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You'll have to let someone you trust view the location data of your lost device, unless you're willing to compromise your privacy and safety.What you need to knowThe updated Find My Device app uncovers more details about Google's rumored crowdsourced tracking network.The crowdsourced network may allow other Android users to locate a device you've marked as lost and pick it up for you.You can designate a "co-owner" who can view the location of your lost device using a cryptographic key.In June, Google was spotted building its own version of Apple's Find My network designed to help track lost Android phones using crowdsourced means. Now, more details about the tracking network have emerged, courtesy of a new update to Google's Find My Device app.XDA Developers' Mishaal Rahman discovered new strings of code in the latest version of Find My Device that show how the rumored tracking method will work. The app already displays key information about the most recent known location...

Look beyond wattage and price to see what lies beneath.Power Delivery is a wondrous standard that allows us to charge everything from a tiny pair of wireless earbuds to a huge honking laptop with a single cable and a single charger — but not just any Power Delivery charger. You need a charger that can accommodate all the charging profiles your devices use, has the proper power distribution between ports, and offers the right capacity for your portable charging needs.Whether you're looking to try out the one-charger lifestyle, need a new charger to replace your old charger that just broke, or want a new portable charger for your upcoming vacation, here's how to avoid wasting your money on duds and bring home the best PD charger or best USB-C power bank.Speed is more than wattage, so check the profilesIn order for a Power Delivery charger to provide the proper charging speed, both the receiving device and the charger need to support the same charging profile. If you want to...

Samsung launched two S Pens alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Do they both work with the foldable?At yesterday's Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 3, its first foldable smartphone supporting the S Pen. Given that there's no Galaxy Note 20 successor this year, it makes sense that Samsung would expand its stylus to its large-screened foldable. However, Samsung launched not only one new S Pen, but two, and it might seem a little confusing.There's the S Pen Fold Edition, made specifically for the Galaxy Z Fold 3, and the S Pen Pro, which was first announced earlier this year. So what does this mean for the Z Fold 3, and which S Pens can work with Samsung's new foldable?S Pen Foldable Edition vs. S Pen ProAs mentioned before, the S Pen Fold Edition was made specifically for the Galaxy Z Fold 3, so it's definitely compatible with the device. However, this S Pen won't give you all the Bluetooth and gesture features that some may be used to with the newer Galax...

Care for a handful of lovable senior dogs and run your very own sanctuary in Old Friends Dog Game.Spend any amount of time on Facebook and you'll likely have heard of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. The non-profit organization based in Tennessee is exactly what the name implies, a forever foster home for senior dogs. These dogs have captured the hearts of millions over the years, and the sanctuary's motto, "Where love never grows old," rings true time and time again.Anyone familiar with rescuing animals will know that senior dogs are often looked over in favor of younger puppies. Seniors tend to experience medical issues and disabilities in their older age, leading to higher rates of euthanasia in shelters. That, and some families don't want to adopt a dog that only has a few short years left. But these dogs deserve love and wonderful homes too. They're not worthless just because they're not as young as they used to be.Developer Runaway Play was so inspired by the sanctuary a...

If you want to use your wired headphones on your smartphone or tablet, you might need a USB Type-C adapter to do so. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S21 doesn't have a headphone jack, but you can use an adapter in the USB-C port if you still want to use wired headphones. The best USB-C headphone adapter on our extensively researched list goes to the JSAUX USB-C headphone charger, which allows for fast charging while you're listening to your favorite tunes. We've also included a multitude of picks that fit not only fit a variety of specific tech needs, but also varying styles and budgets. So let's get started!Quick chargeJSAUX USB-C Headphone ChargerStaff PickIf you want something that will allow you to use a max of 30w PD fast charging, then this is the adapter for you. There's both a USB-C charging port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on this adapter, so you'll be able to listen to music while quickly charging your phone.$23 at AmazonKeep it simpleNIMASO USB-C Headphone...

The Galaxy Z Fold 3's new display fixes one of the biggest problems of its predecessors.Samsung is proud of the display on the new Galaxy Z Fold 3 and all the work it has done to make it one of the best foldable phones you can buy. It should be — the addition of S Pen support, using an under-display camera, and making it water-resistant are nothing to sneeze at. But perhaps the biggest improvement didn't get a lot of screen time: a new PET layer to top it all off.The layers that make the display have been shuffled around to include support for the S Pen. The first layer is a dual-digitizer and controller setup to provide the actual S Pen support. The OLED panel comes next, and it's covered by Samsung's UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) and a layer of polymer. Finally, on top of it all is a new PET sheet that acts as the new non-removable screen protector. This is the part that sees all the action, which means to the end-user like you and me, it's the most important part.What is PET?...

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is almost perfect, but the Pixel 6 Pro is too good to ignore.As someone who uses and owns far too many phones, one is never truly satisfied with their smartphone experience. One day it's needing a larger screen because my eyes don't want to work right, another day my hands are too tired and I want something light and portable. But no matter what the case is, I'm always on the lookout for the "next best thing."But it's an uphill battle as the phone that I truly want has not yet been available, and that's a flagship-level Pixel with all of the bells and whistles. However, thanks to Google's decision to show off the Pixel 6 Pro ahead of its launch this fall, it may just be the phone that I'm looking for. From its sleek and phenomenal-looking design to the vastly improved (fingers crossed) camera system, the 6 Pro could provide everything one could want from a non-folding phone.Now that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is official, this is the most exciting update to folding...

The retail giant will take matters into its own hands if sellers fail to address consumer complaints.What you need to knowAmazon has updated its returns policy to help consumers more easily file complaints about defective products.The company will step in to directly pay valid claims if the seller concerned is unresponsive.The expanded policy will take effect beginning September 1.Amazon typically addresses consumer complaints about defective products by directing customers to third-party sellers, essentially avoiding any sort of liability. Soon, the retail giant will directly handle the resolution of customer complaints relating to property damage and personal injury.The company has updated its two-decade-old A-to-Z guarantee to make it easier for consumers to be compensated if they've been harmed by a third-party product sold through Amazon, assuming the claim is valid. The A-to-Z guarantee is Amazon's returns policy that aims to protect consumers from defective product...

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 than a bad fall because it slipped out of your sweaty palms, so 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 dependable grip as well as an easy way to pull it out of your pocket.$40...

Right now, Galaxy Watch 4 owners will just have to deal with Bixby.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant won't be available on the Galaxy Watch 4 at launch.Samsung has said that the AI assistant will arrive at a later date, although it did not specify when.The Galaxy Watch 4 will have Bixby by default, similar to previous Samsung smartwatches.With the Galaxy Watch 4 finally out of the bag, Samsung and Google have both highlighted how Wear OS 3 is bringing new app experiences to the platform. However, the companies have remained mostly mum on the subject of one pretty important experience: Google Assistant.In our Galaxy Watch 4 hands on, Samsung told Android Central that Bixby would be the default on the smartwatch, at least initially. The company said that it would give Watch 4 owners the ability to choose between the two AI assistants, although it would not say when it would happen.It may seem odd that Google Assistant isn't present on a Wear OS device despite it being...

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 while it's still early days, 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 CoverWhile 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 SamsungClean and clearSpigen Ultra HybridThere are precious few clear cases avai...

Android 11 comes just a month before Android 12 arrives.What you need to knowOnePlus is releasing OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 to the OnePlus 6 and 6T.This comes about a month after the first Android 11 Open Beta was released for these devices.The company confirmed the OTA update is part of a staged rollout before it's released to everyone.On the same day that we get Android 12 Beta 4, OnePlus finally releases the stable version of Android 11 for the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T. This comes after the first Open Beta for Android 11 was released at the beginning of last month. And with it, expect to see a lot of changes.The changelog provided by OnePlus is pretty long, but that's not unsurprising given that the OnePlus 6 and 6T are taking things up to 11 with this release. Here's a list of some of the biggest features included with OxygenOS 11:Redesigned user interface.UI enhancements to the Stock Camera app.Canvas feature that draws a wireframe picture to be used on th...

Qualcomm, which owns the aptX Bluetooth codec, describes aptX Low Latency as "audio that keeps up." The implication is that sound will be in sync with whatever you're watching on a screen, which is critical if you're watching a show, movie, or playing a game with wireless headphones. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 stands out as the best aptX Low Latency headphones because they offer excellent all-around sound quality, fantastic comfort, and superb battery life.Best overall: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 (3rd Gen)Bang & Olufsen first launched the Beoplay H9 in 2017, and the headphones have now entered their third generation. They have many features you would expect for the price, including a premium build and comfortable fit, though they are probably a little overpriced when competitors offer the same for less. However, many of those competitors don't support aptX Low Latency, putting these in unique territory for viewing content without sync issues.It reduces the delay...

Free Spotify users will have some limitations, though.What you need to knowSpotify is launching its Wear OS app update soon.The update will allow Spotify users to download playlists and podcasts for offline listening.The update will arrive on watches running Wear OS 2.0 and above, including the new Galaxy Watch 4.Before Samsung launched the new Galaxy Watch 4, Spotify talked about launching an updated Wear OS app that will finally allow downloadable content for offline listening. Now that the Galaxy Watch 4 is official with Wear OS 3, Spotify is reaffirming its commitment to an improved app experience.The company announced in a blog post on Wednesday that it was preparing to launch the updated app for Wear OS users. With the update, Spotify Premium listeners will be able to download playlists, albums, and podcasts to their watch to enjoy tunes without being tied to a Wi-Fi or LTE connection.Free Spotify users will be more limited in their offline selection and can appar...

The OnePlus 8 brings a plethora of high-end specs and features to a smartphone with a very respectable price tag. One of the device's highlights is its 90Hz AMOLED display, meaning you'll want to do everything in your power to keep it protected. The OnePlus 8 does come with a pre-installed screen protector right out of the box, but if that gets damaged or you want a backup. Here are our top picks for the best OnePlus 8 screen protectors available to you now.All around greatQITAYO Flexible TPU Film Screen Protector (3-Pack)Staff PickQITAYO's screen protector is the most similar to what's pre-installed on the OnePlus 8, seeing as how it's made out of a flexible TPU material. The protector is fully compatible with the phone's in-screen fingerprint sensor, is easy to install, and can even self-repair small scratches and bubbles in about 24 hours. The best part? You get a pack of three for a really competitive price.$10 at AmazonNo scratches hereOrzero Edge-to-Edge S...

It's what's inside that counts. But you might not like what's in there.Most people aren't looking to buy the best rugged Android phone when they are shopping because they really don't need one. They tend to be bulky, they usually don't look very good, they often don't fit into pockets or phone holders, and taken together these factors are a bit more than anyone is willing to sacrifice. Thankfully, companies like Bullitt and Nokia make them for those who do need them.For some of us, a rugged phone is a must. Your shiny, thin, glass-backed premium phone wouldn't be able to take the abuse of day-to-day life on a construction site or on the hip of a first responder. There is a market for rugged phones, but since Samsung seems to have ditched the idea, it's filled with phones that don't scream "flagship." Thankfully, they also aren't priced the same way something like a Galaxy S21 is — some rugged phones from Chinese brands come in under $200. But it turns out there is a reason som...

Emergency alerts on your Android smartphone are a good thing — even if they are a bit annoying sometimes!Every so often — or frequently, depending on your tolerance level — you get an emergency alert on your phone. That horrible blaring of the emergency tone, the buzzing the vibration motor, and then the grim news. Someone's missing. Or there's a severe weather alert headed your way. Suddenly and without warning, your phone's scaring the hell out of you. It's bad enough during the day, and downright dreadful in the dead of night.And that's the idea.The U.S. carriers have worked with the federal government to come up with a way to push alerts to your Android smartphone to warn you about dangerous weather, missing persons or other matters of grave national importance. The point is they want you to see this information in hopes that it could save your life — or someone else's.Here's what you need to know about these emergency alerts and how you can control them on your A...

Before I begin this how-to, I want to start by saying that Amber and emergency alerts play a vital role in spreading public safety and security announcements, and these are essential communications. Acting quickly on locating injured or missing children or elderly is also vital. That being said, I am human, and I can acknowledge that there have been occasions where I really couldn't be interrupted (especially by a blaring horn sound), or I was already aware of the safety issue in question. Here's how to disable or silence Amber and emergency alerts on your Samsung Galaxy phone for those times when you need just a bit of respite from those blaring klaxons.How to disable Amber and emergency alerts on your Galaxy from SettingsOpen the Settings app.Tap on Notifications.Tap on Advanced settings.Tap on Wireless emergency alerts.Tap the Allow alerts toggle.Toggle on/off specific types of alerts below.You can also get to these settings from the Samsung Messages app.Open t...

If you have a workflow that requires a second monitor, getting things done on a laptop can be challenging. Lenovo seeks to address that with tablets like the Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 which doubles as a second monitor when not in use. But if you have any old Android tablet handy, it's pretty easy to turn that tablet into a functional second monitor. We'll show you how.For this article, we took a look at a few software solutions to make this work before settling on an app called Spacedesk. Spacedesk is a pair of free apps that runs on your PC, and the other runs on your tablet. They connect via Wi-Fi, making it super simple to use (as long as you have Wi-Fi). We'll discuss this more at the end of the article, but let's get into installing it for now. There are two sets of instructions here, first for your PC, followed by your phone or tablet. Let's get into it.Download Spacedesk for WindowsDownload Spacedesk from the spacedesk website. Choose the appropriate version for your PC (32-bi...

The Dimensity 920 brings a 9% boost in gaming performance over the Dimensity 900.What you need to knowMediaTek has introduced two new mid-range Dimensity 5G chipsets.Both new chips are manufactured using TSMC's 6nm process.The first phones powered by the Dimensity 920 and 810 are expected to be unveiled later this quarter. MediaTek has announced two new additions to its Dimensity 5G family of mobile chipsets. The new Dimensity 920 and Dimensity 810 chips are built on a 6nm process and bring "the latest innovations at more accessible price points."The Dimensity 920 uses two ARM Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5GHz, six Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0GHz, and an ARM Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. When it comes to gaming performance, MediaTek claims the chip is up to 9% faster than its predecessor. Since the chip is aimed at premium mid-range devices, it supports LPDDR4X and LPDDR5 memory, along with UFS 2.1 and UFS 3.1 storage types.It also supports up to 120Hz displays, 108MP main came...

And they don't work at all with an iPhone.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 comes with a new 3-in-1 sensor to measure several health statistics.Data from this sensor can only be read by the Samsung Health Monitor app on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.The Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic won't work with iOS devices at all.Samsung just announced a pair of amazing new watches, but both new Galaxy Watch 4 models have one big downside that's going to limit their market share a bit: all those fancy new health-tracking features only work when you pair your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Samsung also confirmed to Android Central that the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will not work with iOS devices at all. In other words, iPhone owners won't be able to use the first Wear OS 3 watch.Samsung Galaxy smartphone users will need the Samsung Health Monitor app installed on their phone to track data from the new 3-in-1 health senso...

Best answer: No, unfortunately ESPN+ does not offer a free trial anymore. Previously, you were able to sign up for a limited trial, though ESPN removed the option. Luckily, there is no long-term contract and you can cancel the affordable monthly payment at any time.Start streaming at ESPN+It used to be pretty standard for companies to offer a free trial of the service before collecting any money, but unfortunately that isn't the case any more. Like many others, ESPN has removed the ESPN+ free trial, which means you now have to sign up for a full month to gain access to the content. Whether it's a sporting event that you were interested in trying to watch or a Pay Per View you hope to save a few bucks on, in order to access the vast content library that ESPN+ offers, you'll need to sign up for an account.ESPN+ doesn't require a cable log in, there's no long-term commitment or need to pay for an extended period of time upfront, or any thing like that. Once you sign up, you'll hav...

The newest version of Android is finally here, and you can install it right now.After long months of testing, the Android 12 beta is here, which means that the build is now more stable and ready for use as a daily driver.Along with a major change to the look called Material You, Android 12 comes with a bunch of new privacy features that may or may not be useful.The public Android 12 beta is available for Pixel phones along with the best Android phones from the likes of Xiaomi, ASUS, OPPO, TCL, OnePlus, and more (full list below). Here's how to get the Android 12 beta installed on your phone, whether you're using a Pixel or any of the 15 third-party phones that have joined the beta.Jump to:Eligible devicesAndroid Beta program Android Flash ToolAndroid Factory ImagesWhich phones can download the Android 12 Beta?There are nine phones from Google that are eligible for the Android 12 beta:Pixel 3Pixel 3 XLPixel 3aPixel 3a XLPixel 4Pixel 4 XLPixel 4aPixel 4...

There's just one more beta planned before the release of the stable version.What you need to knowThe fourth Android 12 beta is now available.Now that Android 12 has reached platform stability, all APIs and app-facing behaviors are final. Google plans to release one more beta in the weeks ahead. Google is now rolling out the fourth Android 12 beta, which takes it to the "platform stability" milestone. Developers can now begin to finalize their apps for the stable version of Android 12.Once developers are done testing their app for compatibility with all the major Android 12 changes, such as the new privacy dashboard and app splash screens, they'll be able to publish compatibility updates ahead of the final release. Developers who don't have a compatible device to test out their apps can use the Android Emulator instead. Unsurprisingly, however, the latest Android 12 beta does not introduce any new features or other significant user-facing changes.The latest Android 12 be...

With its high price tag and nearly all-glass construction, you're going to want to get one of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 cases around. Even with its unique form factor and build, there are still some ways to add some protection to your device. Here are the best Galaxy Fold 2 cases available right now.Best of both worldsSpigen Ultra HybridStaff PickThe Spigen Ultra Hybrid case brings two fantastic features together. It provides all-around protection without being too thick. The case offers great protection for your phone's front and back by utilizing a dual-layer system with a hard outer shell surrounding a shock-absorbing TPU inner layer. There are also raised bezels that help to keep the screen and camera up off of surfaces.$40 at AmazonLuxury on luxurySamsung Leather CaseThe Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a device with a luxurious price tag and feel, so it should have a case that matches it in every way. Made from high-quality genuine leather, this cover offers ...

The new features will roll out to users over the coming weeks.What you need to knowGoogle has announced new Assistant and Search updates to help you and your kids get ready for back-to-school.The Family Bell feature is gaining customizable bells that initiate a checklist on Nest smart displays. New AR and 3D models in Google Search help kids understand complex concepts more easily. Google is rolling out new Assistant features that are aimed at helping families stay organized and connected. Alongside new Google Assistant features, the company has introduced a few more educational features in Google Search to make learning easier and more dynamic.Google's useful Family Bell feature will be available to ring on mobile devices in the coming weeks to help you stay on top of your routines. The feature will offer new customizable bells as well, which will initiate a checklist on your Nest Hub. Once your kids complete a task, celebratory animations and sounds will appear on the s...

Best answer: Yes. The new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 follows the trend of past models, so you'll have excellent durability and waterproof ratings.Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 waterproof?When a new wearable such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 hits the scene, users are eager to learn about the features it'll have. Whether you're an avid swimmer or someone who doesn't always think twice about removing your watch before a shower, a decent waterproof rating is an important feature. Fortunately, you can shower and swim with the new Galaxy Watch 4.If you're at all familiar with its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch Active 2, you'll be happy to know the successor carries over some of the best features. For example, you'll get a 5ATM + IP68 waterproof rating. It's water-resistant in depths of up to 50 meters, which means the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 can handle splashes, rain, showering, and swimming.Not to mention that it's also certified for MIL-STD-810G durability. In addition to the Samsung ...

The feature is coming to Samsung phones first, with wider availability kicking off at a later date.What you need to knowWhatsApp is allowing you to transfer your chat history between platforms.The messaging platform says it is working with device manufacturers as well as Google and Apple to enable the transfer. The feature is debuting on Samsung phones, and will make its way to Android and iOS devices. WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps around, but a key feature omission was the ability to switch between platforms. Users on Android have to start over from scratch if they want to switch to iOS, and the same holds true the other way. Well, WhatsApp is now addressing this issue by introducing out the ability to transfer chat history between Android and iOS.WhatsApp made the announcement during Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 launch event, and while the feature will initially be rolling out to Samsung phones running Android 10 and above, it is coming to both An...

Samsung made all the right changes with the Galaxy Z Fold 3.It is already nearing two years following the launch of Samsung's first foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold. The phone was a technical marvel thanks to the hinge and the fold-out screen, but it wasn't very practical; dust got into the hinge way too easily, and the screen had a noticeable crease down the middle.Samsung took the learnings from the Fold and made several key changes to the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Last year's foldable had better build quality and a more durable hinge, brighter screens, and better battery life. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was at the cusp of breaking through to the mainstream, but it was still missing that final bit of polish that distinguishes a great phone from a good one.With the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung is taking foldables mainstream. Samsung isn't reinventing the wheel here; the Z Fold 3 shares the same overall design as its predecessor, but there are a lot of under-the-hood changes. Both the outer and inn...

A Galaxy of goodies!The August 2021 Samsung Unpacked event just concluded, and we were treated to a smorgasbord of new Samsung devices. These devices included updates to some of Samsung's most aspirational products, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, as well as new Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Watch 4 and 4 Classic.The premier products were not the only new toys announced, as Samsung also unveiled some exciting new cases for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3.In addition to innovations such as tougher screens, waterproofing, and S Pen support, the new foldable phones are also cheaper than previous generations, which should help in encouraging more widespread adoption of the devices. The Galaxy Buds 2 look to be some of the most compelling mid-range ANC true wireless earbuds, and the Galaxy Watch 4 versions promise to give wearables by Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin a run for their money.Pre-orders for all of these devices are now live on Samsung's website, and t...

More people will be able to use their Wear OS watch for payments.What you need to knowGoogle Pay is getting expanded support in more countries.16 additional countries will support contactless payments on the Galaxy Watch 4.The expanded support will also come to older Wear OS smartwatches "in the coming weeks."With the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4, Google has highlighted some of the new app experiences that will come with the new Wear OS 3 update. Google Pay is among the apps that are getting a redesign based on Material You, but Google also announced that it's expanding support for more countries.As it stands, Google Pay only supports a handful of countries for contactless payments on Wear OS. Google is now adding 16 additional countries to the list, bringing the total to 27. The additional countries include:BelgiumBrazilChileCroatiaCzech RepublicDenmarkFinlandHong KongIrelandNew ZealandNorwaySlovakiaSwedenTaiwanUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesSupport also...

Samsung brings color, comfort, and ANC to its entry-level earbuds.I have a theory that may or may not be true, but it's one I think makes sense. Samsung, in its quest to build the AirPods of the Android world (or at least the AirPods for Samsung users), switched to a jewelry box design because it wants users to think of its products not necessarily as the best wireless earbuds but as a natural extension of the phone itself, much like earrings or a necklace accent the wearer's features without drawing overt attention.AirPods are so good because wearers don't have to dwell on the mechanics of how they work. From pairing to pausing to transparency, they just do. And the magic comes from Apple's ownership over the entire technology stack.Samsung's been increasingly approaching that level of seamlessness with its Galaxy Buds lineup, but never before have all the pieces been so effortlessly integrated than with the Galaxy Buds 2, the new $150 earbuds that complement the existing Buds...

Today, the market is awash with printer paper engineered for various uses. Picking the right printing paper to meet your needs, even for seasoned printers, can be a daunting task. But there's a growing need to do so, especially with more people working from home. There are papers purely for inkjet or laser printers, papers that work with both, and even papers designed for devices like all-in-one printers. Our reviews of the best printer paper available put HP Printer Paper, Premium24, as our top pick. Weighing 24 pounds per ream, the paper is heavy, thick, and smooth enough for both laser and inkjet printing. But there are still plenty of options to choose from, depending on your needs.Best overall: HP Printer Paper, Premium24Inkjet printers recreate text and image prints by spraying wet or liquid ink onto a paper. To create smudge-free prints, you ought to use thick and fast-absorbing paper. On the other hand, laser printers print by melting the toner onto the paper. Therefore...

Reset and recovery for the majority of the former studio.What you need to knowTyphoon Studios was acquired by Google for Stadia Games and Entertainment in December 2019.In February 2021, Stadia Games and Entertainment was shut down, with Google shifting away from first-party development.The former developers of Typhoon have started a new studio called Raccoon Logic.The developers have also regained the rights to their game, Journey to the Savage Planet. Former developers at Typhoon Studios have founded a new team called Raccoon Logic. This studio consist of roughly 75% former Typhoon Studios staff, while the team have also managed to recover the rights to Journey to the Savage Planet. Typhoon Studios was acquired by Google for Stadia Games and Entertainment back in December 2019. In February 2021, Google shut down Stadia Games and Entertainment, pivoting Stadia away from first-party development.Raccoon Logic co-founder Reid Schneider tells GamesIndustry.biz that game str...

It's never too early to find an excellent deal on a new phone. All of the best foldable phones live in a price range that's quite higher than most smartphones on the market, though the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 happens to be one of the most affordable yet.At its regular price of $999.99, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 actually sits on the lower end of foldable phone prices though it would still be a huge burden for some to buy outright. That's where carrier deals and discounts on unlocked phones can be extremely helpful for those who can't wait to get one of these unique devices in their hands.Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 DealsGalaxy Z Flip 3 carrier deals: Free with trade-inGalaxy Z Flip 3 unlocked deals: Up to $500 offWhen it comes to the best folding phone deals, we often see carriers like Verizon and AT&T offering the best discounts just after a new phone is released while unlocked devices can be harder to find on sale at first. However, with Samsung devices, you can...

There's still plenty of Google in Samsung's new Wear OS watch.What you need to knowGoogle highlights its new app experiences arriving with Samsung's new Galaxy Watch 4.Apps like Google Pay and Google Maps are getting new designs based on Material You.Google is launching the new YouTube Music app on the Galaxy Watch 4.Samsung launched its new Galaxy Watch 4, which is the first smartwatch to run the new Wear OS "Powered by Samsung." But Google wants to remind us that it's still very much part of the experience and is highlighted some improvements being made to its apps and services on the new smartwatch.A few of Google's apps are being updated with Material You-based design. That includes Google Pay, Google Messages, and Google Maps. Some apps have already received the new look, such as the Play Store and Gboard, and Google previously mentioned that older Wear OS devices would see these updates at some point.In addition to a new look, some apps are also getting new func...

Finding worthwhile deals on any of the best Android smartwatches can be tough but you don't actually need to wait for Black Friday or the holiday season to score a significant discount. With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic now available for purchase, there are a handful of excellent offers to consider if you're looking to get one of the latest models on your wrist for less.Best Galaxy Watch 4 Deals Available NowGalaxy Watch 4: Free with new lineGalaxy Watch 4 Classic: Buy one, get one freeCompletely redesigned and featuring Samsung's most intuitive user interface yet, the new Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatches offer enhanced hardware performance thanks to Wear OS 3 which is built joinly with Google. They're equipped with Samsung's new BioActive Sensor so the Galaxy Watch 4 is able to monitor blood pressure monitor, detect an AFib irregular heartbeat, measure your blood oxygen level, and even calculate your body composition. That's just the beginning of...

Even though the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is now available at $200 below its predecessor's original cost, you can still expect to pay quite a bit of cash for any of the best foldable phones on the market when they're not discounted. Luckily, there are always a few great ways to save on a new phone for those who know where to look. If you're hoping to purchase the latest device and maybe even save several hundred dollars in the process, you've come to the right place.Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 DealsGalaxy Z Fold 3 carrier deals: Up to $1,000 offGalaxy Z Fold 3 unlocked deals: As low as $999.99Carrier deals will be the most common offers available immediately upon the release of any new device, but lately they've become even more enticing than usual. Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 deals can be harder to find though Amazon and Samsung's website are typically the best options for those looking to buy their new phone outright.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 | Up to $800 off...

Samsung is finishing off 2021 on a strong Note.Foldable smartphones may be out of reach for many, but that hasn't stopped Samsung from trying to make them more mainstream. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the latest example of this, offering a more streamlined design at a price that may still be out of reach for many, but which remains more affordable than its predecessors at launch. In addition, in lieu of a Galaxy Note 20 successor, Samsung has opted to bring its best features over to the new foldable, thanks to improved display toughness and new S Pens.If you're looking for a smartphone that will turn heads, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the device for you, thanks to the versatility of its folding display.Mainstream foldableSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3From $1,800 at SamsungDouble the phone for lessThe Galaxy Z Flip 3 isn't cheap, but that's because you're getting some of the best that Samsung has to offer. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 powers two incredibly vibrant displays, a versatile...

Linksys has been making routers for years and is known as one of the leading companies providing reliable hardware with solid features. Linksys has continued to innovate with its Velop series and began moving into Wi-Fi 6 for modern devices. The MAX-STREAM MR7350 is the best Linksys router for most people with sufficient speed and mesh capabilities baked in, but there are other options as well. We researched for you and compiled a list of some of the most dependable models on the market right now.Best overall: MAX-STREAM MR7350The Linksys MAX-STREAM MR7350 router is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 router that also comes with mesh capabilities. The dual-band connection can deliver wireless speeds of AX1800 with 1,201Mbps at 5GHz and 574 at 2.4GHz. Like all Wi-Fi 6 routers, it is backward compatible with 802.11ac/n/g/b/a and has four gigabit Ethernet ports so you can get your entire network connected.The MR7350 is mesh capable and works with more MR7350 routers as well as the higher-end ...

Best answer: At least 10 smart bulb brands like C by GE, TP-Link, Sengled, and even Philips Hue, work without a hub. But LIFX, although a little pricey, not only makes some of the best smart bulbs sans hub, they also work over Wi-Fi and play nicely with your other smart home gadgets.Smart bulbs without a hubThere's nothing more annoying than spending $30 or $40 or sometimes even more on your first smart bulb, only to screw it into a light socket and realize that those smart features you paid for don't work without a hub — which is, of course, sold separately. This adds yet another expense to your already pricey lights, and setup can get complicated since the hub needs to be plugged into your router. Thankfully, not all smart bulbs require a hub.LIFX is one brand that makes some of the best smart light bulbs that are bright, vivid, and operate entirely over Wi-Fi without requiring any additional accessories. You can link these bulbs to other smart home gadgets like a Nest Ther...

Ah, spam. Not only is it a questionable source of protein, but it's also been the bane of our online existence over the past 20 years or so. Remember how annoying it was (and still is) to receive random, unsolicited garbage in your email? Of course, spam email hasn't gone away, but improved filters and blockers have certainly negated its power to clog our inboxes over the years. Unfortunately, the annoying and unwanted content has found a new attack vector: our shared online documents! That's right, people are now getting their online storage platforms blitzed with spam, some of which are just a nuisance, but some can even be quite abusive. If you find yourself in a situation where your Google Drive is getting bombarded with spam, don't worry, you have options. We'll show you how to block spam in Google Drive so that you can keep your online storage junk-free.How to block spam in Google Drive from the webFrom your web browser, open drive.google.com.Right-click on the file that ...

You'll have to make do without controllers for now.Best answer: Marvel Future Revolution does not appear to have full controller support on Android at launch. While it has limited compatibility with certain buttons, you cannot play it with a controller alone. Netmarble is exploring the possibility of adding controller support in a later update.How do controllers work with Marvel Future Revolution on Android?Simply put: They don't. While you can get a controller — like an Xbox controller — to connect via Bluetooth, you won't be able to do much with it. During my time with the game ahead of its launch, I found that only the left thumbstick would work correctly to move your character. Every other button was effectively useless, and because you'd need to use the touch controls anyway, there was no feasible way to play Marvel Future Revolution with a controller.If you already have some of the best mobile controllers on hand, they might be worth testing out, but you certainly s...

It's not a zero-sum game, despite the outward appearance.For years now, the VR industry has been laser-focused on delivering the highest-fidelity experience they can get. Whether it's cutting edge graphics, extremely high refresh rates, controllers that can sense individual finger movements, or sub-millimeter accurate room-scale tracking, PC VR has been the defacto destination for developers looking to make a name for themselves in an exciting new medium.That is until the Oculus Quest came around. As yet another VR headset powered by a mobile chipset, few expected much of the Quest when released in the Spring of 2019. Sure, it finally supported 6 degrees-of-freedom tracking — that's the term used to denote the ability to walk around and move in a VR game as you would expect to move in real life — but the processor and other components inside were abysmally low powered when compared to a proper gaming PC.Not long after the Quest was released, it was nearly impossible to find...

You won't be able to use it if you're in an unsupported territory, though.What you need to knowGoogle One's free VPN service for the 2TB plan and higher is now coming to seven additional countries.You can share the VPN access with up to five family members.Access to the VPN is blocked in unsupported countries, however.Google is expanding the availability of its VPN service that comes as a free add-on under its higher-end One subscription tiers. VPN by Google One is now rolling out in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom (via 9to5Google).The service was first launched in the United States late last year when Google added new perks to its subscription plan for expanded cloud storage. It comes for free with its $9.99/month 2TB plan or the higher storage plans ranging up to 30TB, providing an extra layer of security for your online browsing.As usual, you can access the service within the One app and you can secure the network traffic on some...

The app has been receiving negative reviews on the Play Store since the forced transition.What you need to knowGoogle has started migrating users out of their free Hangouts accounts as part of the Chat transition.Users took to the Google Play Store to leave negative reviews for Chat.The app has yet to gain feature parity with Hangouts, causing frustration among many users.Over the past few days, Google has been migrating free users out of Hangouts and asking them to swap over to Chat. The move is a part of the search giant's broader effort to shutter Hangouts for good. However, it appears the transition has not been well received by users.Just a few days after the "forced" migration was reported by 9to5Google, Google Chat has been bombarded with tons of negative reviews and 1-star ratings over at Google Play Store. As spotted by Droid-Life, there were multiple sorts of complaints posted under the app's listing, the most notable of which pertains to the lack of features ...

This is just the first step to improve U.S. broadband.What you need to knowThe U.S. Senate has passed a major bill to improve various aspects of the country's infrastructure.Part of the bill includes funds to help increase access to high-speed, reliable internet.The bill awaits a vote in the House of Representatives.The United States Senate has just passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan package to improve various aspects of the country's infrastructure.The bill aims to grow the economy and create more jobs while improving the country's roads, bridges, transit systems, and more. Part of the package includes a $65 billion investment in expanding America's broadband efforts, bringing more affordable and reliable internet to more people across the country. The bill will also help lower prices for internet service by requiring funding recipients to offer a low-cost affordable plan, by requiring providers to display a "Broadb...

What you need to knowT-Mobile is shutting down Sprint's legacy CDMA 3G network on January 1, 2022.On July 9, the DOJ sent a letter to Dish and T-Mobile in which it expects both parties to take all available steps to ensure Boost customers are transitioned off of the CDMA network before it shuts down.Dish insists it is making all reasonable efforts to migrate customers, but a "material amount" will lose service with the shutdown.T-Mobile claims Dish has plenty of time to transition these customers and that it has even provided Dish with a roadmap to do so.The Department of Justice warns Dish and T-Mobile that both carriers need to figure out how to migrate remaining Boost Mobile customers from the old Sprint CDMA network before the shutdown on January 1, 2022. Bloomberg spotted a letter from July 9, 2021, in which the DOJ tells Dish and T-Mobile that all appropriate steps must be taken to transition customers from the older network to avoid losing service.The letter express...

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 has a lot to offer, both in terms of features and design. First, it's important to find a suitable band for your watch. Whether you need a band that's built for high-intensity workouts or you want to dress it up for fancy occasions, there are plenty of options. The Vivoactive 4 works with 22mm quick-release bands, while the smaller 4S model uses 18mm. Not to worry, we've included some of the best Garmin Vivoactive 4 bands in both sizes.Waterproof comfortRitche Silicone Watch BandStaff PickNeed a watch band that can do it all? Check out these silicone bands from Ritche. They're made of premium elastomer material that's flexible and waterproof. This makes it one of the best Garmin Vivoactive 4 bands for swimmers. Best of all? You'll never have to worry about skin irritation as it's lightweight and dries easily.From $19 at Amazon (22mm) From $19 at Amazon (18mm)Impeccably permeableSycreek Quick Release Watch BandThe Vivoactive 4 is a fit...

When was the last time you did a database rebuild on your PS4? If you don't know what that is or can't remember when you last did it, chances are it's been too long. Luckily the process is simple and safe, and while it will take longer if you haven't done it before (or ever), there's no harm in improving your console maintenance right now. Following these steps will remove corrupted data and reorganize your files, improving your system's performance and ensuring you can keep playing the best PS4 games for as long as possible.How to rebuild your PS4's databasePower off your PS4 and do not use rest mode.Hold the power button down until you hear two quick beeps. This will alert you that you have entered Safe Mode.Connect your DualShock 4 controller to the USB-A slot in the front of the PS4.Scroll down in the menu until you reach option 5, Rebuild Database.Press the X button to start the rebuild. A PS4 database rebuild may take minutes or hours, depending on how full your...