Latest from Android Central

Visible is one of the best values for people that need a lot of data. Not only that, but Visible's simple plan, unlimited hotspot data, and 5G support make it an easy choice for someone trying to make the most of one of the best new Android phones. Utilizing Verizon's LTE and 5G network, most people will have great coverage as well.Visible isn't for everyone since it lacks roaming support and doesn't have many international calling options. It's also not a good fit for people that need to travel abroad. Visible customers also don't get the highest priority data connection, so the connection may be slower than expected in congested areas. Still, for many people, Visible is a great fit. Here's our comprehensive Visible buyer's guide, containing everything you need to know before signing up.Just one planVisibleFrom $40/mo. at VisibleUnlimited talk, text, and dataVisible gives you great Verizon coverage with no limits, including 5G with truly unlimited high-speed data plu...

Setting up a home theater? You should take a look at VAVA's latest projector.For the last three years, I used Xiaomi's Mi laser Projector in my bedroom for streaming movies and TV shows. I wanted a large screen but didn't want a TV to take up a lot of room, so that meant going with a projector. I wasn't interested in a regular projector, as that would've involved wall-mounting it above the bed. So I turned to the laser ultra short throw (UST) category.As the name suggests, a UST projector has a short throw distance, meaning you can put it right next to a wall and still get a large picture. Regular projectors need to be a meter or two away to project a large image, but I had the Mi Laser Projector just 10cm away from the wall and it projected a 75-inch picture — ideal for my needs. However, the Mi Laser Projector was $1,599 when I picked it up, and that was considered a good value because similar options from Optoma and Epson sold for double that amount.That brings us to the V...

Players might be adventuring below the depths of Watatsumi Island if leaks are to be believed.With Genshin Impact Update 2.3 in the rearview mirror, miHoYo will certainly look towards Update 2.4 in the near future. We don't have exact details as to what players can expect just yet, but some leaks from data miners and teases from the developer point to a couple of new characters and a mysterious region below the island of Watatsumi. With that in mind, here's what we know about Update 2.4 so far.Genshin Impact Update 2.4: Yun Jin and Shenhe make their debutsYun Jin and Shenhe aren't technically confirmed for Update 2.4 yet, but it's within reason that since miHoYo officially revealed them, you can expect them in the next update.Yun Jin: Yun Jin is a popular singer and dancer among Liyue Harbor and is the current director of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe. She is a four-star Geo user who wields a powerful polearm. According to Honey Hunter World, her Elemental Burst, Cliffbreaker's...

Choosing the best cloud storage service isn't a simple decision. Are you backing up a specific batch of files or your entire computer? Do you need to share your files with others for work, or would you prefer total encryption? Your choice will depend greatly on your budget, whether you need gigabytes or terabytes of storage and your favorite productivity apps. If you're looking for the best option for general use, particularly but not exclusively for Android users, choose Google Drive for its free storage and popular productivity apps.Best overall: Google DriveGoogle Drive may have particular perks for Android power users, but we believe it's the best cloud storage solution for anyone, regardless of which device you use. The most obvious perk is its 15GB of free storage, while most competitors offer 10GB or 5GB free. If that isn't enough, you can pay $20/year for 100GB, $30/year for 200GB, or $100/year for 2TB. The 100GB price is a few dollars cheaper than OneDrive's, while the...

Google launched Stadia a little over a year ago, giving players access to some of their favorite games without owning a console or gaming PC. While you can use Stadia as a free service, Google offers a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99/month, which gives subscribers access to special discounts, upgraded 4K streaming options, and one or more free games to claim per month. Once you claim a game in Pro, it's yours to keep as long as you're subscribed, similar to how PlayStation Plus works.As long as your Stadia Pro subscription remains active, you can play any free Pro games you claim. But you can only claim specific games for a limited time, so make sure you're checking back every month as we update the list of games available. If you cancel or suspend your Pro subscription and then decide to resubscribe in the future, all previously claimed games will return to your library. Also, some of the best Stadia games were offered on Pro in the past so make sure you claim each game every mont...

The company says it will roll out software updates to address the performance issues "soon."What you need to knowTCL has temporarily stopped selling its Google TV lineup over performance and software issues.The company is working on "refining" its products featuring Google TV. TCL Google TVs are expected to return to Best Buy in the coming weeks. In what comes as a big blow to Google's smart TV platform, TCL has stopped selling its lineup of Google TVs over certain "performance-related issues." Best Buy, which is the exclusive retailer of TCL Google TVs in the U.S., pulled all listings of the company's 2021 5-Series and 6-Series TVs from its website earlier this week.Confirming that the TVs have been removed from sale, a TCL spokesperson told 9to5Google that the company will soon roll out software updates to "refine" the Google TV experience on the sets. The company has also confirmed that sales of the TVs will resume "in the coming weeks." Our high-performance TVs ar...

Amazon recently updated the News app across Fire TV devices to include local news coverage in 158 cities across the United States. But how exactly do you access all that new content on your television? With that in mind, we're breaking down what you need to do to watch local news on your Amazon Fire TV device right now.How to watch local news on your Amazon Fire TVTo watch local news on your Amazon Fire TV device, follow these simple steps:On your Amazon Fire TV homepage, select the News app. Access local news for your city using the Local News tab within the app or by saying Alexa, play local news into your voice remote. Choose which channel you want to watch from the list of Suggested News.When you open the News app for the first time, it will prompt you to select the type of news you're most interested in. From there, the app will generate a custom playlist based on your selections. Otherwise, you'll find a wide selection of news options on the News app main page, ...

All Pokémon are S+ tier in my eyes. Except Stunfisk. I do not much care for Stunfisk.A new take on a long-established formula, Pokémon Unite pits teams of 5 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, but some Pokémon have natural advantages over others — which is why we're heartlessly ranking them here. But let the record show that if my editor let me, this would be a tier list based on how huggable these cuties are.Tragically for me, we're instead ranking them based on how well they perform overall, along with how they perform in their respective categories of All-Rounder, Attacker, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter.Only a fraction of all (extremely huggable) existing Pokémon are currently represented in Unite — there are just 28, including a limited-time Zeraora. That may be good news for early adopters, though, as a more concise roster makes i...

What if a router company cared about your security as much as you do?Gryphon makes mesh routers with a significant focus on security. That means Gryphon owners get malware blocking from ESET and 24/7 monitoring for all of their connected devices. You also get access to Gryphon Homebound, which allows you to easily use your home network as a VPN so you can ensure your internet is as secure as your home, even when you're on public Wi-Fi.When it comes to raw performance, Gryphon falls behind many of its closest competitors in cost. But then again, that's not the point. Gryphon AX delivers plenty of speed for the vast majority of usage, including 4K streaming, work-from-home applications, and even large downloads. Of course, you're not going to get all of your gigabit connection on a single device, but you still get pretty close.Gryphon AX review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not so goodThe competitionShould you buy?Gryphon AX ...

Slay your crewmates from a whole new perspective.What you need to knowAmong Us VR is the first made-for-VR version of the popular social deduction game, evolving the series into a first-person perspective.The VR version is co-developed by Schell Games, Innersloth, and Robot Teddy for Quest, PlayStation VR, and PC VR platforms.The original Among Us is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles on December 14.Whether you've been an Among Us player for some time or are just waiting for the upcoming release of Among Us on PlayStation consoles, developer Innersloth is ready to unveil the next mission for all crewmates. Among Us VR is coming to the Meta Quest 2, PSVR, and PC VR platforms in the coming future, and it's co-developed by Schell Games and Robot Teddy, two studios responsible for the best Quest 2 games like Until You Fall, I Expect You To Die, and Superhot VR.A quick teaser trailer (which you can watch above) gives you an idea of what to expect. As...

No need for a p-p-p-poker face, we know you love her songs.What you need to knowA new Lady Gaga Beat Saber DLC pack will launch on the Oculus Quest 2 starting on December 9, costing $13 or $2 per song.The pack includes ten songs, including popular hits like Bad Romance, Born This Way, and Telephone.Beat Games recently grew its team of beatmappers, which could help the team release more popular DLC soon.BTS. Billie Eliish. Skrillex. Imagine Dragons. Green Day. Beat Games has brought some major bands and artists to Beat Saber in the past couple of years, which has helped it gain $100 million in Quest revenue. But Lady Gaga may be the game's biggest launch yet.At The Game Awards 2021, we saw a brief trailer for the new pack, which has visuals inspired by Lady Gaga's 2020 album Chromatica. Oculus describes the ambience as a "futuristic cyberpunk atmosphere" with the album's "neon and dark color palette and beautiful auroras."The pack will include ten of her most popular son...

Because nothing says love like finding someone who likes The Midnight as much as you do.What you need to knowTinder is launching a new Music Mode using Spotify integration.The feature will automatically play someone's Anthem when a user visits their profile.Music Mode will be available via the Explore tab.Tinder is doubling down on its Spotify integration with a new "Music Mode" that it's rolling out to help users vibe with potential matches.While Tinder already allows users to post an "Anthem" song on their profile thanks to integration with Spotify, viewers usually have to navigate down and tap the song for it to start playing. However, with Spotify's new Music Mode, the user's Anthem will automatically begin playing when someone views their profile.It's a bit reminiscent of the MySpace days when users could set songs to automatically play whenever someone visits their page.Tinder says that this could help users find matches based on musical interests since roughly ...

Google Photos makes it easy (and fun) to reminisce.What you need to knowGoogle puts its latest Photos features on blast in time for the holidays.Google's Cinematic Photos are being improved using Machine Learning to fill in the background.Google also highlights its new widget and the latest update to Memories.With the holidays right around the corner, Google is taking a moment to highlight the latest updates and features arriving on the Google Photos app, some of which began rolling out on the best Android phones with the latest Android feature drop last week.One of the most notable updates is to the Cinematic photos that was introduced around this time last year. This feature gives otherwise still images more depth and movement so that the most important parts pop out at the viewer.Now, Google is upgrading them so that machine learning fills in more of the background behind the subject. This should make the end-result much cleaner than before and allow more movement in...

If you've been thinking about getting into VR, there are a lot of headsets to choose from. The Oculus Quest 2, gets just about everything right with standalone experiences alongside PC support. Walmart is running a deal with refurbished 64GB models for just $199. That's $100 less than buying a new version and since it's sold and shipped by Walmart, you know exactly where to return it if it's not perfect.Unlike other Oculus headsets, the Quest 2 doesn't require a gaming PC to use. Its built-in hardware can power immersive experiences without wires or any external boxes. It's made better with the high 1832x1920 resolution per eye with up to 120Hz resolution. This version comes with 64GB of storage for downloaded apps and games.Of course, two controllers are included so you don't need to buy anything else to start using the system. The controllers can track your motion and work with just about any VR title out there including some exclusives like Resident Evil 4.Get a refurbished Oc...

JBL isn't as popular as it once was, but the brand still makes some great headphones and other audio products, especially at reasonable price points. The JBL Live 660NC are our best overall pick for having excellent sound, battery life, and comfort. But we've gathered a handful of other reliable options for different budgets and lifestyles to ensure you get your hands on the best JBL headphones for your needs.Best overall: JBL Live 660NCThe JBL Live 660NC are an incremental upgrade from their 650 predecessors, so a lot of what was already there will be easy to find here. One of the main draws was battery life, and that continues with the 660NC by raising it to 40 hours of playback per charge with ANC.Not only that, but in a nod to attract a wider subset of users, JBL tweaked the default sound signature to feel more neutral, so the heavier bass presence is something you'll have to bring in via JBL's My Headphones app. Sound quality benefits, as a result, and the slightly impro...

Matter will benefit your TV as well.What you need to knowThe Matter specification includes interoperability with TVs for basic controls.Amazon is apparently at the forefront of implementing a universal casting on Matter-enabled TVs.This new method will face some hurdles but could rival Apple Airplay and Google's Chromecast.While the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) continues to build out and complete the Matter specification, work is underway for the new standard to extend its interoperability to arguably the most important smart devices in our homes — the TV. According to The Verge, this could enable a universal casting system to rival the likes of Google's Chromecast and Apple Airplay.At the forefront of the specification for TVs is Amazon, which doesn't have its own cast system despite its massive presence in the smart home industry.Speaking to The Verge, Chris DeCenzo, Principal Software Development Engineer at Amazon Lab126, notes how there are several dispa...

Now you can get a taste of what a piece of the metaverse feels like.What you need to knowHorizon Worlds is finally exiting beta after more than 2 years of testing.The virtual world is powered by Facebook's social network profiles and is only available for folks 18 years and older in the U.S. and Canada.Support for the original Oculus Quest is ending on January 13, 2022 and will only work on Quest 2 after that.It's been a long time coming, but Meta's Horizon Worlds is finally leaving beta and is now available for all Oculus Quest 2 players who are ages 18 and older and reside in the U.S. and Canada. You can grab Horizon Worlds on the Oculus Store by browsing the app on your smartphone or downloading it directly from your Quest or Quest 2.Quest users should be aware, however, that support is for the original Oculus Quest is ending on January 13, 2022, and Horizon Worlds will no longer be playable on the headset after that date.Launching alongside the public version of the...

Let's face it — not everyone wants or needs to own one of the best fitness trackers or best Android smartwatches. But just because you don't want to strap on a wearable doesn't mean you aren't concerned about tracking your health. Thankfully, Google added new useful measurement tools into its Fit app to help you do just that by using your Android smartphone cameras. We'll show you how easy it is to measure your heart and respiratory rates from the Google Fit app on your Android phone.How to measure your heart rate with the Google Pixel's camerasOpen the Google Fit app on your Android smartphone.If this is your first time measuring your heart rate, tap on Get started under the Check your heart rate section.Read through the informational screens, and tap Next for each.Decide if you want to grant Google Fit access to your phone's camera While using the app or Only this time.Place your fingertip on the rear camera.Tap Start measurement.Keep your hand still while the meas...

Future's technology editors are once again coming together to recognize the people and products driving innovation in consumer tech.Here at Android Central, we are incredibly excited to announce that it's once again time to celebrate the Future Tech Awards!Now in its third year, the Future Tech Awards are a collaboration across the various tech sites owned and operate by Future PLC, including Android Central, iMore, Windows Central, T3, Laptop Mag, Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, What Hi-Fi, and TechRadar. The awards recognize the best in consumer technology across the U.S. technology sector and are selected by an expert committee made up of Future's technology editors.Future will announce the award winners at the upcoming CES 2022 conference in Las Vegas in early January. The FTAs were last celebrated in person at CES back in 2020 and were awarded virtually last year.This year, the Future Tech Awards consist of two tracks:The Future 50: these awards recognize 50 key people wh...

You can now customize dark mode in OxygenOS 12 — here's how to get started.Dark mode is now standard on all Android phones, and manufacturers are starting to add further customization to the mode. With OxygenOS 12, you get the ability to customize the intensity of dark mode, with three preset options available. The feature is ported over from ColorOS 12, and the labels for each mode are the same across OxygenOS and ColorOS.How to customize dark mode in OxygenOS 12Go to Settings. Tap Display & brightness. Choose Dark mode settings.You will see three options for dark mode — Enhanced, Medium, and Gentle. Here's the difference:Enhanced: This is the default dark mode with the interface switching to a black color scheme. Medium: This mode switches the colors to a dark grey hue, and serves as the ideal balance if you're just getting started with dark mode. Gentle: In this option, you will see a grey color scheme throughout the interface. If you don't like dark mode ...

Whether you're in a house or apartment, making sure your home is safe while you're away is a key priority, and there's no better way to do that than with one of the best smart video doorbells on this list. Our favorite smart doorbell that can deter thieves while providing you with peace of mind is the Nest Doorbell (Wired), formerly known as Nest Hello. But Nest isn't the only great smart doorbell available; we've compiled a list of eight of the best on the market! See which one works for you.Best smart doorbell overall: Nest Doorbell (Wired)I loved the Nest Hello when it first launched in 2018. Since then, it's been rebranded to the Nest Doorbell (Wired), but it still holds its own as the best choice in 2021. It costs a little more than other alternatives, but you get plenty of features that make the price worth it.For one thing, you can set it up to give you alerts whenever it detects motion in specific areas of your yard. What's more, it has facial recognition abilities, s...

What you need to knowBoost is launching Carrier Crusher plans to take on the Big Three directly.These plans include an unlimited everything plan for $25 per month with a 12-month prepay.Carrier Crusher plans are also available for 3, 6, or 12 months and will be available December 9, 2021.Dish-owned Boost Mobile is introducing a set of new Carrier Crusher plans targeted squarely at the Big Three carriers. These plans include a new unlimited everything plan with 12GB of hotspot data as well as a few 5GB options. These plans are billed multiple months at a time with increased savings when you pay for the longer-term upfront.This new unlimited plan breaks down to $25 per month when you prepay for 12 months. You can also get it for three months at a time for $30 per month. Boost plans come with 4G LTE and 5G support if you have a compatible phone and speed is unlimited until you use 35GB in one month. This plan also comes with 12GB of hotspot data per month so you can share your...

The charming Blaston Arctic Blast update proves the future of VR is in mixed reality.I don't know how Blaston slipped past my VR radar. Released in late 2020, it's a dynamic duel shooter where you duck and weave in a small arena to dodge bullets while snatching various floating guns in the air around you to blast your foe away. With the strategic body contorting of Superhot mixed with multiplayer strategy, Blaston has remained a popular title with an active community on Discord.The big news today for Blaston fans is the new Arctic Blast DLC, which adds a charming, winter-themed casual playlist for violent snowball fights that won't affect your game ranking. It also adds a new "Knockout!" tournament mode for 2 to 8 players, with a massive trophy and bragging rights for the winner. Having tested the new free modes, they only make this $10 game even more appealing. Blaston may be the first official Oculus Store game to add proper mixed reality.Most excitingly for Meta Quest 2...

Earbud prices can run all over the place. Unfortunately, the ones you typically hear about most often are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air V3, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality. But besides those, we've done the research and gathered some of the best cheap true wireless earbuds for any style and budget.Best overall: Creative Outlier Air V3It's hard to beat the Outlier Air V3 on battery life. Even compared to the best wireless earbuds, they outperform most of them with up to 10 hours of audio playback per charge at default volume. Add another three charges in the case, and you've got about 40 hours of total listening time. Creative also finally added wireless charging, making charging easier when you don't want to plug in.Creative largely based the design on the previous Outlier Air V2, which are a little bigger, though used the same ear tips for improved fit ...

There's also a "Special Edition" model with a 60MP under-display selfie camera.What you need to knowMotorola has announced the world's first phone featuring Qualcomm's all-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.The new Motorola Edge X30 comes with a 144Hz display, a 60MP selfie camera, and 68W charging. It will be available in China for a starting price of 3,199 yuan (about $500). Motorola has unveiled the first phone featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, dubbed the Edge X30. As you'd expect, the new Motorola Edge X30 is packed to the gills with features and has the specs to give the best Android phones a run for their money.The flagship phone sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display featuring FHD+ resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 576Mhz touch sampling rate. Housed within the centered hole-punch cutout at the top of the display is an impressive 60MP selfie camera.On the back of the phone is a triple-camera setup that includes a 50MP main sensor, a secondary 50MP ultra...

Listen to just about anything with these apps on Android.Over the years music fans have gradually changed how they listen to their music and what they listen to it on. With the rise of the smartphone, it's only natural that the one device we carry with us everywhere is also our primary media player. On Android devices, in particular, there's a huge community of developers creating some of the best Android apps. Whether it's a combination streaming service and music player, or an app dedicated to playing your local music files, here's a roundup of the best music player apps on Android right now.Streaming/music player appsSpotifyYouTube MusicAmazon MusicApple MusicThe best of the restTidalPoweramp Music Player CloudPlayer by doubleTwist Nyx Music PlayerTop streaming service and music player appsWhen it comes to listening to music on the go, it's safe to say that some of the best music player apps on Android are also the top music streaming services: Spotify,...

You can now restrict message forwarding and screenshots, as well as delete messages by date.What you need to knowTelegram has rolled out a slew of updates that focus on privacy.You can now restrict anyone from saving content and forwarding messages in your groups and channels.The update also allows you to delete messages from specific dates.Telegram has picked up a bevy of new features that boost privacy and give users more control over their connected devices. And as usual, the latest update includes a ton of new capabilities.On the privacy front, the messaging app now lets group and channel owners limit the ability of others to forward, screengrab, or save their content. The goal is to protect your posts from unwanted audiences. To do that, you can go to the group settings and turn on the "Restrict saving content" option.Another nifty feature is the ability to delete messages by date. However, this option is available only in one-on-one conversations, and you can sele...

I've been waiting for a tablet like the Duet 5 to give me the screen I deserve.The 2020 Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is the best Chromebook on the market for its near-perfect blend of performance and price, but this year's Flex 5i just didn't feel as exciting. It didn't have that spark of fun, but then Lenovo announced it was making a larger version of its highly popular Chrome OS tablet the Lenovo Duet.The Lenovo Chromebook Duet was one of the most fun devices of 2020 and quickly became one of the best ways to introduce new users to Chrome OS, but it's a bit small for doing more than browning social media or thumbing through ebooks. Lenovo fixed that with the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook, the beautiful love child of a Lenovo Flex 5 and a Lenovo Duet. I waited months to get my hands on this bright-screened beauty, and while she's not perfect, she gets pretty close.At a glanceLenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook ...

The built-in storage just doesn't cut it.Last year, I bought two Chromecast with Google TV as Christmas gifts: one for my mother to use in the kitchen and another for a very, very dear friend in Waco because his Vizio's apps were just too damn slow. Both are still very happy with their Google TVs — and considering I use mine 4-12 hours a day, I'm still happy as a clam with mine. (I listen to reruns while I work, it helps keep certain parts of my brain entertained while the rest tries to get things done.)However, a somewhat fatal flaw hides underneath that adorably intuitive remote and easy-to-use Google TV interface, one that makes me think twice before I recommend it to others. For all of Google TV's phenomenal algorithmic powers, its itty, bitty storage space can easily spoil the experience if you use more than a couple of streaming services. I miss when my installed apps all fit on my Google TV.This morning, the December update for the Google TV arrived on my Chromecast....

The Google Pixel 5a packs a big battery into a very familiar design, and while it might look a little boring on its own, that's what cases are for: protecting your phone and making it look even better! The limited release of the Google Pixel 5a had me concerned we wouldn't see many big-name, high-quality cases, but those fears were unfounded. We've got the best Pixel 5a cases right here to help you protect your new phone, whatever your tastes prefer.Sage colors, serene patternsCaseology Parallax Compatible with Google Pixel 5a Case (2021)Staff PickSince the Pixel 5a lacks color options, Caseology has given us the best of the Pixel 5's colors along with its tried and true favorites. The Parallax features a fun cubist pattern that adds grip and style across the back. The bumper has a new ultra-textured section, but some might find it abrasive.$16 at Amazon $16 at WalmartGrippy and understatedSpigen Liquid Air ArmorIf you want grip without a case that glows like a ra...

Shoot zombies, harvest their essence, upgrade your guns. Repeat.Fans of the Left 4 Dead series are probably very happy with the year 2021. First, we got Back 4 Blood, the spiritual successor to Left 4 Dead that was created by the actual developers of the original title. That one changed up some key gameplay components but is a compelling title, nonetheless.Now comes After the Fall, a new zombie shooter from the developers behind Arizona Sunshine, one of the best Quest 2 games you can buy despite being several years old now. At its core, After the Fall is Left 4 Dead meets Killing Floor. It takes the familiar level formula from Left 4 Dead, adds in the killing currency and upgrade components from Killing Floor, and cranks up the cheese with an 80's theme that feels all too right from the start.It's incredibly impressive to see Vertigo Games not only launch the game simultaneously on three platforms — that's Quest 2, PSVR, and PC VR — but to also provide a way for players to ...

It remains to be seen if Google's decision to post security bulletins for Android TV will lead to more frequent updates.What you need to knowGoogle will reportedly start releasing security bulletins for Android TV.Currently, Google releases regular security bulletins only for Android devices. Google's latest Pixel update bulletin included references to two Android TV security patches that have been fixed in the December update. Android TV devices could soon get regular security patches to keep them secure. A Google spokesperson told 9to5Google that the company plans to "soon" start publishing security bulletins for Android, similar to the one it publishes each month for its best Android phones. However, it isn't clear if security bulletins for Android TV and Google TV platforms will be posted every month.As you can see in the screenshot above, Google accidentally referenced two Android TV security patches of moderate severity in its latest Pixel update bulletin. The se...

Almost seven years after the best-looking Android watch debuted, we finally have a wearable that's not trying to look like a regular old timepiece.The Moto 360 (the real 2015 Moto 360, not the 2020 imposter) was not a perfect piece of wearable technology. The battery life sucked, only barely lasting a working day with the always-on display enabled. It was sluggish even by the standards of Android Wear at the time, thanks to its unusual choice of CPU. And it had that frequently ridiculed "flat tire" display cutout, a necessity because of the LCD tech that was used to allow edge-to-edge watch faces.But even today it's one of my favorite wearables of all time, precisely because it was so unorthodox. It wasn't trying to take a traditional watch design and shoehorn smart technology into it. Instead, as a product of the golden age of Motorola design under Jim Wicks, it tried to imagine how a watch would look if it were built, from the ground up, for the smartphone age. The OG Mot...

Expand your horizonsSamsung Galaxy Watch 4From $130 at SamsungProsGPS, HRM, NFCNew Wear OS 3Optional LTEImproved health trackingCapacitive rotating bezelConsMore expensiveIf you simply cannot help but get your hands on the latest and greatest tech, you'll be glad to know the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is one of the best options right now. The sleek design carries over some familiar elements, including the capacitive rotating bezel. You also get a BioActive sensor, improved health/fitness tracking, and Wear OS 3.Effortless classicSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2From $200 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCOptional LTEExcellent health/fitness trackingCapacitive rotating bezelMore affordableConsNo Wear OS 3 supportIt's been around for a while now, but the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is still one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy for many reasons. It may not have the successor's new BioActive sensor, but you still get heart-rate monitoring, EC...

Marshall should've gone with silicone or foam tips.Marshall is a brand known for its longevity and legacy in the music business, and when it launches headphones or speakers, it often tries to harken back to bygone eras as inspiration for a modern twist. As a result, it usually features classic designs and a look that just comes off feeling a bit different than its competitors. The Minor III earbuds are definitely on-brand in that way, bringing a degree of simplicity to go with their promised performance.These are supposed to be the company's more affordable option as compared to its more feature-rich Motif ANC, and that means it cut a few corners to create a price gap between them. The cuts are one thing, but it's one particular design choice that may have ultimately cut the Minor III down too much.Marshall Minor III review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceMarshall Minor III ...

The streaming device gets a handy storage management feature and more.What you need to knowChromecast with Google TV has picked up a new update that improves its storage capacity.The streaming device also makes it a lot easier to remove unnecessary apps.However, the update does not include the recently released Android TV 12.The Chromecast with Google TV was a highly anticipated follow-up to Google's legacy streaming dongle, that is, until it started to rear its ugly head. For example, it doesn't take a while before the streaming device runs out of internal storage space, but Google is now addressing that issue with a new update.Its standout improvement is the ability to manage the device's storage and free up space for more important stuff. This is courtesy of the new "Uninstall apps" option found in the "Free up storage" section. With this feature, you can now quickly remove apps you no longer need without having to open each app.Google is also giving some relief to u...

Taking a screenshot is one of the most basic things you can do with the best Android phones. The Pixel 6 is no different, as there are quite a few different ways to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel. Along with using the traditional hardware button combinations, Google has implemented other methods for you to take a screenshot.How to take a screenshot on the Google PixelTake a screenshot using the hardware buttonsHold down the power button on the phone's right side.Immediately afterward, hold down on the down volume button.Release both buttons at the same time.If you performed the combination properly, you should see a smaller version of the screen you took and a notification.Take a screenshot without buttonsThere are several different methods to take a screenshot without using the hardware buttons. These depend on the type of navigation you are using on the Google Pixel. For reference, here are the different navigation methods available on Google Pixel:Gestu...

The launcher now lets you quickly search for the screenshot folder in Google Photos.What you need to knowThe Pixel Launcher now includes a new feature that allows you to quickly search for screenshots stored in Google Photos.As usual, the new capability is only available on Google Pixel phones.A dedicated share button is also available in the results page for quickly sharing a screenshot.Google is making it much easier to find your screenshots hidden in Google Photos with a new update to the Pixel Launcher. The launcher has picked up a new integration with Google Photos to enable the new capability.A quick search for the keyword "screenshot" in the launcher's search bar immediately brings up the Photos icon along with three of the recent screenshots you've taken. The new feature first popped up on the Google News channel on Telegram (via Android Police).It's also a lot faster to share images with the latest update. When you long-press a screenshot, the Pixel Launcher wi...

OPPO claims the Find N fills a gap in the foldable phone segment by addressing issues such as display crease and overall durability.What you need to knowOPPO has teased its first foldable phone, the OPPO Find N.OnePlus CEO Pete Lau will oversee OPPO's development of the foldable device.The phone will officially see the light of day on December 15 at OPPO's Inno Day.While many phone makers such as Samsung, Motorola, and Xiaomi were quick to hop on the foldable bandwagon, OPPO seems to have taken its time. Now, OPPO has finally announced its answer to the best foldable phones, the OPPO Find N, after several years of work.Pete Lau, co-founder and CEO of OnePlus and chief product officer at OPPO, has revealed in a blog post that the Find N took four years to develop. The first prototype came out as early as April 2018, but the company managed to keep it hidden from public view.As it stands, the current version of OPPO's first foldable device represents the sixth generation....

This is the strangest bug I've ever heard of, and it's perhaps the most perilous.What you need to knowA culprit has been found for the 911 bug impacting a limited number of Pixel uses.Microsoft Teams somehow prevents Android from making emergency calls when the app is installed but not logged into an account.To avoid this bug and ensure your emergency calls go through, uninstall and reinstall the app if you currently have Microsoft Teams installed but aren't signed in.Google has released a statement saying they are aware of the issue, and both Google and Microsoft are working on a permanent fix.A little over a week ago, reports began to arrive on the Google Pixel subreddit of users being unable to call 911. That is highly alarming for obvious reasons, and the issue thread by u/KitchenPicture5849 quickly gained attention from Google as users, and the Pixel Team itself investigated the issue and tried to pin down the source.The cause has been located and confirmed by Googl...

It's been 84 years...What you need to knowInstagram head Adam Mosseri announced that he plans to introduce a chronological feed on the app.Instagram changed its feed algorithm back in 2016 to show posts it thinks users want to see.Mosseri defended Instagram's practices in a Senate hearing on Wednesday.Instagram has been under quite a bit of hot water lately over its effects on users, but in the midst of it all, has introduced new features aimed at helping protect teens. On Wednesday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced during a Senate hearing that the company is working on bringing back the chronological feed to its app.Mosseri made the announcement after U.S. Senator John Thune questioned him about whether Instagram would support giving users more control over their feeds."Senator, we believe in more transparency and accountability, and we believe in more control," Mosseri answered. "That's why we're currently working on a version of a chronological feed that we hope...

The latest Amazon Halo device gets a proper display, up to 7 days of battery life, a year of Halo Fitness and Nutrition, and a sub-$100 price.Update, Dec 8 (5:15 p.m. ET): Now available for purchaseWhat you need to knowAmazon Halo View is a new $80 fitness tracker with an AMOLED display, a follow-up to last year's Halo Band.It comes with a year's free subscription to Amazon Halo, which includes new tools like Halo Fitness workouts and Halo Nutrition health data.Halo View will help track your heart rate, body fat percentage, posture, sleep, and other health information. Halo View sports bands come in 15 colors and will cost $15, while the metal, fabric, or leather bands will cost $30.The Amazon Halo Band stood out as a new kind of fitness tracker, but not always in the best ways. On the plus side, it was extremely comfortable and lightweight; had useful health sensors like ECG, skin temperature, and electrodermal to track your health in-app; and gave you tons of actionabl...

It's time to understand texting.The messaging apps AC usesConvenience vs. privacy: Which is more important?Instagram's bigger than you thinkDo Slack and Teams count as "messaging"?RCS vs. SMS vs. iMessageGoogle's messaging failuresHow to switch your family to a new serviceTelegram vs. Signal vs. WhatsAppPrivacy and security in messaging apps, explainedWhen people choose a new messaging app for texting friends and family, they typically choose an actual app. So they'll weigh Telegram vs. Signal vs. WhatsApp, which give you reliable encryption, support for multiple devices, and other perks. But for your default texting app, you may not know the difference between RCS, SMS, and iMessage.Your phone's built-in texting app may appear pretty basic on the surface. But there's more going on behind the scenes than you may initially think. And by having a stronger grasp of everything going on, you can be more confident about your messaging experience and understand why thi...

Bose is one of the most widely known brands for high-end audio. Regardless of whether it's speakers or headphones, Bose knows audio. The QuietComfort 35's catapulted the brand to become one of the best wireless headphones on the market, and the new Bose QuietComfort 45 continue that legacy. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, now is the perfect time to pick up a pair of these headphones at $50 off!While Bose didn't completely overhaul the QC 35's when it released the QC 45 in September 2021, it didn't have to. Because the predecessor was so good, to begin with, all that was needed were some well-thought-out tweaks to make the QuietComfort 45's a success. Things like improving the battery life, shaving off a few ounces, and upgrading the charging port to USB-C were some of the improvements that were made.The QC 45 keeps the iconic design of the QuietComfort 35, including the super comfortable leather earcups. When it comes to using the headphones, the QC 45 has physica...

Twitter Explore is basically TikTok-Lite.What you need to knowA new Twitter Explore beta is a full-screen feed which lets you swipe between different tweets and videos.The interface resembles a stripped-down TikTok, with options to view Trending or personalized For You videos.The beta is available "for some of you who use Twitter in English on Android and iOS," but you may not have it yet.Twitter is the latest app to try and piggyback on the popularity of TikTok, with a new simplified interface that emphasizes one tweet or video at a time instead of showing a crowded newsfeed.While the tweet doesn't really explain how it works, it appears to be a vertical-scrolling feed where each tweet fills up the screen, letting you swipe through them one by one. It's not clear from this example if Explore will focus on video / GIF tweets, or if you'll see regular text tweets as well.*checks Explore tab*If it's looking different, then you're in our latest test: a new Explore experien...

DJI's Mini 2 Drone is an incredible compact drone with 4K video capabilities and up to 31 minutes of flight time. If you're looking to get into aerial videography or want to find the perfect gift for an aspiring photographer, this is a great drone to get started with. If you're ready to take flight, Adorama has some great bundles to get you started with everything you need including a memory card for just $449 which is a 35% savings. There's no reason to pass up these extras when you buy your DJI drone.The DJI Mini 2 can shoot up to 4K video at 30fps with a maximum bitrate of 100Mbps. This drone can also shoot at a variety of other frame rates including 24 and 25 at 4K and 24, 25, 30,48,50, and 60 at 2.7K. This lower resolution will actually be the better fit for many content creators since it will have plenty of quality for a 1080p crop with the ability to shoot at higher frame rates.If you're fine shooting at 2.7k or 1080p, you could also save a little money with the DJI Mini SE....

When it comes to the best wireless earbuds, Sennheiser is easily at the top of the list. This may come as a bit of a surprise if you aren't familiar with the company's over-the-ear offerings. However, after moving into the wireless earbud space, Sennheiser has come out swinging with options like the Momentum True Wireless 2 and the more-recent CX True Wireless Earbuds.During the Black Friday / Cyber Monday rush, we saw some pretty solid discounts on these headphones. And if you missed out on those deals, you're in luck as both sets of these earbuds can be had at some pretty steep discounts.Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2$189 at AmazonWith the Momentum True Wireless 2 from Sennheiser, you'll enjoy industry-leading audio quality, along with Active Noise Cancellation and incredible battery life. The touch controls are customizable, and Sennheiser includes a few extra great features in its flagship wireless earbuds.Sennheiser CX True Wireless Earbuds$100 at Amaz...

The Galaxy S21 FE could take the lead over the Galaxy S22.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S21 FE may run Android 12 out-of-the-box.This would likely make it the first new Galaxy smartphone to do so, ahead of the Galaxy S22.Samsung is expected to launch the S21 FE in January, with the S22 series likely coming in February.Samsung has pushed the S21 FE back for so long, no one was quite sure that the device would actually arrive. However, evidence continues to point to a January release ahead of the Galaxy S22, and the late launch is now said to come with the added benefit of running Android 12 out-of-the-box.SamMobile claims to have the firmware for the Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E), which indicates that it's already running Samsung's One UI 4 based on Android 12. Since Samsung is already rolling out its latest software on the Galaxy S21 and is set to bring it to plenty more devices in January, it's not too surprising.However, that would put it ahead of Samsung's upcoming Gala...

You can now toy with Android 12L on compatible Google Pixel phones.What you need to knowGoogle has released the first Android 12L beta update for large screen devices and supported Pixel phones.The update brings with it a handful of improvements to user experience and bug fixes.It also includes the December 2021 security patches.It is no secret that Google is planning to release a feature drop for large screens in the form of the Android 12L update early next year. The search engine giant announced today that the first Android 12L beta update is now available for testing on foldable phones, tablets, and Google Pixel phones.The first beta update, as usual, includes several bug fixes and changes to improve the user experience on large-screen devices. Developers are also encouraged to test the release on their apps in advance of the feature drop, which is scheduled for early 2022.The first Android 12L Developer Preview made its way to the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro earlier this mo...

When you're picking the perfect Chromebook for your needs, it can be easy to pay for a bunch of parts and upgrades you don't need. The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 on the other hand keeps its eye on the ball with a sensible set of specs that still packs plenty of punch for daily driving and browsing. To make things even better, Best Buy has this PC on sale for just $329, that's $200 off sticker. This Spin 713 also has a high-resolution touch screen that can fold flat for flexible tablet-style browsing.This version of the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 comes with an Intel Core i3 10110U CPU, a two-core, four-thread CPU that should have no trouble keeping up with web browsing, streaming, and video calls. It's paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of flash storage. It's all running on Google's ChromeOS, an operating system that has gained a lot of popularity among students and those that work online. It's no wonder that the Spin 713 is one of the best Chrombooks you can buy.Perhaps the most impressiv...