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You can adjust when Assistant commands are triggered using Google Home's new time adjustments option.What you need to knowA new feature to delay actions in custom Google Assistant routines has been spotted in the Google Home app.The new capability lets you set an amount of time before a specific action in your routines starts.It is available to some users in the UK for now.Routines are one of Google Assistant's coolest features as they let you trigger a series of tasks by just saying a specific command, but there's currently no way you can control when those actions start. Now, it looks like Google Home has added a new option to delay your Assistant commands.A Reddit user (u/Droppedthe_ball) posted a screenshot of a new Google Home app feature that lets you adjust the time for a specific task in your routines to start. The new time adjustments option comes in handy during certain moments when you don't want some of the best Google Home compatible devices such as your be...

Google is just following in Apple and Samsung's footsteps, after all.The Google Pixel 6 hasn't been fully unveiled yet, but amid Samsung's Galaxy foldable news, Google announced that it wouldn't be including charging adaptors with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Google shared the news with The Verge but has not yet confirmed the details with Android Central at the time of this article's publication.Not everyone was happy with this news, as evidenced by a recent poll Android Central conducted. Most of our readers said that companies should ship a charger in the box, which makes sense to me on some level. Until recently, the charging adapter was a staple of the smartphone unboxing experience. While extras like headphones and cleaning cloths were never a given, the charging adapter was always expected. That was until October 2020, when Apple announced it was doing away with that custom with the launch of the iPhone 12. And much like it did previously when it removed the headphone jack,...

Samsung has taken more than a few cracks at different product categories, and smartwatches have been no exception. Every year, there are several attempts at getting it just right through new smartwatches and fitness trackers. We take a look at some of the best smartwatches available, including the latest of the bunch with the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and its foray into the realm of Wear OS. Hint: It's really good.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 ClassicThe Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is the culmination of all the hard work that Samsung and Google have been working on to reimagine Wear OS. All of the Samsung Galaxy smartwatches since 2014 have used the company's own operating system called Tizen, and its move to the best Samsung smartwatch OS is a welcomed change for Android smartphone fans.The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic keeps all of the wonderful features that Samsung smartwatch enthusiasts have enjoyed for years. By switching to Wear OS, users are gaining access to Google Services ...

Xiaomi says business performance across all segments reached historic highs in the April to June period.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2021.Xiaomi shipped a total of 52.6 million phones during the quarter.Twelve million of them were "premium" devices priced at or above €300.Xiaomi today shared its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The Chinese tech giant posted total revenue of 87.8 billion yuan (about $13.5 billion) during the quarter, an increase of 64% over the same period last year. Net profit, on the other hand, jumped 87.4% YoY to 6.3 billion yuan ($971 million).Xiaomi became the second largest smartphone brand globally in Q2 2021, with shipments growing 86.8% YoY to reach 52.9 million units. As per data from Canalys, the company's global market share stood at 16.7% during the second quarter. More interestingly, Xiaomi also saw a significant rise in shipments of premium s...

Is Google putting too much faith in Samsung?The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is here, bringing with it our first look at the new Wear OS 3 experience aimed at taking on the Apple Watch. For years, Google and Samsung have been working towards the same goal — providing a viable Android smartwatch experience. And recently, the two companies have put aside their differences and "joined forces," so-to-speak, with Wear OS 3.However, now that the Galaxy Watch 4 is actually here, things don't feel as rosy as they did back at Google I/O 2021. You see, when Samsung and Google took the stage together to announce this new joint effort, I had high hopes that we would be seeing Samsung's excellent hardware paired with Google's optimized-for-Android wearable experience. But there are still some important features that I expected to see with the Watch 4 that still aren't here yet. Samsung remains committed to the Bixby experience, even after partnering with Google on Wear OS 3.The first of wh...

Half a decade later, we look back at the most catastrophic smartphone launch in history.In the early 2020s, big-screened smartphones are a dime a dozen. But it wasn't always that way. The Samsung Galaxy Note started out in 2011 as an oddity, loved by a small hardcore fanbase but derided in other quarters for being comically oversized, looking like a slice of toast, requiring cargo pants to haul around, and having a goofy built-in stylus.Within a few years, the Note had become a tentpole of Samsung's smartphone range, arriving each year around six months after the Galaxy S. The Note was not just the largest mainstream phone you'd see on store shelves in most Western countries, but also one of the best Android phones in any given year, as Samsung packed in hardware upgrades to justify ever-climbing price tags. The fanbase continued to grow, with the Note faithful often claiming that the only phone that could truly replace a Note was another Note. The Note 7 saga sta...

Google Drive is one of the best cloud services you can use to back up your data. Google recently changed its old desktop app, Backup and Sync, to a new app called Drive. This app syncs files from the cloud to your computer locally and vice versa. One built-in capability is to backup photos to either Google Drive, Google Photos, or both. It's a straightforward process, and we'll show you how to do it.Since Google made the change from Backup and Sync, the process has changed a bit. Therefore, the first steps you must complete are to download and install the new app. If you have already done that, please skip over these steps and continue on with the steps to back up your photos below.Jump to:How to install DriveHow to back up photos to DriveShould I upload to Google Drive, Google Photos, or both?How to install and set up Drive on your Windows PCGo to Drive's download page.Click Download Drive for Desktop, then click Open on the dialog box that opens.When the dow...

Synology's new file transfer service makes it easier than ever to send large files securely.Synology is making a big play for cloud services with the C2 family. It introduced a free password manager called C2 Password a month ago, and is now rolling out C2 Transfer, a secure file transfer service that lets you share files of up to 20GB. C2 Transfer lets you set download limits and add watermarks — and all data is end-to-end encrypted.C2 Transfer is now live, and as an added incentive, Synology is allowing a generous 90-day free trial for anyone interested in taking a look at the service. While C2 Password is aimed at regular users, Synology is targeting business with C2 Transfer; the service is designed to allow organizations to send "important and potentially sensitive" data to clients securely.With C2 Transfer, you'll be able to send files up to 20GB in size, and there are safeguards to ensure only the intended recipient gets to view the data. You'll be able to furnish...

The company has also launched two new Mi Notebooks featuring Intel Tiger Lake processors.What you need to knowXiaomi launched the Mi Smart Band 6 in India at its Smarter Living 2022 event today.The company also unveiled an all-new Mi Notebook Ultra, Mi TV 5X, and the Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition. The Mi Band 6 will soon be available to purchase in the country from August 30 for ₹3,499 (about $47). The Mi Band 6, which was announced in China in March this year, has finally made its way to India. Xiaomi launched the new Mi Smart Band 6 in the country at its Smarter Living 2022 event, alongside a bunch of other new products.The Mi Smart Band 6, which is Xiaomi's best fitness tracker yet, features a 1.56-inch AMOLED display with 152 x 486 resolution and claimed peak brightness of 450 nits. It packs a 125mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims can provide up to 14 days of standby time. The fitness band also offers 30 sport modes, six auto-detection modes, continuous heart-rate moni...

Xiaomi's biggest TV is also its best.My TV viewing habits over the course of the pandemic have been erratic to say the least. I dove into my Netflix queue with gusto last August only to be immediately letdown with the quality of the content; Netflix's strategy of greenlighting every idea it comes across is starting to wear thin.And even though I have plenty of great TV shows and movies to stream from Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Video, and the more niche services (MUBI is an easy recommendation), I just couldn't get myself to do so for most of 2021. Other than the bi-weekly Formula 1 event, I didn't bother with switching on the TV for most of 2021. Although I got the Mi QLED TV over four months ago, I didn't stream enough content to justify writing a full review.Instead, I read a lot of books; I aim to hit at least 75 books a year, but I fell woefully short of that goal last year , so I tried to change things in 2021. I went through 30 books in the last four months, including a yearl...

Get ready for a season of American Horror Story unlike anything you've seen before as this time around, season 10 of the show will be split into two parts with separate storylines and we have all the details on how you can watch American Horror Story: Double Feature on TV or online.The popular anthology horror series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk first premiered back in 2011 and so far nine seasons of the show have aired on FX. After being announced in 2018 and going into production last year, season 10 of American Horror Story was pushed back to this year as a result of the pandemic.In a first for the series, American Horror Story season 10 also known as American Horror Story: Double Feature will be split into two parts that tell separate stories. Episodes one through six will tell a story called Red Tide while episodes seven to ten will tell a story called Death Valley. According to Murphy, one of the two stories will take place by the sea (Red Sand) while the other w...

Your Samsung TV may or may not have pre-installed tech that can cripple it from afar.What you need to knowCalled the "Television Block Function," Samsung's new tech detects when stolen TVs connect to the internet and automatically disables them.Samsung South Africa reported that "all Samsung TV sets" have the feature, though we're unclear if it's regional or global.We also don't know whether Samsung will allow consumers to report their TVs serial numbers; so far, the feature may be restricted to warehouses and businesses.After television sets were stolen from a Samsung warehouse in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa during the Zuma riots last month, Samsung activated an anti-theft feature designed to remotely cripple any stolen TV set the moment someone tries to take it online.In a news post spotted by The Verge, the company outlined how the system works. When you first activate your TV by taking it online, Samsung's servers detect that TVs serial number; if that number is on th...

Google and other companies pledged to help improve the nation's cybersecurity.What you need to knowGoogle has announced a $10 billion commitment to improving U.S. cybersecurity.Google's pledge includes training Americans in IT and Data analytics, expanding security programs, and enhancing open-source security.Other companies such as Apple and Microsoft have also pledged commitments to cybersecurity efforts.Google has announced a $10 billion investment over the next five years towards cybersecurity improvements. The announcement comes just after several tech companies, including Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, met with President Joe Biden to address U.S. cyber threats and commit to advancing cybersecurity efforts.Kent Walker, senior vice president of Global Affairs at Google, lays out several initiatives that the company plans to implement to help the country's efforts. That includes expanding zero-trust guidelines for high-level security within the federal government, pledg...

Paid content will be available to listeners in other countries starting September 15.What you need to knowSpotify has opened its podcast subscriptions program to all U.S. podcasters.The price points for subscription have been expanded to 20 from the original three options.International listeners will have access to subscriber-only content from September 15.Spotify launched its paid podcast subscriptions for testing back in April with a limited number of creators. The company has now expanded the program, allowing all podcasters in the U.S. to sell subscriptions to their listeners.The program is available through Anchor, Spotify's podcast creation and distribution platform, and podcasters can offer select episodes as subscriber-only content. Beyond Spotify, they can also publish their content to other platforms through a private RSS feed.Creators can charge their subscribers a specific amount from 20 different price points, starting as low as $0.49 per month. But befor...

While the Oculus Quest 2 has built-in speakers, they're not designed for proper surround sound. You can plug in any 3.5mm headphones — or some USB-C headphones — but most headphones' cords are too long and will dangle annoyingly from the headset. Your old Quest 1 headphones won't work, nor will wireless earbuds. We've collected the best Oculus Quest 2 headphones that are designed specifically for the headset.Best overall: Logitech G333 VR gaming earphonesMany VR fans prefer over-ear to in-ear headphones for VR for enveloping sound, but action or exercise games really benefit from letting your ears breathe. So we've chosen the Logitech G333s — designed specifically for the Quest 2 — for our top slot. These earphones offer solid audio performance for a lower price than most hardcore headphones and mods and are easier to take out quickly when you need to talk to someone in the room.Make sure to buy the VR version of the Logitech G333, which uses custom-length 3.5mm cable...

A look at what's new in Kojima's latest title.What you need to knowDeath Stranding Director's Cut is a PS5 version of the 2019 PS4 title.During Opening Night Live at Gamescom, Kojima Productions shared gameplay footage for the Director's Cut.Death Stranding Director's Cut is set to be available on Sep. 24, 2021.During Opening Night Live at Gamescom, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Kojima Productions showed up to reveal more gameplay from Death Stranding Director's Cut. This expanded and enhanced version of the 2019 game was built for the PS5 and could be one of the best PS5 games available. You can take a look at the gameplay footage below.Death Stranding Director's Cut uses the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to enhance the sensations players receive. There's a lot of new features to take advantage of the controller, with the Buddy Bot there to assist players while making deliveries. There's also new weapons, like the Maser Gun, which will be usefu...

Web apps are great, but you know what's really cool? Offline access.What you need to knowMicrosoft is planning to remove Chromebook support from the Office for Android apps.The transition takes place in September, with Microsoft pushing users to use the 365 web apps instead.It's unclear if the web apps will be upgraded to PWAs that can be used offline since currently, Office 365's web apps cannot. Office for Android won't be going away for phones or tablets, just for Chromebooks.One of the earliest complaints about Chromebooks was that "you couldn't do anything offline," but those times have long since passed. Android apps, Progressive Web Apps, and Linux apps allow the best Chromebooks to stay productive when away from the comforts of Wi-Fi, and Microsoft's 365 suite had used Android apps for this for years. However, it seems those days are coming to an end.Microsoft has long allowed 365 subscribers to access its services on Chromebooks in two ways: the Android app and ...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the biggest and most powerful Galaxys ever and the first to work with the S Pen, traditionally reserved for the Note line. Given its size and heft, you need to protect your investment with a secure case that adds grip and style. The best Galaxy S21 Ultra cases are right here, whether you're after a clear case to show off the Ultra's design or a durable tank to keep it safe and secure.Colorful and durableCaseology Nano PopStaff PickAfter two years of the Nano Pop being exclusive to iPhones, it's finally coming to Samsung devices with the S21 series. The Blueberry Navy with its yellow accents is striking and classic, and the impact-absorbing pattern embedded in the back gives you slim protection. I wish the Ultra also had the Violet shade the smaller S21s have, but these colors are still fun.From $16 at Amazon $17 at WalmartReady to work hardArmadilloTek Vanguard Series for S21 UltraThe S21 Ultra is made for productivity, so it should ...

Guerrilla Games makes the delay official.What you need to knowHorizon Forbidden West was previously slated for sometime in 2021.During Opening Night Live at Gamescom, Guerrilla Games shared news of an official delay, with a new release date.Horizon Forbidden West is now slated to arrive on February 18, 2022. During Opening Night Live at Gamescom, Guerrilla Games confirmed the prior reports of a delay for Horizon Forbidden West. Horizon Forbidden West has a new release date of February 18, 2022 for PS5 and PS4. Preorders are set to open next week on September 2, 2021. A delay was first reported a few weeks ago, though Guerrilla Games did not comment at the time.Guerrilla Games was open about the reasons for the delay, explaining that more time was needed due to the impact of the pandemic in order for the team to polish the game, ensuring it can be one of the best PS5 games available. This adventure takes Aloy into the former Western U.S, with a whole list of new machines t...

Galaxy Watch 4 owners only, please.What you need to knowYouTube Music is now available on the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.The app can be used to download music to your watch and listen offline with a pair of Bluetooth headphones.Streaming music is not currently supported.Are you one of the fortunate folks to have already received your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 4 Classic? Great news then, as YouTube Music is now available on Wear OS Powered by Samsung — that's the specific version of Wear OS 3 that runs on the Galaxy Watch 4 series — marking the first time YouTube Music has been available on a smartwatch that isn't made by Apple.Yes, you read that right. For almost the past year now, the only YouTube Music smartwatch app has been available on the Apple Watch — an unfortunate trend among the latest and greatest Google apps — and now is only available on the latest Samsung smartwatches. We've reached out to Google to find out if it plans to grace ...

Powerful workhorseLenovo Yoga Tab 13See at LenovoProsCool wall hanger/kickstand designGorgeous graphicsPowerful processor Can be used as a second displayConsLikely to be expensiveBattery doesn't last as longNo special area for kidsThe upcoming Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is likely to be an affordable alternative to a premium tablet like the iPad Pro and a powerful workhorse for those who want to use it for productivity in addition to bandwidth-intensive entertainment, like gaming and watching HD videos.All in the familyLenovo Yoga Tab 11$320 at Best BuyProsCool wall hanger/kickstand designAffordable, family-friendly optionGreat dedicated Google Kids sectionLong battery lifeConsNot as powerful Soft-touch, heat-resistant, and durable fabric finishBetter suited for use by the whole family, parents will appreciate the dedicated Google Kids Space section along with the included built-in stainless-steel kickstand that can also double as a wal...

We've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ cases because we know how important it is to keep your prized and expensive new smartphone safe and protected for its entire lifetime. Some of these cases offer maximum protection, while others showcase that incredible Samsung style. Consider the form factor, color, and thickness that works best for you when looking for a case from this list.Exclusive to the PlusSamsung Kvadrat CoverStaff PickSamsung has been on a sustainability kick in 2021, and this lovely textured case is part of that initiative. Made entirely out of recycled PET bottles, the case not only keeps new materials out of the product stream, but it can be composted as well! The texture makes it easy and comfortable to hold while still providing protection. You can pick one up in violet or a stunning silvery gray.From $33 at Amazon $35 at SamsungA pleasure to holdCaseology Parallax CaseIt's not often that you find one of the best-looking, most-protec...

OnlyFans was feeling the pressure from both ends.What you need to knowOnlyFans has decided not to ban sexually explicit content from the site.The move comes days after the company announced its ban.OnlyFans cites financial assurances as to the reason for the reversal.Following backlash from content creators and users alike, OnlyFans has announced on Wednesday that it will not impose its ban on sexually explicit content.The announcement comes not even a week after the site declared that it would move to prohibit the kind of content that ultimately made it so popular. It was to go into effect on October 1, only allowing nude photos but nothing that depicted sexual acts.The company originally cited pressure from banking entities as the reason for the change, but it appears that has been worked out.Thank you to everyone for making your voices heard.We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy...

We're one step closer to the final release of Android 12What you need to knowGoogle has released Android 12 Beta 4.1.The release carries build number SPB4.210715.014 and is rolling out today.This is likely the final beta version before the Release Candidate (RC) version is made available.We're inching closer and closer to the final release of Android 12. Today, Google released Android 12 Beta 4.1, the fourth incremental beta release that we've seen this year.With every previous beta release, Google has pushed these "point" updates with bug fixes, but Beta 4.1 aims to fix some rather frustrating issues. Included in this release, Beta 4.1 now fixes a boot loop issue that plagued users, along with allowing you to connect your Android 12 device to a VPN. Also included is a fix for users who rely on the heads-up functionality, where notifications were not showing up immediately.Here's the full changelog for anyone who wants to see everything that Google has fixed with this r...

Just as expected, the phone will feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chipset.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has been spotted in the Google Play Console.The listing reveals some of the core specs of the upcoming value flagship.Samsung is expected to unveil the S21 FE 5G sometime in October. We recently got our best look yet at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S21 FE 5G, courtesy of 3D renders obtained by Evan Blass. The Galaxy S20 FE successor has now been spotted in the Google Play Console's device catalog (via MyFixGuide).The Google Play Console listing reveals the Galaxy S21 FE 5G will feature the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset as the best Samsung phones. Unlike the vanilla Galaxy S21, the phone will apparently be available in a 6GB RAM version as well. The top-end configuration of the phone, however, is likely to come with at least 8GB of RAM.Aside from the basic specs, the Google Play Console listing also confirms that the Galaxy S21 FE 5G will ship with...

Playing games on your smartphone is one of the best ways to entertain yourself. However, it can be tough to play with some games when you're just tapping on a screen. Fortunately, it's possible to sync up a traditional controller. That's where it's nice to connect your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and get playing on the best gaming phones. By the way, the Playstation 4 controller as well as the Xbox One controller are also compatible with Android devices, if you'd prefer to use one of those.Note: You will only be able to use a Pro Controller if your phone is running Android 10 and if the game you're playing supports controllers. Additionally, the process for syncing the controller with your phone will be different from one phone to the next.How to use Switch controller on Android: Sync Pro Controller to your phone via BluetoothDo keep in mind that some Android games — including some of the most popular titles like Genshin Impact — don't actually support controllers nativ...

If you recently purchased the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, you're probably looking for accessories to match your style as well as accessories that will protect your investment. One option to consider is a screen protector. After all, the delicate display needs some love, too! To make things easier for you, we've rounded up some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic screen protectors in both 42mm and 46mm sizes.As thin as airOrzero Tempered Glass Screen Protector (4-Pack)Staff PickIf you're seeking the thinnest option available, look no further than this 4-pack of screen protectors from Orzero. The tempered glass material is thin but highly durable with 9H hardness that ensures you'll be protected against scuffs, scratches, and other damage. You'll also love the 99% high-definition clarity and the easy installation process.$6 at Amazon (46mm) $7 at Amazon (42mm)Double the coverageTensea Tempered Glass Protective Film + TPU Watch Cover (2-Pack)When...

Best answer: Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic support offline music playback. You can play tracks stored internally or saved offline from apps like Spotify.Does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 support offline music playback?The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are fresh out of the oven, and there's already a hungry line of customers waiting to get their hands on them. We've reviewed the duo and can vouch for the excitement surrounding the new Samsung watches touting Wear OS 3. Popularity has given rise to many questions about the smartwatches, and people are wondering about things like Qi wireless charging compatibility and offline music playback.You can rest assured that the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic support offline music playback. Since the new Watch 4 series run Wear OS 3 out of the box, they come with the Google Play Store pre-installed. This means you can install third-party apps like Spotify and YouTube Music to store your music onb...

It will apparently be available to beta users on Android first.What you need to knowWhatsApp has reportedly started working on message reactions.The feature is currently in the early stages of development, so we will have to wait a few more weeks to learn more.Message reactions will be available on all platforms — including WhatsApp web.As per WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on message reactions, which will allow users to react to a message using emojis. Signal, which is one the best Android messaging apps, added emoji reactions in February last year. Popular text messaging apps such as Apple's iMessage and Google Messages also allow users to reply to messages with emoji reactions.As you can see in the screenshot above, users will receive a message asking them to update to a newer version of WhatsApp when they receive a reaction. Sadly, no other details regarding the feature are available right now. There's also no word on when the feature could hit the beta channel. Ho...

As high-end phones get more expensive, awesome budget Android phones get even better. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy today. And with our buyer's guide, you'll be sure to find the perfect phone for you. Here are some of our top choices for the most inexpensive phones available now.What are the best cheap Android phones?Last year was tremendous for Android phones in the budget space, and as we make our way through 2021, we expect more of the same. You're seeing features like multiple cameras, faster processors, and 5G hit price points that would have been unheard of just a couple of years ago. Even though it pushes the limits of what a "budget" device is, we recommend the Google Pixel 4a as the best cheap Android phone because it hits the right balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, with a clean build of Android that you're sure to love. Indeed, the Pixel 4a's camera is nearly identical to its much more expensive Pixel ...

Block out the worldSamsung Galaxy Buds 2$150 at Samsung$150 at AmazonProsFar superior ANCSeparate woofer and tweeterLess glitchy touch controlsComfortable design w/ Samsung fitting softwareMore color optionsConsNarrow soundstageMics, ambient mode can be tinnyIPX2 water resistanceSamsung's latest Galaxy Buds 2 provide surprisingly punchy sound for such a compact design. They slide comfortably into any ear, and use Samsung's fit test to ensure you have the right tips installed. For their price range, Samsung phone owners can't do better.Give your ears a restSamsung Galaxy Buds Live$130 at Amazon$130 at Best Buy $105 at WalmartProsUnique outer-ear designWide, bass-heavy audioSlightly better ANC battery lifeMystic colorsCan technically work with iPhonesConsPoor noise cancellationUnreliable touch controlsIPX2 water resistanceThe least "bud"-like of any wireless earbuds we've tried, these petite bean-shaped Buds slot comfortabl...

The Charge 5 is Fitbit's most advanced tracker to date.What you need to knowFitbit just announced the new Charge 5 fitness tracker.The Charge 5 has a color touchscreen, EDA and ECG sensors, and seven-day battery life.Preorders begin today at Fitbit.com and other retailers for $180.Today, Google-owned Fitbit announced an update to its popular lineup of fitness trackers with the all-new Charge 5. Charge devices have always served as Fitbit's most advanced trackers outside of its popular smartwatches like the Versa 3 and Sense, and the Charge 5 continues in that tradition, bringing smartwatch features to the fitness tracker category. Fitbit says it has sold over 40 million Charge devices, with a strong user base representing 1 of every 3 Fitbit users today.Even though the Charge 5 is the successor to the popular Charge 4, it looks more like a larger version of its newer sibling, the fashion-forward Luxe. The updated Charge 5 includes premium features like a large AMOLED...

Google offers loads of tools to help manage your account and your private personal data, and one of those tools is called My Google Activity. Through this portal, you can see everything that Google collects on how you use and navigate its services, from Google Search and Google Play to your Android apps, YouTube activity, and location history in Google Maps. It's a convenient way for Google to better predict what you might be searching for or interested in, and it's a way for you to revisit some of your past activities. Still, if you want to add a layer of protection to this portal if someone accesses your computer or account, you can easily do so. We'll show you how you can protect your Google Activity history by adding password verification.How to protect your Google Activity history with a passwordFrom a web browser, go to myactivity.google.com.Click to expand the hamburger menu (looks like three lines) in the top left corner under the Google My Activity logo.Click on Ac...

Its release date does come at an odd time.When Google unveiled the first a-series Pixel phones, the 3a and 3a XL in 2019, it did so in may at its I/O developers' conference. Not only was the phone a pleasant surprise based on what it offered for the price, but it was a welcome mid-cycle refresh to the Pixel lineup, coming out in between the Pixel 3 and 4 series.Due to factors influenced by the global pandemic, the release dates of the Pixel 4a and 4a 5G fell off of this predictable cadence in 2020, and those same factors appear to have also affected the release date of Google's newest budget phone, the Pixel 5a here in 2021.The forthcoming Pixel 5a offers some nice but iterative upgrades over its predecessors, including official IP67 water resistance and a two-day battery. Still, its availability is coming at an odd time with the premium Pixel 6 and 6 Pro on the imminent horizon has many questioning why the Pixel 5a even exists.Given how late in the year the Pixel 5a is c...

With a server-grade Xeon platform and 10GbE networking, the DS1621xs+ is the ultimate high-end NAS.Synology makes the best NAS for home users, but the Taiwanese manufacturer also caters to the SMB and IT categories with its business-focused RackStation and DiskStation xs series. These enclosures tend to offer five-year warranty as standard, feature ECC memory, and are generally designed to handle high I/O workloads.To that effect, Synology's DS1621xs+ is an exciting release that has the distinction of being the first 6-bay DiskStation model to offer 10GbE networking and a Xeon chipset out of the box. The NAS builds on the DiskStation DS1621+ by offering more memory, built-in PCIe slot for adding 25GbE network interface cards, and better after-sales service.Synology claims the NAS offers sequential reads of up to 3.1GB/s and writes of 1.8GB/s, putting it in a league of its own. There are a lot of alternatives available if you're looking for a NAS enclosure with 10GbE networking,...

Disappointingly, Samsung's latest budget 5G phone comes with a 60Hz display.What you need to knowSamsung has launched a new 5G-enabled Galaxy M series phone in India.The Galaxy M32 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 720 chipset and packs a 5,000mAh battery. It will be available to purchase from September 2 for ₹20,999 (about $283). Samsung today unveiled a new 5G Galaxy M series phone to take the fight to the best cheap Android phones — including the OnePlus Nord CE 5G and Xiaomi Mi 10i. Weirdly, however, the Galaxy M32 5G is a slight downgrade over the 4G-only Galaxy M32 in some areas. It doesn't offer a high-refresh-rate screen, and the camera hardware isn't as impressive either.The Galaxy M32 5G features a 6.5-inch TFT LCD display with HD+ resolution and a V-shaped notch for the 13MP selfie camera. Under the hood, it has MediaTek's Dimensity 720 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage.On the back of the phone is a quad-camera setup t...

If you're shopping for the best Android smartwatch, you'll quickly notice that many of the options are Wear OS watches, including the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Now that the new Wear OS 3 platform is finally upon us, the game is changing. Keep in mind that not all existing Wear OS watches will be updated to the new system, so that's something to consider when making your choice. If you don't want to be left behind and you'd like to enjoy the new platform sooner rather than later, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 might be the best Wear OS watch for you.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4By now, you've probably heard that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has arrived. While this normally wouldn't mean anything to Wear OS users, this Samsung smartwatch is the first wearable to run on Wear OS 3. There are two variants to pick from: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The only difference between these two has to do with case size and physical d...

It's available to Indian users on the beta version as of now.What you need to knowWhatsApp has added a new shortcut button for mobile payments to its beta version on Android.It allows you to quickly make payments and send money through the service.The new feature is available to some users in India for now.WhatsApp's mobile payments service got its regulatory approval in India late last year, although there has been no straightforward method to send payments through it. The company has now been spotted testing a faster method to make money transfers for Indian users.The folks over at WABetaInfo have uncovered a new payment shortcut in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (2.21.17). The shortcut button sits right in the chat bar between the media attachment and camera buttons.When tapped, it will give you quick access to WhatsApp's payments service to send money. The feature is currently available to Indian users who have the app's beta version installed on ...

Revenge of the Flip is in full swing.Turns out, the third time really is a charm when it comes to Samsung's foldable clamshell design. What may have initially seemed to be an homage to a relic of another time is actually the ideal form factor for the devices we have come to love and use every single day. Samsung is making sure that the idea of flip phones isn't just relegated to a few overly nostalgic, wealthy customers either, as it has dropped the MSRP to $999 and is even trying to woo younger demographics with attractive accessories that make the Galaxy Z Flip 3 hip to be square.But it's not just the style that Samsung is nailing down for its third-generation clamshell foldable. Important features that people have come to expect from a modern smartphone are finally available on foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3. That includes major milestones like water resistance, stereo speakers, a screen that doesn't scratch easily, and more durable materials than e...

It doesn't look like a manufacturing issue was the cause behind the fire.What you need to knowA Samsung Galaxy A21 caught fire inside the cabin of an Alaska Airlines flight after it landed in Seattle.The phone was reportedly burned beyond recognition. Two passengers, who received minor injuries, were treated at a local hospital. An Alaska Airlines flight that landed in Seattle Monday evening from New Orleans had to be evacuated after a passenger's Samsung Galaxy A21 phone caught fire inside the cabin. According to The Seattle Times, the phone was burned beyond recognition.The flight crew extinguished the fire using a battery containment bag, but passengers had to be evacuated from the plane via evacuation slides due to the smoke. Port of Seattle transported 128 passengers and six crew members to the terminal by bus. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, and the incident had no impact on airport operations. Some passengers with minor scrapes and bruises were treated...

Xiaomi is moving away from Mi branding as it looks to differentiate its high-end offerings.For the last seven years, Xiaomi has released products in two distinct product lines: Mi and Redmi. The Mi-branded phones were reserved for the mid-tier and high-end categories, while Redmi devices accounted for the budget segment. This strategy is changing going forward, as Xiaomi has confirmed that it is getting rid of the Mi branding, instead launching devices under the Xiaomi label.The branding change has already gone into effect; the Xiaomi Mix 4 launched last month without any mention of Mi in the naming convention, unlike its predecessors. With the flagship 11T series slated to launch in the coming weeks, it is likely the devices will be called the Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro.A Xiaomi spokesperson confirmed the move in a statement to Android Central, noting that the change will "unify" Xiaomi's global presence: Starting in 2021 Q3, Xiaomi's product series "Mi" will be renamed to "Xi...

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a foldable phone with a lot of promise. S Pen support means this will be great for creators on the go who want to sketch out ideas wherever the muse strikes them, and the improved durability and water-resistance means that you don't quite have to baby the Fold 3 the way you did the Fold 2 (just don't take it to the beach or the desert). Of course, you can bolster that protection with a great case, and these are the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases we've been able to find so far.Get the Note experienceSamsung S Pen Folio CoverStaff pickWhile the Galaxy Z Fold 3 supports the S Pen, it doesn't have a slot for one like the Notes of yesteryear. That's okay, though, because you can buy both the S Pen and a Folio case to store it in one easy bundle. This case can feel a bit bulky to some, but for S Pen addicts, this is the case for you.$80 at Samsung$80 at Amazon$80 at Best BuyUnconventional kickstandSpigen Neo Hybrid S Designed for Galaxy ...

While others may fawn over the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the most alluring foldable of 2021 is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. As someone who has worn a shoulder holster for almost five years to accommodate ever-growing phone sizes that refuse to fit in my pants' pockets, this is a phone I can actually fit all the way inside my front pocket. However, nothing will transform your splendid new phone into a splintered nightmare faster than a bad fall because it slipped out of your sweaty palms. Get a grip with the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases on the market today.Ring around my heartSamsung Silicone Cover with RingStaff pickAvailable in a wide variety of colors, this case keeps both halves connected via a durable woven strap, and at the end of its loop is a silver flat-edged ring so that you can use it as a ring grip. Given that PopSockets will be almost impossible to place properly on the Flip, this case gives you a dependable grip as well as an easy way to pull it out of your pocket...

The Galaxy Buds 2 pick up their first update before most people get their hands on them.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 have been spotted with a new update.The update brings new features, additional touch controls, and improved system stability.The update is rolling out in S. Korea and is likely to reach other regions soon.Our Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 review showed that the new entry-level earbuds could definitely hold their own against the premium Galaxy Buds Pro, and now a new update is already rolling out to give the earbuds a nice boost before they reach customers' hands.First spotted by TizenHelp, the update appears to be nearly 3MB in size and rolling out for the Galaxy Buds 2 in S. Korea.According to the changelog, the update includes improvements to system stability and a few handy new features for the Buds 2, including the ability to use ambient sound during a phone call so that it's easier to pay attention to your environment. You'll also be able t...

Not every model seems to be affected by delays.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Watch 4 are reportedly facing delays.Some customers have received notices that their devices won't arrive until mid-September.Samsung's new foldables have already proven to be popular, showing "strong global consumer demand."Samsung has hyped up its new "mainstream" foldable, and it seems to be working out well for the company. Almost too well, as there are reports that some Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Watch 4 models are already facing delays due to unexpected demand.AllAboutSamsung has received screenshots of emails from Samsung explaining to customers that their orders will take longer to reach them due to "unforeseen delivery bottlenecks." The company states that while accessories may reach the customer sooner, the expected delivery time for the device is mid-September.The emails appear to be in German, so it's possible that these delays could be affecting only certain ...

Get caught up before the next big Diablo adventure.The upcoming Diablo Immortal from Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase adapts the classic gameplay formula of slaying demon mobs while converting it into an experience that's friendly for mobile devices. Despite the initial backlash to the announcement at BlizzCon 2018, previews look promising, and it could end up being one of the best Android games available once it finally releases.Still, jumping into the long-running Diablo franchise might be a bit confusing at first glance for newcomers. So if you're not sure exactly where and when this game takes place, we've got you covered.Diablo Immortal timeline: When does it take place?Overall, the placement of Diablo Immortal in the timeline is relatively straightforward. Diablo Immortal takes place five years after Diablo 2 and 15 years before Diablo 3. As such, you don't need to be familiar with Diablo 3 — much less the yet-unreleased Diablo 4 — in order to understand Diablo Im...

It's not a perfect solution, but it's a start.What you need to knowGoogle Chrome is testing a way to save tab groups.Once saved, the Tab Groups will be accessible from the bookmarks bar.The feature can be accessed on Chrome Canary but isn't fully functional yet.Google is working on bringing a new feature to Chrome Canary that will make it easier for you to easily jump into your workflow with Tab Groups.The option to save tab groups has surprisingly not been available for Chrome, but a flag in Chrome Canary shows that the feature is being worked on. It's fairly easy to set up Tab Groups in Google Chrome, and when you do, you'll notice a new toggle to save the group.The feature was noticed by Techdows and doesn't appear to function at the moment. Toggling the option to save doesn't actually do anything. However, when the feature does work, Tab Groups will be saved as a bookmark for easy access. It doesn't seem to save the tabs in whatever state they're in.The feature ...

Watch Dogs: Legion gets loads of new free and paid content today.What you need to knowStadia Pro members can claim Darksiders 2, Little Big Workshop, and Wave Break in September.Watch Dogs: Legion adds free missions, modes, and paid season pass content with an Assassin's Creed crossover today.Destiny 2's latest expansion, The Witch Queen, is now available for preorder in the Stadia store.Google announced the latest Stadia Pro games that subscribers can claim beginning in September alongside new content for Watch Dogs: Legion and a preorder for the newest Destiny 2 expansion available today.Stadia Pro members can claim Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition, Little Big Workshop, and Wave Break starting on September 1. The company noted that subscribers can still claim Blue Fire, Chronos, and Gunsport until August 31.Watch Dogs: Legion received both paid and free content now available. Season pass owners can play as Darcy, a member of the Assassin Order from the Assassin's Cr...

There are a plethora of wireless security cameras on the market to choose from, and the task can be a bit daunting when you're looking for the best security camera for your home. Things get messier when you're trying to find a security camera with specific features, such as being wireless and including 2-way audio capabilities. Luckily, we have done the hard work and compiled a list of the best wireless security cameras with 2-way audio.Best of the bestArlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera - 2 Camera Security SystemStaff PickThe Arlo Pro 3 is arguably one of the best wireless security systems available today. Although the price may drive some away, the pros far outweigh the cons, especially with the ability to record 2K HDR video, along with an integrated spotlight and "color" night vision. Plus, the Pro 3 includes a free Arlo Smart trial, which adds even more abilities to this impressive security camera system.$306 at AmazonIndoor or outdoorNest Cam (2021)The new Nest Cam ...

New legislation is likely to put an end to the 30% cut from in-app purchases imposed on app developers in South Korea.What you need to knowA new South Korean bill looks set to bar Google and Apple from imposing their in-app payment systems on developers.The regulatory move poses a threat to the tech giants' key revenue stream.Legislators are expected to vote on the new legislation on Wednesday.Google and Apple's in-app payment systems for developers in South Korea may soon come to an end. The country's legislators are expected to give their final verdict on Wednesday for a new bill that seeks to stop the tech giants from forcing developers to obey their respective in-app purchase policies, as per Reuters.The new legislation is an amendment to the "Anti-Google law," officially known as the Telecommunications Business Act. If approved, the legislation will curb one of Google's major revenue streams, banning it from taking a 30% cut from in-app purchases made on some of the ...