Latest from Android Central

The clamshell foldable phone's cover screen is now a lot more useful with this new mod.What you need to knowA new launcher turns the external display of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 into a full-fledged screen.This app simulates a secondary operating system on Samsung's clamshell foldable phone.It lets you take actions from notifications, open the app drawer, launch third-party apps, and more.Samsung has no doubt improved the extenal screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 compared to its predecessor. Aside from making it a lot bigger than before (4x larger than the previous model), the phone's cover screen now offers more control, such as checking notifications or controlling any music that's playing via a widget.That's a big upgrade from just letting you frame selfies when the phone is folded, answering calls, or viewing the date and time. However, it still doesn't make the 1.9-inch external display as useful as the main screen. A new launcher developed by jagan2 changes that.A new launc...

When you upgrade to a smart home, you want to make sure you're the only one in control of your devices, starting with the most secure smart plugs. These plugs all need to support some form of extra authentication to sign in to the management app, so even if your password leaks, you're the only one with access. While most of these devices are controlled primarily through a smart home assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, most of the time, they still need to be set up in another app, and two-factor authentication helps to make sure you're the only one with access.Just one appAmazon Smart PlugStaff PickThere are many brands to choose from but sticking with Amazon for your smart plug allows you to stick with the Alexa app for setup and control. Alexa works with two-factor authentication, including support for your preferred authentication app like Google Authenticator. The Amazon Smart Plug is compact and easy to set up, supporting most appliances for up to 15A of power. ...

Best answer: Yes, as far as we can determine, Ring products are safe when the hardware is secure. However, with any connected devices, users must understand how to take necessary security precautions with login and password info to safeguard valuable data and privacy.Why Ring's safety is in question: Scandals aboundAre Ring products safe? It's an important and timely question, for sure. Although it makes some of the best security cameras, Ring is not the only player in this space. Heavy hitters in home security also include Nest (Google), Arlo, eufy, and August. Ring, however, was hit particularly hard in the past by a series of controversies and privacy scandals to the extent that none of its competitors have experienced so far.News about one of the biggest (and scariest) examples involving Ring user data leaks was released in 2019 when ne're-do-wells "hacked" into a customer's camera and audio feeds to spy and generally wreak havoc on their personal lives.Equally icky (th...

A growing list that's only getting bigger.Xbox Game Pass for Android is here, and though the service supports hundreds of games, just over 100 of those support touch controls. The preferred method for playing these games may be to grab one of the best game controllers for Android, but you have the choice to go the old school mobile gaming route and just use the screen of your phone or tablet if you want to.Every game with touch controls on Xbox Game Pass (xCloud) for AndroidAI: The Somnium FilesAragami 2Astria AscendingBackboneBanjo-Kazooie Banjo-TooieBloodrootsBlinx: The TimesweeperBoyfriend DungeonBridge Constructor Portal Bug FablesCities: SkylinesCrimson Skies: High Road to RevengeCris TalesCrown TrickCurse of the Dead GodsDarkest DungeonDead Cells Desperados III Dirt 5Dicey DungeonsDonut Country Double Dragon NeonDragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive AgeEastshadeEcho GenerationEmpire of SinEnter the GungeonFable AnniversaryFable 2Fable 3Fa...

Airline execs claim C band 5G could cause chaos in the U.S.Airline officials have warned the FAA, the FCC, the President's office, and the Department of Transportation that the activation of AT&T and Verizon 5G cell sites in close proximity to major airports could lead to a "catastrophic" aviation crisis. To drive the point home, it's said that C band 5G service scheduled to begin this week could render a "significant number" of aircraft unusable and this could lead to stranding tens of thousands of American travelers.As a precaution, AT&T and Verizon have decided to not activate a number of cell sites that could interfere with airline safety or lead to grounded flights. AT&T and Verizon are frustrated because this information isn't new — it's been known since 2019 — but has never been acted on. It's confusing, to say the least, in part because none of the actual players is bothering to explain it completely even though it affects the best Android phones.What's ...

Whether you're searching for the best Android smartwatch or the best fitness tracker, you've likely come across a Garmin wearable along the way. The company has a solid reputation for offering many devices that cater to fitness and smartwatch enthusiasts, including the Garmin Vivoactive 4. You'll have incredible battery life, superb tracking capabilities, and some great smart features. Although this might be one of the best Garmin smartwatches you can buy, several other options are available. So whether you're a professional athlete or a casual runner, you'll be able to find what you're looking for.Best overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4The Garmin Vivoactive 4 may not be the newest Garmin smartwatch on the market, but it's overflowing with features that make it a worthy upgrade from the previous model. Choose between two sizes: 45mm and 40mm. The larger model gives you an extra day of battery life in smartwatch mode at eight days. It'll last six hours when it's in GPS and music mode....

Matter's debut should finally bring about a proper semblance of a 'smart' home.Ah, the smart home. It's one of those sci-fi concepts that has mostly come true at this point, but a few key issues continually bring the idea crashing back to reality. But 2022 promises to be a year where hopes are finally fulfilled in big ways, bringing about a simpler, more intelligent smart home.We've been thinking about the best ways to improve the smart home and have decided on the 7 improvements we most want to see this year. Maybe it'll be lucky number 7? We'll have to see.Hope that Matter will finally matterThe new smart home standard, Matter, has been a long time coming. Announced at the tail-end of 2019 as Project CHIP, it was later rebranded to Matter and has been concocted by the Connectivity Standards Alliance — a conglomeration of over 200 companies — as a way for smart home devices to finally just work with each other. While it sounds confusing at first, Matter is just a n...

The update has arrived sooner than expected.What you need to knowThe stable Android 12 update is now rolling out to Galaxy S10 series phones in the U.S.The rollout had started in some European markets a few weeks back.If you have an Unlocked Galaxy S10 series phone, you'll have to wait a little longer to get the One UI 4 update.Samsung recently started rolling out the stable Android 12 update to Galaxy S10 series phones in Europe. According to SamMobile, the update is now making its way to carrier-locked variants of the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10e, and Galaxy S10+ phones in the U.S.The stable Android 12-based One UI 4 build for the Galaxy S10 series arrives as version G97xUSQU6HULD and includes the January 2022 Android security patch. For now, however, it looks like the rollout is limited to Xfinity Mobile. More carrier variants of the Galaxy S10 series are likely to start receiving the update within the next few days.If you have a Galaxy S10 series phone, you can check for...

Where have you been for the last five years?Chromebooks have supported Universal Stylus Intiative (USI) stylus pens for three years now in a bid to step away from the annoying inconvenience of Active styli that only work with one particular model or manufacturer. USI stylus pens are compatible with all USI-enabled Chromebooks, and because they don't need to be paired with the laptop in order to work, you can use one with any and every Chromebook you come across so long as it supports the protocol (which all the best Chromebooks of the last three years do).While we've seen a handful of models from Lenovo, HP, and third-party manufacturers, they've so far been a bit lackluster. Only HP offers a rechargeable stylus rather than one using batteries you have to replace every several months, and all have been rather boring in the design department too. Thankfully, Logitech spiced up its shiny new Logitech Pen in its quest to make a Chromebook counterpart to the Logitech Crayon.Logitec...

Got the latest Galaxy smartphone? Apple doesn't care.What you need to knowApple has slashed the trade-in values for many Android smartphones.The most significant cuts are applied to Samsung's best and latest smartphones.Some of Apple's own products are seeing reduced trade-in values as well.Your Galaxy S21 is so 2021, at least according to Apple, which has reportedly slashed the trade-in values for several flagship Android smartphones.The changes were reported by MacRumors, who compiled a list of devices with their old and new trade-in values. The list consists only of Samsung and Google phones, with Galaxy devices seeing the largest cuts. Interestingly, you'll still get more for the 2020 Galaxy Note 20 than you will for a 2021 Galaxy S21+.You can check below to see what some of the best Android phones are worth to Apple:Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - $260 (previously $325)Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G - $325 (previously $435)Samsung Galaxy S20+ - $205 (previously $275)Samsung ...

If you live in one of the first supported regions, you could be first in line to play Android games on PC.What you need to knowGoogle Play Games is a platform containing thousands of the best mobile games on Android and Chromebook devices.During The Game Awards 2021, Google announced its intention to bring Google Play Games to Windows PCs in 2022.On Wednesday, the company announced the first beta for the release is coming to Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan regions.Interested users can sign-up now to participate in the beta and play a catalog of Android games on their Windows devices.As we neared the end of 2021, Google shocked the industry with the announcement that Google Play Games is coming to Windows PCs in 2022. The quiet reveal came during The Game Awards 2021, and promises to let users on Windows devices access and play thousands of mobile Android games through a dedicated Google Play Games app. On Wednesday, Google announced the first beta for the upcoming release is ...

Verizon Ultra Wideband test on mmWaveWhat you need to knowC-band 5G has joined mmWave in Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G coverage with 90 million covered on Wednesday, January 19.Verizon expects to reach 100 million people covered in 1,700 cities before the end of the month.Verizon has several phones ready to use the new network including the Samsung Galaxy S21 series with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro coming soon.Verizon announced it would bring Ultra Wideband 5G coverage to more than 90 million people with the launch of its C-band network. This mid-band spectrum between 3.7GHz and 4GHz will enable much greater coverage than the mmWave tech with much higher speeds than were possible with nationwide 5G.While Verizon plans to cover 100 million people by the end of the month, it has had to scale back its expansion a bit due to concerns from the FAA. Verizon pointed out in its announcement that more than 40 countries have deployed on this spectrum without issue.While speeds on C-...

A Bloomberg report suggests Google wants Google Pay to become more of a Wallet than a payment service.What you need to knowAfter abandoning its Plex banking plans with Google Pay, Google is hiring new executives and pushing a new strategy to compete with Apple Pay.Google Pay will become a "comprehensive digital wallet" that focuses more on non-payment uses like vaccine passports.Google has partnered with crypto companies for incorporating currencies into its digital services, but doesn't accept crypto payments yet.Google Pay processed just 4% of contactless payments in the United States as of 2020, according to analyst Tom Noyes. And while Google had plans to offer Plex banking accounts directly through Google Pay, it abandoned those plans late last year.Bill Ready, Google's president of commerce, told Bloomberg that "we have no intention of being a bank" and any efforts to the contrary were done "unwittingly." Instead, it has grander plans for becoming the "connective ti...

If you can't access your perfectly legal collection of backed-up movie copies, you're not alone.What you need to knowAfter rolling out Android 11 to all NVIDIA Shield TV models last week, some serious bugs have emerged.The update seems to have broken Plex for numerous users, as well as Kodi, VLC, and accessing some local and network-attached files.NVIDIA has confirmed it is working with Google on a fix and that the issue pertains to storage permissions changes from Android 11.There are a few workarounds you can use to get some apps back up and running, but one of Plex's issues will require a separate fix, which NVIDIA is working with Plex on. The NVIDIA Shield TV remains one of the best streaming devices on the market today, though some users might be wanting to throw their through a window right now. Last week, NVIDIA finally rolled out the first major upgrade to the system since 2019, which brought Android 11 and a small truckload of improvements. Users flocked to the Sh...

What you need to knowAT&T has launched C-Band 5G in eight metro areas, with growth coverage expected to reach 200 million people by the end of 2023.This new coverage adds speed and capacity to the nationwide 5G network that already covers 255 million people.AT&T has 17 phones ready for C-Band with 5G iPhones, the Galaxy S21 series, and the Pixel 6 series supporting C-band on AT&T.AT&T announced that it has gone live with C-Band 5G in several markets in the U.S. as a starting point for its upgraded 5G network. C-Band uses mid-band spectrum between 3.7GHz and 4GHz to deliver faster speeds and greater capacity than its existing nationwide network. AT&T is also leveraging its fiber network to allow for quicker upgrades and faster 5G.Users with a compatible phone in a C-Band coverage area will see the "5G+" icon on their phones. This icon is also used when connected to the carrier's mmWave 5G; a network that's already live in parts of 44 cities and 30 stadium...

Update focuses on several quality of life features.What you need to knowThe v37 update for Quest virtual reality headsets rolls out with several new features starting today.Apple's Magic Keyboard can now be paired with the headset and viewed within VR.Other features in the update include window resizing, a hand-tracked gesture, and a way to share website links between a smartphone and the headset.The v37 update for Quest 2 and other Quest virtual reality headsets is rolling out to users beginning today with new features focusing on more or easier methods of working within VR.The first big feature is Quest 2 support for Apple's Magic Keyboard. Now users can pair the keyboard to their headset and see a 3D model of the keyboard and your hands while in Home. It can be paired through the Experimental Features panel in Settings and hand tracking will also need to be enabled to work. Developers will be able to add Apple Magic Keyboard and Logitech's K830 keyboard, which has been...

Sometimes, your PS4 suffers from a random fluke and won't stop starting in safe mode. There are several reasons why your PS4 may be stuck this way. The problem often revolves around a loose cord or a console update, but other times it's more complex. So while you're going through this guide, make sure you test out all of those simple fixes first before you take the route of initializing your entire console. After all, while the PS5 is available, it's still hard to get, and if you're still actively gaming on the PS4, you'll need to take care of it as much as possible.Jump to:How to launch Safe ModeUse menu options to get out of Safe ModeUnplugging the consoleDust and clean your PlayStation 4 consoleCheck your HDMI cablesCheck your power cord cableUpdate your softwareRebuild your databaseInitialize your consoleSend your console for repairsIf you're having trouble with your PS5 starting in Safe Mode, you can follow similar steps. You can also access Safe Mode on PS5...

Google's AirDrop challenger will become a lot more useful for homebodies.What you need to knowGoogle seems to be preparing a new feature called "Self Share" for Nearby Share on Chrome OS.The upcoming feature will allow you to quickly send files to your own devices nearby.It's not live yet in any Chrome OS build, so it'll be a while before the feature rolls out to consumers.When Google introduced Nearby Share to Chrome OS last year, it finally improved cross-device synergy between Chromebooks and Android phones, making it easier to share files across a wider range of devices including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. However, it didn't make transferring files to your own devices as intuitive as you'd hope in 2022.That will change in the future, thanks to a new feature Google is developing for Nearby Share. The new feature, aptly named "Self Share," was discovered on the Chromium Gerrit by ChromeStory.The way it works is pretty obvious. Once the feature goes live, you'l...

There are so many to choose from, but what's your default?Messaging has been a hot topic lately, mainly due to the conversation around Google hoping Apple would adopt RCS support in iMessage. In a recent poll, most of our readers indicated that they would rather have Apple support RCS than have the company create a separate iMessage app for Android. We also explore why it's hard for Google to create a true iMessage competitor and own its green bubble cult.However, it's also clear that not every Android user uses Google Messages as their default for texting. That got us wondering about what our readers prefer to use for their primary text messaging apps.What text messaging app do you typically use?There's definitely a lot to choose from among the best messaging apps, and of course, users are likely going to have more than one to converse amongst family and friends. In the U.S., at least, SMS has been the favored method, with RCS slowly gaining popularity, and users generally ...

This connected smartwatch allows parents and their kids to stay in sync safely.As parents, my wife and I regularly straddle the line between giving our kids their independence while also keeping them safe. Some of the best kids smartwatches can act as helpful tools to satisfy these goals. In that vein, the T-Mobile SyncUP Kids is one of the newer devices on the block that many parents should consider.In using the smartwatch for over the last month, my 9-year-old son and I have surely put the device through its paces. There are many wearables to choose from for the youngsters in our lives, but just because it's made for a child doesn't mean it meets the requirements to be worn by one. Thankfully, the T-Mobile SyncUP Kids watch takes children's privacy seriously as its COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) compliant, and has the KidSAFE-CERTIFIED Seal. So, how does using the watch hold up in use? I'd say pretty well.T-Mobile SyncUP Kids review:Price and availabili...

Fully connected smartwatchSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2$199 at AmazonProsOptional LTEOnboard GPSTwo size optionsSamsung PayRobust health/fitness trackingECGConsLTE increases the priceThe Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is perfect for folks who want to be connected at all times with LTE. It's also a great pick for health/fitness tracking enthusiasts. Some perks include onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, music storage, and Samsung Pay.A show-stopping timepieceFossil Gen 5From $199 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSAttractive designGoogle AssistantGoogle PayImproved performanceConsShorter battery lifeNo LTE connectivityOnly one sizeNo ECGAs time goes on, Wear OS watches continue to improve. The Fossil Gen 5 is a prime example of this. You'll have multiple design options to choose from. All models come packed with helpful features such as onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity tracking, Google Pay, ...

The update had started rolling out to Galaxy S21 FE users in Asia last week.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy S21 FE is now receiving its first software update.The update brings the January 2022 Android security patch to the value flagship.It was announced at CES 2022 earlier this month.Samsung's January 2022 security update, which began rolling out to Galaxy S21 series phones earlier this month, has now started hitting the Galaxy S21 FE. As per a report from SamMobile, the update arrives as build version G990U1UEU2BUL8 in the U.S.The first software update for the Galaxy S21 FE only includes the January security patch. It doesn't introduce any new features or notable improvements.While it may take a few days for it to become available for everyone, the update appears to be rolling out to all major carrier variants of the phone in the U.S. — including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Tracfone, and Xfinity Mobile. Besides the U.S., the update is also making its way to G...

PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people. It doesn't help that stock levels remain tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we here at Android Central have seen PS5s stay in stock is between 15 to 20 minutes (often just a few minutes, though). That's also at random times, so finding a PS5 is a truly challenging task. Sony warned it would be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, if not further, but retailers promise more are coming and that Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called the system a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. And after spending over a year with the PS5, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games to the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive trigge...

It previously turned Google Assistant-powered smart displays and speakers into a pesky bedfellow.Update, Jan 19 (3:56 a.m. ET): Google has fixed the issue with the Assistant's white noise sound.What you need to knowGoogle has changed the ambient white noise sound on Nest devices.However, the new sound has clearly irritated many Nest users due to its "quieter" or "muffled" sound.As a result, many customers have been unable to sleep.Google Assistant is capable of a variety of tasks, including lulling you to sleep by playing white noise. However, a recent change to that feature is causing significant annoyance for many Google Nest device owners.Several users expressed their displeasure with the company's decision to change the white noise sound on the Google Nest community forum page and Reddit (via 9to5Google). The change has made it difficult for many people to sleep, which defeats the purpose of the feature.The general consensus among those who've complained is that t...

The 11T Pro is one of the few Android phones to support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ standards.What you need to knowXiaomi 11T Pro has finally been launched in India.The value flagship was launched in Europe in September last year. It features a 120Hz AMOLED display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, and 120W wired charging. Back in September last year, Xiaomi unveiled its first value flagship with 120W charging, dubbed the 11T Pro. Four months after its launch in Europe, the phone has finally made its way to the Indian market.The Xiaomi 11T Pro has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a claimed peak brightness of 1,000 nits. Powering the phone is Qualcomm's 5nm Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.On the back of the Xiaomi 11T Pro is a triple-lens camera system with a 108MP ISOCELL HM2 main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP telemacro lens. Like the best Android phones...

Xiaomi's latest value flagship sets a new standard for wired charging but falls short in other areas.Xiaomi tweaked its flagship strategy in 2020: it introduced the Mi 10 series in the summer and followed it up with a value-focused Mi 10T six months later. OnePlus mastered this dual-release cycle over the last seven years, so it made sense for Xiaomi to follow suit.As a result, Xiaomi's flagship portfolio is stronger than ever. The Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra are among the best Android phones, and Xiaomi made much-needed changes to its software with MIUI 12.5. The Chinese manufacturer also turned its attention to charging tech; it was outmatched in this area by its BBK rivals — with OnePlus and OPPO delivering 65W charging as standard — so Xiaomi clearly needed a win here.With the 11T series, it has managed to do just that. The Xiaomi 11T Pro offers 120W fast charging as standard, with the 5000mAh fully charging in just 20 minutes flat. The phone is also the first in a rebrand th...

But there's one curious caveat to YouTube's new annual subscription plan.What you need to knowYouTube introduces an annual Premium subscription option for individual plans.The plan is available for new subscribers in the U.S. and several other countries.It won't auto renew-meaning users will have to purchase another plan when it ends.YouTube Premium has a lot of nice perks that viewers can pay monthly for, but now Google is providing a 12-month subscription option for those that prefer to pay a bit less.9to5Google spotted the new plan which is detailed on Google's support page. Of course, as with most annual plans, you'll have to pay the lump sum up-front, but you'll get a per-month discount which brings the cost down to $108 for the year. That's compared to the $144 per year you'd fork over per year by paying monthly. That's not a bad deal.However, there are some notable caveats to consider before making the switch. First of all, it's not a recurring plan, so once it...

Yet another preventable "crisis".What you need to knowAT&T and Verizon have announced that they will delay C-band 5G rollout around some airports until an undetermined date in the future.The spectrum in question is from 3.7 to 4.0 GHz and is responsible for delivering next-gen 5G speeds to phones.Airline officials claim that this spectrum will interfere with older altimeters on many commercial and domestic planes, citing "catastrophic disruption" if the 5G towers were to go live.Airplane mode on your phone might become much more important if airline officials' claims turn out to be true. The mid-band 5G spectrum from around 3.7-4.0 GHz was scheduled to go live on January 19 after several previous delays. That rollout is being delayed yet again, writes Reuters, after airline officials issued a letter to the FAA, FCC, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and President Biden himself on January 17. That's less than two days before the scheduled deployment.T-Mobile does ...

Google manages to edge out other Android manufacturers with the Pixel 6.What you need to knowOokla's Q4 2021 mobile report finds T-Mobile to be the clear winner in speed, latency, consistency, and 5G availability.T-Mobile had the fastest median download speeds at 90.65Mbps compared to AT&T at just 49.25Mbps and Verizon at 44.67Mbps.T-Mobile saw massive improvements in 5G speed from 135.17Mbps in Q3 to 187.12Mbps in Q4.Ookla has released its Q4 2021 mobile broadband report and T-Mobile has won every category as well as becoming the fastest provider in the majority of U.S. states. Ookla is the creator of the popular Speedtest app giving it access to a massive amount of network performance information. In the fourth quarter of 2021, all of that information pointed to T-Mobile being the clear winner in all tested categories.The main test, download speed, shows T-Mobile with 90.65Mbps for its median download speed. Keep in mind that Ookla has switched to median speeds comp...

What you need to knowFCC's Auction 110 concluded in November 2021 with nearly $22 billion in bids for the mid-band spectrum.AT&T was the biggest winner with $9 billion in winning bids leading Dish Network with $7.3 billion. There is 100MHz available between 3.45GHz and 3.55GHz, with each bidder allowed up to 40MHz.Wireless carriers have spent and are continuing to spend billions of dollars on precious mid-band spectrum, which is key to building a fast and competitive 5G network. As reported by Light Reading, Auction 110, nicknamed the Andromeda Auction, resulted in nearly $22 billion in bids in November, with the FCC releasing the names of the winning bidders in January 2022. The biggest winner was AT&T, with $9 billion committed and 1,624 licenses won. Dish Network also showed up in a big way with $7.3 billion, and 1,232 licenses won.The list of winners includes several other wireless companies like T-Mobile with $2.9 billion and 199 licenses and UScellular with $5...

The Senate is set to debate on Thursday about the bills.What you need to knowThe Senate will debate a new bill that targets Big Tech on Thursday.The bill prohibits companies from giving their own products preferential treatment.Both Google and Apple have issued statements against the bill.This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to open a debate on two proposed bills that were introduced last summer. However, Big Tech companies such as Google and Apple aren't too happy about the implications that the bills may have on how they run their businesses.The American Choice and Innovation Online Act and Open App Markets Act would prohibit companies from giving their products and services preferential treatment on their own platforms. This would potentially level the playing field for competing services and allow users greater choice. However, neither Google nor Apple agrees that this would benefit consumers.In a blog post on Tuesday, Google's president of global affair...

There's a certain big headline in gaming news this week. Alas, we recorded a few days ago before the announcement went public about Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard for beaucoup bucks! You can rest assured that we WILL be talking about that in our next episode.But for now, there's plenty of other things to discuss — Game length, Xbox One bring discontinued, blatant Wordle ripoffs, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Phil Spencer: Xbox has changed some things about working with Activision | Windows CentralDying Light 2's Techland revealed a 500-plus-hour completion time — controversy followed, but why? | Windows CentralXbox One line is discontinued and not being manufactured, says Microsoft | Windows CentralReport: Sony will continue to produce PS4s through 2022 to offset PS5 supply issues | Android CentralDeveloper...

YouTube to increase focus on creators.What you need to knowYouTube's global head of original content has announced her departure.Going forward, the company will focus less on YouTube Originals and more on creator funds.YouTube will continue investing in Shorts, Black Voices, Live Shopping, and more.YouTube is changing how it approaches content as the global head of Originals, Susanne Daniels, prepares to exit the company in March.On Tuesday, YouTube's chief business officer, Robert Kyncl, announced plans to "reduce our YouTube Originals slate." Instead, the company will focus its efforts on helping creators through its programs such as its Black Voices and YouTube Kids funds."Today there are more than 2M creators in the YouTube Partner Program and our creator community has never been more successful: we've paid more than $30B to creators, artists, and media companies over the last three years." Kyncl said in a statement posted to Twitter."However, with rapid growth co...

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

Good phones with a mixed bag of experiences across users.What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they experienced recent problems with their Pixel 6.Nearly 70% indicate that their Pixel 6 has worked fine prior to the January 2022 update.The January update is meant to address problems that arose with the December update.While it's fun to complain about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and all the software bugs these phones have seemingly come across, the experience has not been the same for everyone. That's why we asked out users if they were experiencing problems with their phones lately.Of nearly 900 responses, almost 70% stated that their Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro has been working just fine. That's been the case for some Android Central staff, who still consider the devices to be some of the best Android phones on the market. However, nearly 30% of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users probably wouldn't agree, indicating that they have been having problems.One reader, Gordon L...

The devices received their last and final update in November of last year.What you need to knowOnePlus has confirmed that the official software support for the OnePlus 6 and 6T has ended.The handsets aren't on the list of smartphones slated to get three years of software updates as part of OnePlus' new maintenance schedule.Both phones ended up with Android 11 when they received their final update in November 2021.It's no secret that the OnePlus 6 and 6T won't be treated with some Android 12 love, and after three major updates and more than three years of security support, both phones will no longer receive software updates.A OnePlus representative confirmed in an official forum post that official software support for the company's best Android phones in 2018 has come to an end (via XDA Developers). Both phones have had their run. The OnePlus 6 came with Android Oreo out of the box, and the OnePlus 6T followed six months later with Android 9 Pie. OnePlus also stated that i...

Backward and forward compatibility comes with a hefty price tag.The Orbi RBKE963 from Netgear is an incredible mesh system with expansive coverage and stellar speeds. This mesh kit manages to be a jack of all trades thanks to its quad-band Wi-Fi 6E connection enabling real-world speeds beyond what was possible with Wi-Fi 6 alone. On the spec sheet, this looks a lot like Netgear's last generation flagship with a 6GHz band tacked on, but in practice, the increase in speed is much more dramatic than the specifications make it seem.In practice, the RBR960 router and the RBS960 satellites have received substantial hardware upgrades over the previous generation. This includes the upgrade to 10Gb Ethernet on the router and 2.5Gb Ethernet for LAN. The satellites also get upgraded with a 2.5Gbps port that can even be used for the mesh connection. With the upgrade to AXE11000 Wi-Fi 6, this is one of the fastest home Wi-Fi solutions money can buy.The Orbi RBKE963's nodes also look better ...

Garmin is finally adding touchscreens to its Fenix line.What you need to knowGarmin's highly-anticipated Fenix 7 series smartwatches are finally here.The rugged multisport watches bring a new touchscreen design, advanced training tools, and a multi-LED flashlight. Garmin's Fenix 7S and 7 watches start at $700, while the 7X models start at $900. Garmin refreshed its smartwatch lineup at CES 2022 earlier this month with the launch of the Venu 2 Plus. Just weeks later, the company has now unveiled the Fenix 7 series of rugged multisport smartwatches.Like Garmin's best smartwatches, the new models have been built for rugged reliability. The watches use premium materials such as titanium and sapphire, and come in three different sizes. One of the biggest upgrades that the Fenix 7 series brings to the table is the new touchscreen design. However, Garmin hasn't gotten rid of buttons. The touchscreen interface only complements the 5-button interface. There are also new protective...

Android 12 is out on Pixels and most recent Samsung phones, while other OEMs trail behind.After about eight months of Android betas, Android 12 officially rolled out to the Android Open Source Project on October 4, then arrived on eligible Pixel phones a few weeks later. But the Android 12 saga is far from over. Samsung, OnePlus, and other smartphone makers are hard at work rolling out stable Android 12 releases to their most recent phones, and Google itself is developing a new Android 12L OS, with betas planned through at least February 2022.Pixel owners will want to know the top Android 12 tips and tricks for their new Android 12 phones. Other Android users are wondering when their phones will get Android 12, and how their specific OS will differ from "stock" Android 12. Android tablet and foldable owners will be wondering how Android 12L will affect their experience. Maybe you're just curious how Material You works.Whatever you need to know, we're here to help solve all of...

Both models are part of HP's all-new Fortis lineup of education-focused laptops.What you need to knowHP has unveiled two new education-focused Chromebooks.The HP Fortis 14" G10 is powered by Intel processors and offers optional 4G LTE connectivity.HP's Fortis 11" G9 Q is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c-powered Chromebook that promises "ultimate portability." HP has rolled out two new Chromebooks that combine a rugged design with advanced wireless connectivity and "immersive interaction."The Fortis 14" G10 Chromebook is "purpose-built for cloud-native learning." The Chromebook is powered by Intel processors and comes with Wi-Fi 6 support and optional LTE connectivity. It is also ruggedly designed, with MIL-STD-810H compliance. One key feature that gives the Fortis G10 an edge over the best Chromebooks in the budget segment is its full-skirted anchored keyboard, which is resistant to spills and dust.The rugged Chromebook features a 14" diagonal display that "gives students the f...

PowerhousePlayStation VR2See at PlayStationProsHigher resolution OLED displayEye tracking110-degree Field of View Controllers based on DualSense techUSB-C compatible120Hz refresh rateConsUnknown priceWiredRequires a PS5PlayStation VR2 is the next evolution of virtual reality for consoles. Taking advantage of the PS5's power, it should deliver performances that weren't possible on the original PSVR. With upgraded specs and a new set of Sense controllers, PS VR2 could be everything players have wanted. What remains to be seen is how expensive it will be and the types of games that come to it.Old techPSVR$334 at AmazonProsOLED displayLarge game catalogComfortable to wewarConsOutdated PlayStation Move controllersInferior specsMultiple cables requiredPSVR is a great option to enter the virtual reality space on PlayStation, but it's not for everyone. Several wires along with the PlayStation camera make it less than ideal, and its s...

It has turned Google Assistant-powered smart displays and speakers into a pesky bedfellow.What you need to knowGoogle has changed the ambient white noise sound on Nest devices.However, the new sound has clearly irritated many Nest users due to its "quieter" or "muffled" sound.As a result, many customers have been unable to sleep.Google Assistant is capable of a variety of tasks, including lulling you to sleep by playing white noise. However, a recent change to that feature is causing significant annoyance for many Google Nest device owners.Several users expressed their displeasure with the company's decision to change the white noise sound on the Google Nest community forum page and Reddit (via 9to5Google). The change has made it difficult for many people to sleep, which defeats the purpose of the feature.The general consensus among those who've complained is that the new white noise is "much quieter" and sounds "muffled." Another complaint is that it loops every 10 min...

Board games have been going through a renaissance over the past decade, and it doesn't take a lot of digging in the Google Play Store to see that's the case on Android as well. If you're having trouble getting everybody together under one roof or just don't have any more shelf space for another box, pick up your Android phone or tablet to grab these board games.It should be noted that finding highly-rated board games on the Play Store is an uphill battle. Whether it's because new updates broke the UI, fundamental aspects didn't get ported over correctly, or the spirit of the original was lost in translation, many of the board games here barely pass my muster. However, there are a few gems.We've also included a couple of great apps to have on hand when you do get the gaming crew together. And when you're done here, be sure to check out the best Android games!The gamesAI Factory Limited gamesAmong the StarsArmelloBetter SettlersCarcassoneThe Castles of BurgundyChwazi F...

The global Redmi Note 11 may differ slightly from the one launched in China a few months back.What you need to knowXiaomi's Redmi Note 11 series phones will make their global debut next week.The phones were launched in China in October last year. It remains to be seen if all three models will make their way out of China.Xiaomi's Redmi Note 11 series, which is currently limited to China, will soon make its global debut. The Chinese smartphone maker today confirmed on Twitter that the global variants of the Redmi Note 11 series phones will debut at an online launch event on January 26.This year, our #RedmiNote11Series is ready to #RiseToTheChallenge!Join us to witness the launch of this legend on January 26th at 20:00 (GMT+8)! pic.twitter.com/uAhHatRcN5— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) January 18, 2022Sadly, no other details have been confirmed by Xiaomi yet. As we've seen in the past, the global variants of the Redmi Note 11 series devices may not be identical to their Chinese coun...

The Samsung FE phones and tablets cater to patient, frugal shoppers. Why not cater more to the irresponsible impulse buyers, too?The Galaxy Note 10+ Star Wars Edition.The greatest trick Samsung ever pulled off was convincing people its "Lite" phones and tablets were actually "Fan Edition" devices. But the last two Samsung FE devices — the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE — have taken the shine off the FE label a bit.The excellent Galaxy S20 FE, still one of our best Android phone picks despite its age, gave us unrealistic expectations for Fan Editions. But Samsung told Goldilocks in reverse with its FE tech: It started with the just-right phone before releasing the decent-but-underpowered Tab S7 FE and the solid-but-overpriced S21 FE.So instead of spending so much time worrying about the Galaxy S21 Lite in all but name, I wish we'd spent more time noting the absence of other Limited Edition phones instead. Because Samsung and other OEMs seem to have seriou...

The experimental feature is rolling out to the Philippines, Brazil and Spain.What you need to knowTwitter has expanded its test feature for flagging misleading tweets.The experimental capability is being rolled out to Brazil, Spain and the Philippines.The test kicked off in August of last year to explore ways to identify and remove misinformation on its platform.Over the last few years, Twitter has launched several initiatives to combat misinformation on its platform, including a crowd-sourced content moderation tool called Birdwatch and a labeling system to remove false COVID-19 tweets. The service is currently experimenting with a new method of removing misleading content from the site.Twitter has announced the expansion of a test feature that allows users to report content that they believe is misleading. The experiment began in August of last year in the United States, South Korea, and Australia. After tapping the report tweet button, participants would be able to fla...

New leak reveals an upcoming OPPO flagship phone with a Hasselblad-powered camera.What you need to knowReal-world images of OPPO's upcoming flagship device have emerged online.The OPPO Find X5 Pro could include a camera system with Hasselblad branding similar to the OnePlus 10 Pro.The leak also revealed more details about the phone in line with previous rumors.OPPO appears to be following in the footsteps of its sister company OnePlus. A new leak has disclosed an unsurprising similarity between OPPO's upcoming flagship phone, dubbed the Find X5 Pro, and the OnePlus 10 Pro in terms of camera.The new leak has surfaced on CookAPK, revealing what appear to be real-world photos of the OPPO Find X5 Pro. The images show the phone's front and back panels, which correspond to Steve Hemmerstoffer's (@OnLeaks) leaked renders.#OPPO Find X5 Pro- Snapdragon 8 Gen1- 2K 120HZ refresh rate LTPO 2.0 display- 50MP IMX766 OIS + 50MP IMX766 + 13MP S5K3M5- 5000mAh battery80 watt wired chargi...

It will start shipping in April.What you need to knowLogitech announced its stylus for USI-enabled Chromebooks.The Logitech Pen is rechargeable and promises up to 15 days of battery life on a single charge.Its soft silicone body and tri-lobe shape provide a comfortable, non-slip grip.The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) was formed back in 2018 to develop a standard for cross-device stylus compatibility, with several OEMs throwing their weight behind the effort. HP and Lenovo are among the companies that have produced touchscreen Chromebooks with support for USI stylus since then.On Tuesday, Logitech announced its answer to the best stylus for Chromebook, compatible with USI standards. The Logitech Pen is priced at $65, which is quite more expensive than most stylus available in the market, such as the Lenovo USI Pen.When choosing a stylus that fits the tiny hands of your kids, it's often best to go with one that has a wider grip. The Logitech Pen has a silicone grip an...

Samsung's 4nm Exynos 2200 has hardware-accelerated ray tracing and variable rate shading.What you need to knowThe Exynos 2200 is now official, with the chipset featuring AMD's RDNA 2-based Xclipse GPU.The GPU includes ray tracing and variable rate shading, and is designed to deliver 'console-quality' visuals on mobile. Samsung says the Exynos 2200 is in mass production, and we should see the chipset in the Galaxy S22. Two years ago, Samsung partnered with AMD to overhaul the GPU on its Exynos chipsets, and we're seeing the first realization of those efforts today. The Exynos 2200 is now official, and the chipset has a host of exciting new features as Samsung takes on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.The big highlight is that the Exynos 2200 is the first Samsung chipset with AMD's RDNA 2-based GPU. The architecture is key here because that lies at the foundation of current-gen consoles like the PS5. Dubbed Xclipse 920, the GPU offers the first hardware-accelerated ray tracing...

The Galaxy S21 FE may be fashionably late to the party thanks to supply issues and all this nonsense (waves dismissively at 2021), but it's here at last with a small price cut and a larger screen. Whether you're picking one up from Samsung or your carrier, your new phone deserves the best protection at the best price, which is why we've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases for you to choose from, whatever your style or budget.Vibrant gripCaseology Nano PopStaff pickThis case has the perfect blend of compact yet cushioned, flashy yet functional. Caseology's Nano Pop Series offers robust protection around the S21 FE's sweet, sweet cameras while staying slim and stylish.$17 at Amazon $17 at WalmartReady to workSupcase Unicorn Beetle Pro SeriesThis mil-spec rugged case uses its size to hold a wide, stable kickstand that works in both portrait and landscape mode. The built-in screen protector has a special circle of adhesive to ensure you still get crystal clea...