the back of the phone. If the leak is to be believed, the upcoming foldable phone will have a triple camera setup on the back, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 3.OPPO Find N pic.twitter.com/MMzGo5270U— Ev (@evleaks) Decemb...

Meta is snapping up the best VR developers and games, while Sony remains in a tethered, AAA world.Whatever you think of Meta and the Metaverse — and you can criticize both for plenty — the Oculus/Meta Quest 2 is incredibly popular right now. Qualcomm hinted that Meta has shipped about 10 million Quest 2 headsets, and it was the top-selling video game product on Amazon during Black Friday. PSVR 2 will have a huge hardware advantage; the Quest 2 has a software and price advantage.Before the Quest 2, perhaps the most successful VR story was the PSVR, which sold 5 million units by early 2020 and may have sold more since. That's only a small percentage of the 116 million who bought PS4s, but is still a success story given how niche VR was when it first launched.The question is, can the PSVR 2 replicate that success? Because, despite the popularity of the brand and the rumored improvements to the headset, the PS5 VR headset has some obstacles on its road to success in 2022....

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 documentary 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 20...

You can now access other Google Workspace services under a single button.Update, Dec 11 (2:28 p.m. ET): Google has officially announced the new Chat interface.What you need to knowThe Google Chat app picks up a fresh UI for its bottom bar.Google Chat now hides its shortcuts behind a single button to free up some screen space.The latest change appears to be rolling out gradually to users.Google has begun to roll out a new design for the bottom bar of the Google Chat app on Android, making the interface much cleaner than the previous version.Google Chat's previously crowded bottom bar has now been tweaked with a new UI that frees up some screen real estate, as spotted by Mishaal Rahman. The app's shortcuts for Gallery, Camera, Drive, Google Meet, and Calendar are now hidden beneath the new plus button.Looks like a new UI is rolling out for the bottom bar in Google Chat on mobile.Left: OldMiddle & right: New pic.twitter.com/8UppM0e6QX— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahma...

Parents now have improved control over their kids' mobile phone activities.What you need to knowOne UI 4 update introduces new improvements to Samsung Kids mode on Galaxy phones.The update allows parents to moderate the apps that appear on their kids' phone screen.Parents also gain more control over their children's screen time on a daily basis.The pandemic has ushered in a new norm where children are stuck at home as schools shift to remote learning environments. This means kids spend several hours a day with their eyes glued to computer or mobile screens, posing a challenge to parents in terms of regulating screen time.Samsung is now attempting to address this issue through a new update to Samsung Kids as part of the One UI 4 release. The experience was previously known as Kids Mode, which debuted in 2014 before being renamed Samsung Kids.With the new update, parents can now select which apps should appear on their children's home screens and change the background col...

When you start building your smart home, one of the central parts should be picking up an excellent smart speaker. But for a home to truly be smart, it should handle specific tasks on its own — OK, maybe with a bit of help. That's where the smart speaker comes into play, especially if it's one of Amazon's fantastic Alexa speakers. Because it has added a helpful automation feature to the latest 4th-Gen Echo and Echo Dot that uses ultrasonic sounds to detect if there is anyone in the room. This means it can turn the lights on when someone enters the room and off when they leave. Of course, you have control over this feature. So, follow along to learn how to enable Motion Detection on your Amazon Echo device.How to enable or disable Motion Detection on your Amazon Echo deviceMotion Detection is a helpful way to enable Occupancy Routines for your smart home devices when your 4th gen Echo devices recognize that someone is in the room. Using ultrasonic sound to carry out these tasks,...

Gotta catch 'em all, or at least the couple of dozen in Pokémon Unite at the moment.Pokémon Unite is officially out for the Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. For anyone who hasn't picked up the game just yet, fans can already begin to look ahead to figure out which potential Pokémon they'll want to use in what promises to be one of the best Android games out.For those unaware, Pokémon Unite pits teams of five trainers against each other, each armed with just a single Pokémon. Pokémon can evolve, hold items to improve their standing, and even learn new moves during battle. Here are all of the Pokémon Unite playable Pokémon characters so far.Jump to:Pokémon Unite rosterRoles and Battle Type systemsAre more Pokémon coming?Pokémon licensesAre any Pokémon free? Pokémon Unite playable charactersOnly 28 Pokémon are currently available in the game, each broken up by one of five types — Attacker, All-Rounder, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter. More P...

Instagram is the latest social platform to hop on the year-in-review fun.What you need to knowInstagram has announced its own Spotify Wrapped clone for Stories.Instagram Playback recaps up to 10 Stories that you can share with your followers.The feature surfaces posts from your Story archive.Instagram has unveiled its own year-in-review feature that lets you revisit key moments in 2021 by replaying a selection of Stories you've shared throughout this year.The Playback feature recaps up to 10 pre-selected Stories from your archive and lets you share those moments with your followers or friends. Of course, there's an option to edit the selection in order to remove or add your favorite moments before sharing your Playback with everyone.It's essentially Instagram's clone for Spotify Wrapped, the music streaming service's popular recap feature that provides insights into their listening habit over the past year. The feature displays the songs and artists you've listened to...

Storage options are becoming more robust. But is it enough for you?With 2022 on the horizon, there still seems to be a divide when it comes to storage. Many of the best Android phones don't offer microSD slots like the Galaxy S21 series and even the Google Pixel 6 series. However, there are still plenty of devices that support expandable storage, especially on the lower-end.We at Android central want to know if expandable storage is essential to you when buying a smartphone.Poll: Do you care if your smartphone supports expandable storage?With our growing dependence on the cloud, one might say that smartphone SD card slots are going the way of the 3.5mm headphone jack and are headed out the door. Additionally, more smartphones come with 128GB of internal storage and more, which is plenty for the average user.However, power users might require more storage and can either shell out the extra dough for a higher-storage option, pay for one of the best microSD cards for devices ...

Among the dozens of apps and services that Google offers, Google Docs is easily one of the most powerful. The online word processing program is used by millions of users around the world for its collaborative workflow and easy access. And thanks to the recent addition of a universal @-menu, it has become even easier to insert images, tables, charts, and more into Google Docs. In fact, you don't even need to move your mouse to do so!How to quickly and easily insert images, tables, charts, and more into Google DocsRegardless of what you want to insert, you start off by hitting the @ key in any document. This brings up a menu with a list of recommended items that can be added to the document.The items that can be inserted into your document include images, tables, drawings, charts, different types of lists, titles and headings, footnotes, and much more. You can even add other documents stored in your Google Drive, meeting blocks from Google Calendar, and directly mention other use...

Nvidia needs three governments to approve its Arm purchase, and two have already expressed concerns.Nvidia buying Arm would, in the short-term, at least, seem like a good move for consumers. For one, it'd be a new venue for Nvidia to design and license excellent machine learning properties and likely buffer the capabilities of the standard Mali GPU used in so many mobile devices. But it seems like that's not going to happen.In September 2020 Nvidia formally announced that it would be spending $40 billion on Arm Holdings. The deal would also see Softbank — Arm's current majority owner — gain a 10-percent stake in Nvidia and the company would remain in Cambridge England for "the foreseeable future." Of course, the next step was to seek regulatory approval and this is where things turn south.The E.U. has already voiced its displeasure over the purchase. In the U.S., the FTC is suing to block the merger completely. At this time, we haven't heard anything official from China, bu...

The movies you don't want to miss on Netflix right nowNetflix continues to be one of the best streaming services for both original series and films. But with so much content to choose from and more being added on the regular, where do you start? Right here! Here's a roundup of the best 20 Netflix movies streaming now.The best for originalsNetflixFrom $9/mo at NetflixStream the best of the best with these exclusive films and seriesNetflix subscribers have access to thousands of original shows and movies, as well as classic content you don't want to miss.The best movies on NetflixTrending NowNetflix Originals ClassicsKids & FamilyDocumentariesTrending Now on NetflixDigging through Netflix's massive library of films can be intimidating. Thankfully, the platform offers a Trending Now section, which highlights the most popular movies on Netflix right now. With that in mind, here's a handful of films trending now on Netflix.Lady Bird (2017)Lady...

The Amazon Fire TV interface makes it easy to access your favorite streaming apps and live TV channels, whether you're using an Amazon Fire TV Stick, an Amazon Fire TV built-in television set, or another Amazon Fire TV device. However, general use and software updates sometimes make your favorite streaming apps lag. With that in mind, we've put together this list of simple steps you can take to clear the app cache on your Amazon Fire TV device.How to clear the app cache on your Amazon Fire TVOne of the best ways to ensure your streaming apps are working as smoothly as possible is to clear the app cache on your Amazon Fire TV device. Here are the steps you should follow to do just that:On your Fire TV homepage, navigate to Settings.Under Settings, select Applications.Scroll down to and select Manage Installed Applications.Select the app you are having trouble with. Select Clear Cache and then Clear Data.It's worth pointing out that cache files are created whenever ...

The GTR 3 Pro is packed with all the features you need — and you'll only need to charge it once a week.Amazfit is doing all the right things in the wearable segment, as evidenced by the fact that it's now the second-largest manufacturer in this category. A big part of the company's rise is down to its budget offerings, with its $60 fitness band providing a great value.Lately, Amazfit has ventured into the premium tier with its smartwatches, and the GTR 3 Pro is now available for $230, taking on the likes of Samsung and Fitbit. The GTR 3 Pro has a lot going for it on the hardware front: it has a large AMOLED panel with an always-on mode, a lag-free interface with a lot of customizability, plenty of health and fitness monitoring features, and a minimalist design that looks great.But the biggest differentiator is the battery life — the GTR 3 Pro lasts nearly a week even with heavy use. With the Galaxy Watch 4 only lasting up to two days with normal use, the GTR 3 Pro has a dis...

Prepaid carriers provide laser-focused mobile service that the Big Three postpaid carriers can't match. Ultra Mobile has zeroed in on people that want to stay in contact with family and friends in other countries while offering great value and service for a connected generation. Whether you just need a basic service with talk and text or want plenty of data for streaming, social media, and video calls, Ultra Mobile has an option for you.Super FlexibleUltra MobileFrom $10/mo. at Ultra MobileA plan for everyoneUltra Mobile has an option for just about any customer, whether they need a ton of data or just need to be able to call internationally.Ultra Mobile:What is Ultra Mobile?Read the reviewUltra Mobile's service plansUltra Tourist and FlexCoverage and 5GHow does Ultra Mobile stack up?Compatible phonesUltra Mobile DealsWhat is Ultra Mobile?Ultra Mobile is an MVNO using T-Mobile's network that focuses on offering great service options for those who ...

It has also added new controls for creators to moderate comments on their posts and block certain people.What you need to knowFacebook makes it easier to get support if you're locked out of your account in a new test.The service has also beefed up its comment moderation controls for creators.For Facebook Live, there are new moderation tools designed to block certain words.Losing access to your Facebook account for any reason and being unable to get timely assistance must be one of the worst drawbacks of the platform. Fortunately, Meta is addressing that flaw in a new experiment, as well as improving comment moderation for creators.On Friday, the social networking giant announced that it is testing live chat support for people, including creators, who are locked out of their accounts. The new test is currently available only to a small set of English-speaking users worldwide.There seems to be a series of tests that will unfold as part of the whole effort. For the initi...

Chalk this one up under ridiculous ideas that we don't need right now.What you need to knowA patent has been discovered showing a mockup for a rollable smartwatch.The smartwatch would feature a camera in the center of the display.Images suggest users would watch movies on the device.Meta is also said to be working on a Facebook smartwatch with a camera for video calls.Rollable smartphones aren't really a thing quite yet, but it looks like Samsung might already have literal designs for another rollable device. LetsGoDigital, which likes to uncover outlandish tech patents, recently came across a filing that shows a unique take on a potential future Galaxy Watch.The patent was filed with the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) and shows a smartwatch with a rollable display that expands outwards from the center. This would consist of two separate displays that act as one, not unlike what you see on the Microsoft Surface Duo 2.The displays would expand outwards at the...