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All the pretty colors!Earlier this week, Google let the cat out of the bag on the designs for its forthcoming flagships, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. In the "leaks," we got to see the stunning new designs, learned about Google's new custom Tensor SOC, and perhaps most importantly, we got to see the pretty new colors! Okay, I'm joking a bit, but I'd wager that many of you are going to pick which Pixel 6 you want at least in part based on the available colors, right?True to form for the Pixel line, the 6 series will have some fun colors for us to choose from in addition to more traditional offerings like white/silver and black. In fact, as our own Nicholas Sutrich pointed out, these colors harken back to some of the most beloved Pixel (and Nexus) phones of the past few years, a nice touch indeed!The "regular" Pixel 6 will be available in a light orange reminiscent of the Pixel 4 lineup, a sage green that looks a lot like that on the Pixel 5, and a matte black color. The Pixel 6 P...

The Galaxy Buds 2 are turning out to be an affordable version of the Buds Pro.What you need to knowMore details about Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds 2 have leaked.The leak suggests the earbuds will include active noise cancellation, contrary to previous rumors.Samsung could unveil the earbuds at its Galaxy Unpacked event next week.Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds 2 could come with active noise cancellation (ANC), among other specs that have surfaced in a fresh leak, revealing some promising details about the earbuds. The new leak is courtesy of a Twitter user going by the handle @snoopytech, and it pretty much suggests some promising improvements from the previous-generation Buds.The Buds 2 could last up to 28 hours with ANC turned off, thanks to their supposed 61mAh battery per earbud and 472mAh battery for the charging case. That's 8 hours on a single charge and 20 hours from the charging case. Otherwise, the battery could get you up to 18 hours of use (5 hours on a singl...

A familiar design that has trimmed down where it counts most while increasing performance and battery.With the TicWatch Pro 3 smartwatch, Mobvoi seems to be trying to make a name as something more than just a Wear OS watchmaker with low-cost devices that performs okay for the price. That started with the TicWatch E in 2017, but it wasn't until the Pro line of watches came shortly after that Mobvoi moved to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 series of processors that debuted in 2016. Unfortunately, the company stayed with that SoC for every watch since — that changes with the TicWatch Pro 3, and wow, is the change well worth it.Now, I've owned watches from Huawei, Misfit, LG, and even going outside of the Wear OS platform with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. Unfortunately, outside of the Samsung watch, all of these have had the same fault — relatively sluggish performance. However, with the TicWatch Pro 3 sporting the newest Snapdragon 4100, the overall experience gets a massive ...

The phone is likely to be exclusive to China, at least initially.What you need to knowXiaomi will announce the Mi Mix 4 in China next week.It is expected to be Xiaomi's first phone to feature an under-screen front camera.The Mi Mix 4 is also rumored to have a Snapdragon 888 chipset and support for 120W charging speeds.Xiaomi will finally unveil the follow-up to the Mi Mix 3 5G at an event in China on August 10, just a day before Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event. As per a teaser posted by the company on its official Weibo page, the launch event will begin at 7:30 PM local time (7:30 AM ET).Like the Mi 11 Ultra, the Mi Mix 4 is expected to be a premium flagship that will take on the best Android phones — including Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra. Rumors suggest the phone will come equipped with Qualcomm's 5nm Snapdragon 888 chipset, along with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.Sadly, the teaser posted by Xiaomi doesn't reveal any details about the upcomi...

The best Wi-Fi routers can be lifesavers. The difference between good Wi-Fi in your house and poor connectivity can be the difference between a good day and a bad one. So whether you need something with a ton of speed and connections or just want to make sure you don't drop your connection when you move around your home, there's a router that's right for you. Here's our reliable guide to some of the best wireless routers you can buy today.What are the best Wi-Fi routers?The TP-Link Archer AX21 is the best Wi-Fi router thanks to its AX1800 speeds being enough for most people and offering the capacity for future Wi-Fi 6 devices. It also has an easy setup procedure thanks to the TP-Link Tether app for smartphones. So if you're looking for something to keep up with most households without going overboard, the AX21 is a great fit.The best value option is the TP-Link Archer A7. While cheaper routers are available, the AC1750 speeds should keep up with HD media streaming and browsing wi...

Best answer: Yes, at early levels, Call of Duty: Mobile is going to throw bots at you. You'll fight mostly bots for your first few levels until the game turns you loose on real players at around level 10.Does Call of Duty: Mobile have bots?Call of Duty: Mobile has quickly become one of the biggest mobile games in the world, hitting 20 million players in just two days after its initial launch and rising to become one of the best Android games available. However, after a few rounds of play, many players also started to suspect that there could be bots in the game, helping new players find their feet when they begin.As of now, Activision hasn't confirmed or denied the existence of bots in the lower rungs of the game's multiplayer mode. However, it seems like your first game is almost entirely against bots, which is a real shame if you've got a 7.2 kill/death ratio on your first go. As you slide up towards rank 10, you'll steadily play against a few more players each time. After th...

Save the world with these fantastic remasters from the iconic series.Jumping into the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters without having any previous experience with the original games or their ports was interesting for me. Of course, I had nothing to compare them to, so I can't say whether they're worthy "remasters" in that sense. What I can say is that playing them as though they're newly released — with the knowledge that they're older and have dated mechanics — made me appreciate them more. They're perfect for mobile devices, and while I think it's a glaring omission that they haven't released on consoles, I'd wager that they're some of the best Android games available right now.And you don't even need to use some of the best mobile controllers to play them. The Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters have perfectly competent touch controls, no doubt in part because of how old and simple the games are. As someone with a contentious relationship with touch controls, this is a big plus in ...

Which carrier delivers the best 5G experience?5G coverage is rapidly expanding across thousands of U.S. cities. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have launched 5G networks with high-capacity mmWave and long-range sub-6 bands. If you're ready to jump into a new 5G phone, make sure to keep up to date on which carrier has the best coverage for you. Notably, T-Mobile's 5G network has covered 165 million people with Ultrac Capacity 5G, thanks to the spectrum it got from Sprint. Once fully deployed, 5G service will provide faster speeds and reduced response times, allowing for new services and cloud computing not previously available. However, for now, it's still very much a work in progress.5G is taking hold in the U.S., and it's no coincidence that many of the best cell phone plans now include 5G and most of the best Android phones work with 5G. For now, the major difference between LTE and 5G will be speed, but as coverage continues to roll out to new areas, more services that rely on...

OPPO's new under-screen camera solution claims to solve many of the issues affecting devices like the Axon 20 5G.What you need to knowOPPO has unveiled its next-gen under-screen camera (UPC) for phones.The company claims the new solution strikes the perfect balance between screen and camera quality. Sadly, it doesn't look like OPPO plans to launch a phone with the new under-display camera (UPC) tech anytime soon.Back in September last year, ZTE launched the world's first phone with an under-display camera. While the tech looked promising, it was plagued with several major issues — including poor image quality and inconsistent display quality in the area right above the under-screen camera. OPPO has now unveiled its next-generation under-screen camera technology, which brings several major improvements and promises to take the full-screen experience to new levels.To solve the technical challenges that have plagued first-gen under-screen camera technologies, OPPO has made...

Google is introducing phones that feature custom silicon — just like Apple and Samsung.Google makes some of the best Android phones money can buy, and a large part of what makes its phones stand out is the cameras. Although Google hasn't changed the hardware sensor itself in over three years, it was able to leverage its software prowess to deliver truly outstanding photos from Pixel phones — including the $350 Pixel 4a.While Google likes to focus on software as a differentiator for its phones, the company is now turning to custom silicon to give Pixels an added edge. With the Pixel 6 announcement, Google has confirmed that the upcoming Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will run its custom Tensor SoC, a custom silicon platform that offers huge gains in on-device AI.The custom chipsets could end up eventually powering all of its phones and even its Chromebooks, and with it set to debut in the Pixel 6 later this year, we don't have to wait long to find out what's in store. Here's everything y...

What you need to knowAT&T has the best 5G experience according to RootMetrics Everyday 5G experience score.T-Mobile has the best availability with at least 25% 5G availability in every market tested.Verizon's 5G network has the best reliability for devices getting and staying connected.RootMetrics has released its 5G report for the first half of 2021, and Verizon is the big winner with the Best Everyday 5G experience. This is a combination of RootMetrics Everyday 5G availability, data speed, and reliability. While AT&T didn't come out on top in every category, it scored well enough in all of them to come out ahead with all things considered.Regarding availability, T-Mobile won easily with a score of 80 markets compared to AT&T with 44 and Verizon with just nine. T-Mobile had some level of 5G coverage available in all of the 125 tested markets. Notably, T-Mobile had greater than 25% availability in every market tested, and 72 markets showed more than 85% availabi...

The Galaxy Watch 4 is going to be all about choice.What you need to knowA new rumor claims the Galaxy Watch 4 will let users select their assistant.Previous Galaxy watches only gave users access to Bixby.Google Assistant isn't known to be very reliable on the current iteration of Wear OS.Samsung is gearing up for the launch of its next smartwatch, but until then, there are many questions surrounding the device. With it running the upcoming Wear OS 3 update, one point that remained unclear is whether or not the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 would include Google Assistant or stick with Bixby. The latest rumor might give fans a good reason to celebrate.According to known leaker SnoopyTech, the upcoming smartwatch will allow users to select between the two AI assistants.Also: Google Assistant or Bixby— Snoopy (@_snoopytech_) August 2, 2021It's not much to go by, but 9to5Google was also able to find a line of code in the Wear OS app that may help support the claim:com.googl...

At its Unpacked event earlier this year, Samsung unveiled the latest Galaxy S21 models. If you want to get your hands on one as soon as possible and make a saving, we're here to let you know the best place to pick one up.Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Deals Available NowSamsung Galaxy S21 Deals: Get one for FREESamsung Galaxy S21+ Deals: Free with trade-inSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Deals: Save up to $1,300We've been used to Samsung releasing three S series phones a year for a little while now. Back in 2019, we saw the release of the Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+, with 2020 giving us the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. The 2021 lineup follows that trend with Samsung unveiling the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra phones.Though the Samsung Galaxy S21 devices are still rather new, there are a whole bunch of deals already available at this early stage so you can save money while also pocketing the latest flagship device on the market.Best Cheap Samsung Galaxy S21 DealsThe Samsung ...

We should at least see a bigger launch than the Pixel 5a.What you need to knowGoogle officially announced the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro this week.The company did not provide details around availability, but splash pages give us an idea of where it will launch.Google will provide full details during the launch later this fall.The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are official, thanks to the company's teaser announcement on Monday. And while the company gave us a good idea of what to expect from these devices, many details were still left out, like availability. However, thanks to some internet sleuths, we might have an idea of where the Pixel 6 will launch.As pointed out by Android Police, the landing page for the Pixel 6 is live in several countries, including the United States, making it likely that the upcoming flagship will launch in these countries:United StatesCanadaAustraliaUnited KingdomGermanyFranceJapanTaiwanThe current batch of Pixel phones isn't widely available, w...

Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.Diablo Immortal was announced in late 2018 by Blizzard, and will be the first Diablo entry designed for play on mobile devices. While there are many mobile RPGs to play, Immortal will be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device, and thus carries a ton of excitement with it. Ever since its announcement, we've gotten a slow trickle of Diablo Immortal footage, including some gameplay.With two Technical Alpha's for Diablo Immortal having been released in 2020, Blizzard has also released a ton of new information on the game, including news on how monetization works, gameplay, and much more.Here is everything we know about the game so far.Jump to:What is Diablo Immortal?What type of game is it?What's gameplay like?When does it release?Closed Alpha Paragon levelingPvP gameplay What is gear like?What classes are there?Is it free-to-play?Is there...

Ring is one of the most well-known home security solutions providers and offers a massive variety of products to consider. That's why we've rounded up the best Ring products to help you fill out your smart home. Ring continues to make some of the best home security devices around. In recent months, the company has done a much better job of responding to and addressing the increased demand for additional data privacy controls and promises additional customer controls. With regular releases and new products coming to market all the time, our list of best Ring products can help you pick the best of the best.Best Ring products: Video doorbellRing - Video Doorbell Pro 2 Smart WiFi Video Doorbell WiredStaff PickRing Video Doorbell Pro 2 might require hard-wired power to keep it going, but hooking it up is well worth the effort. Incredible video quality, a super-useful head-to-toe aspect ratio, and radar-powered 3D Motion round out a sleek and attractive product.$227 at Dell $...

Spring's dying network will boost T-Mobile's new network.What you need to knowSprint 3G (CDMA) is shutting down on January 1, 2022, followed by LTE on June 30, 2022.Most Sprint LTE phones simply need a SIM swap to keep working, and free phones will be available to others.T-Mobile 2G and 3G are also planned to be retired with no date set.T-Mobile will contact customers with incompatible phones.T-Mobile has been extremely aggressive in gaining access to valuable wireless spectrum for its growing 5G network. T-Mobile purchased Sprint in April of 2020 and was quick to start moving customers with compatible phones over to the T-Mobile network while preparing to shut down Sprint's legacy 3G and LTE networks. This makes sense as operating two networks with a lot of overlap is extremely expensive.T-Mobile has already taken down portions of Sprint's network, starting with band n41 5G, which has become the foundation of T-Mobile's Ultra Capacity 5G coverage. Most recently, T-Mobil...

As much as we love the functionality that the best Android smartwatches offer, there's no denying that traditional, non-smart watches tend to look much better on the wrist. Thanks to the highly competitive market for hybrid wearables, you have the option of finding something that looks like a regular watch but still offers some of the best features of a smartwatch. If you think this is the type of wearable you're looking for, check out some of the best hybrid smartwatches below!A hybrid done rightFossil Men's Collider Hybrid HRStaff pickFossil is one of the most popular watch brands on the market and its hybrid models are no exception. The Fossil Men's Collider Hybrid HR provides over 2 weeks of battery life and has heart-rate monitoring, activity tracking, smartphone notifications, and music controls. The 42mm case comes in a variety of fashionable styles, too.$195 at Amazon$195 at WalmartRose gold lifeFossil Carlie Hybrid SmartwatchIf you're looking for s...

Chrome OS comes on two types of devices: laptops called Chromebooks and desktop machines called Chromeboxes. While the best Chromebooks are more widely known and more diverse in their options, Chromeboxes are a relatively small market where you have one option from each of the major manufacturers that gets updated every few years. 2021 is a good year to be a Chromebox user, as we're getting updates to the two most popular Chromeboxes on the market. While we may see another Chromebox or two come out in the second half of 2021, the ASUS Chromebox 4 is the one you'll want to buy for the extra ports and the extra power.Best overall: ASUS Chromebox 4ASUS makes some of the best Chromebooks for work, and it's never afraid to squeeze in every little feature and port it can to try and stand out in an increasingly competitive Chrome Enterprise space. This means that whether you're buying the business version or consumer-grade, we all benefit from ASUS's dedication to being the most power...

Set a fire in your navigation system, Spartan.What you need to knowMicrosoft announced a crossover between Halo Infinite and the Waze navigation app.For a limited time, users of Waze get a Halo experience, with a "mood" befitting that of Master Chief or Banished leader Escharum.Users can also represent their vehicle on the road with either a Warthog or Ghost.Ever wished for a SPNKr rocket launcher when traffic was really bad? You still can't do that but a new parntership between Microsoft and Waze might be the closest you'll get. As announced on Xbox Wire, Waze is getting a crossover with the upcoming blockbuster Xbox title, Halo Infinite.Available today, Waze users can choose a Halo theme that further allows the selection of one of two factions: the human UNSC forces, or the alien Banished. Depending on the faction you choose, your vehicle will then be represented on the road by either a Warthog or Ghost. You can even set your "mood" to fit that of the heroic Master Chie...

There's more to say about the Activision Blizzard debacle, including a few rays of hope for change. The team also chat about a delay of Horizon Forbidden West to 2022, the painfulness of SSD expansion options for PS5, and loads more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Activision Blizzard employees walk out in protest of leadership's response to lawsuit. But they're hopeful. | Windows CentralActivision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick calls initial response to lawsuit 'tone deaf' | Windows CentralNearly 500 Ubisoft employees sign letter standing with Activision Blizzard walkout | Windows CentralHorizon Forbidden West for PS5 and PS4 is reportedly delayed to 2022 | Android CentralSony's PS5 SSD storage expansions suck, but only for now | Android CentralPS5: SSD storage expansion guide | Android Central...

The only way to become a sniper rifle-wielding Knight of the Round Table.As Population: One enters its ninth month of existence, developers BigBox VR are ramping up the seasonal content in the biggest way yet. It almost immediately made the list of best Quest 2 games upon launch last October thanks to its innovative free-roam climb-and-glide movement system — something that continues to set it apart in the crowded battle royale segment — and its success caught the attention of Facebook as BigBox VR became part of the first-party Oculus Studios fold last month.Population: One Season 2 was a huge new expansion that saw an entire section of the map remade in a completely new theme, along with a bunch of new weapons and a handful of changes to the game's mechanics. Season 3: Kingdom Age begins with a similar premise — transforming an entire section of the map into a massively different-looking area — but it holds back some of the bigger immediate changes with the promise of m...

Chromebooks are great for work and school. They're ideal machines in between a premium laptop and a high-end tablet like an Apple iPad. But when you're getting productive at a desk, you want the perfect setup. Some of the best laptop stands will help you improve your posture, relieve neck and back pain, and will even raise your Chromebook to eye level. When considering the best laptop stands for your Chromebook, I really like the Nulaxy Laptop Stand. It's simple, yet stylish and accommodates Chromebooks as large as 17 inches — and it's also fully collapsible for easy storage.Best overall: Nulaxy Laptop StandSimple, yet stylish is the perfect way to describe this laptop stand, which is made from high-quality aluminum alloy and rubber. It nicely ventilates heat while silicone pads protect it from scratching you, or your desk. It elevates a laptop at adjustable heights and angles from 3.15 up to 10.6 inches.With dual adjustable shafts, it can accommodate laptops as small as 11...

There are some limitations to the sign-in experience, though.What you need to knowTwitter has added support for third-party sign-up or login with Google and Apple.The new option removes the need to enter your password and email when signing in.Signing in with your Apple ID is currently exclusive to iOS, however.Twitter has made its sign-in process a bit more seamless on mobile and the web. The micro-blogging platform has added a new option to create or log in to your account using your Google account or Apple ID.The new sign-in experience allows you to sign up or log in with Google or Apple without having to enter an email address and password, providing a more streamlined approach to Twitter's regular process. The new feature went live on Twitter Beta for Google accounts last month, but now it's rolling out more widely on mobile and the web.Sign on with ease and start scrolling your timeline. Now, when you log in or sign up to join the conversation on Twitter, you have...

Pokémon Unite is officially out for the Nintendo Switch now. While it won't be releasing for Android devices until later this year in September 2021, fans can already begin to look ahead to figure out which potential Pokémon they'll want to use in what promises to be one of the best Android games out.For those unaware, Pokémon Unite pits teams of five trainers against each other, each armed with just a single Pokémon. Pokémon can evolve, hold items to improve their standing, and even learn new moves during battle. Here are all of the Pokémon Unite playable Pokémon characters so far.Jump to:Pokémon Unite rosterRoles and Battle Type systemsAre more Pokémon coming?Pokémon licensesAre any Pokémon free? Pokémon Unite playable charactersOnly 21 Pokémon are currently available in the game, each broken up by one of five types — Attacker, All-Rounder, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter. More Pokémon are set to arrive in the future, but these all will def...

Samsung "failed to take advantage of Huawei's demise" in Europe.What you need to knowThe latest research from Strategy Analytics claims Xiaomi was the top smartphone vendor in Europe in Q2 2021.Xiaomi reportedly captured a 25% market share with a strong 67.1% YoY growth in shipments. Samsung's smartphone shipments, on the other hand, declined 7% YoY.Xiaomi overtook Samsung to become the top smartphone vendor in Europe in the second quarter of 2021, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. Xiaomi's smartphone shipments in the old continent grew by an impressive 67.1% YoY to reach 12.7 million units in the April to June quarter. The continued economic recovery and strong demand from consumers helped the European smartphone market achieve a string 14% YoY growth to 50 million units in the second quarter.Samsung, which led the European smartphone market until Q1 2021, shipped 12 million phones in Europe in the second quarter, down 7% compared to the same peri...

Meet one of the best-priced robot vacuum and empty-station bundles out there.The best robot vacuums make your life so much easier as they can reliably pick up debris from your floors and keep your home looking tidy. The only thing that makes these units even more appealing is having an auto-emptying station where the vacuum can go to empty its dustbin, so you don't have to remember to empty it yourself.The Yeedi Vac Station debuted recently, and it's one of the best-priced robot vacuum and empty station combos you'll find on the market. The vacuum and app work incredibly well, letting you set up schedules and settings that specifically fit your home. However, if you own pets that shed on your floors, I strongly urge you to consider a different empty station.Yeedi Vac Station review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodCompetitionShould you buy?Yeedi Vac Station ...

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

Realme's new MagDart system delivers much faster charging speeds than Apple's MagSafe.What you need to knowRealme has announced the first MagSafe clone for Android.Realme MagDart supports up to 50W wireless charging speeds.There's no word yet on when the first phone with MagDart will go on sale. Realme today announced its first magnetic wireless charging solution, dubbed MagDart. As suggested by leaked images last week, MagDart is basically the company's version of MagSafe.While Apple's MagSafe maxes out at 15W, Realme's MagDart supports significantly higher 50W charging speeds. Like MagSafe, Realme's MagDart uses magnets integrated into the back of the phone to keep the wireless charger in place. MagDart's magnetic force is set at 5N, which allows it to hold objects up to 0.5kg (1.1 lbs). To reduce heat while charging, It also utilizes an extra-large low impedance copper coil to achieve a higher heat conversion efficiency.The 50W MagDart charger has an active air co...

New and exciting PS4 releases seem to come out each month, giving dedicated gamers plenty of worlds to choose from. With the PS5 officially here, fans now keep track of multiple new releases and updates more than ever. Fortunately, we've gathered all of the best titles and listed other worthy games for you to consider adding to your collection. Here are all the PS4 and PS5 releases to look out for in August.★ An enhanced take August 20Ghost of Tsushima Director's CutStaff PickGhost of Tsushima Director's Cut offers players the chance to jump into Ghost of Tsushima's stunning and beautiful world on new consoles. With the game getting a "next-gen" treatment, Ghost of Tsushima now packages all of its content and even adds in some new stories for veterans of the series to experience. Better yet, the game will look even better than it did when it initially launched, as it will take advantage of the PlayStation 5's high speeds and more powerful system.$70 at AmazonAugus...

An homage to the lineage that got Google to get serious about its smartphones.It's been a very, very long time coming, but the first true premium Pixel phone is coming this fall, and Google isn't skimping on the specs or the colors for its release. In fact, if you take a look at all the phones that Google has had a hand in making over the years — whether it was the Nexus series that Google made in partnership with a specific Android OEM at the time, or the Pixel series formed during HTC's slow downfall — the Pixel 6 feels like the first "real" Pixel in almost every way.While it hasn't stopped Google's phones from regularly making it on the list of best Android phones you can buy, Pixels have always been a tightly focused experience to a fault. Nexus phones were fun but lacked polish. The original Pixel had a great camera but a lackluster design and terrible speakers. The Pixel 4 had awful battery life, and the Pixel 5 didn't ship with flagship specs.But what these phones la...

Whether you're pulling your brilliant new Chromebook out of the box, were handed down a Chromebook from a parent or sibling, or you just power washed yours to start fresh, setting up a Chromebook is drop-dead easy. You can probably do it in the space of a commercial break while watching your favorite TV show, and so long as you're somewhere with reliable Wi-Fi, you can do it basically anywhere. So when you're under some blankets in bed or sitting in the office with your newly-issued work laptop, here's how to set up your Chromebook.How to set up ChromebookBefore you get started, your Chromebook probably came from the factory with a mostly full battery. Still, it's probably a good idea to plug your Chromebook in and fully charge it before beginning your setup.Open the lid of your Chromebook to turn it on.Tap You if setting the Chromebook up for yourself or Your child if you intend to. Enter the email address of your Google account. If setting up a child's Chromebook, either s...

Here's what Google has in store for its sixth Pixel.For the sixth straight year, we're getting a new Pixel. But the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have generated far more hype and speculation, both inside Android Central and out. Whether it's because of their unique new aesthetic, the Google-made Tensor chipset powering them, the exclusive Android 12 features like Material You, or the more powerful specs than the Pixel 5, the 2021 Pixels are set to make a big splash.Google officially announced the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on August 2 after months of rumors, giving us our first proper glimpse of the phone outside of leaks. But Google stated it won't unveil the release date, price, or full specs until the fall, meaning there's still plenty to speculate about. From price, specs, availability, and more, here's everything we know (or suspect) so far about the Google Pixel 6.Current flagshipGoogle Pixel 5$679 at AmazonThe best Pixel you can buy right nowWe expect the Pixel 6 to b...

It's not an Island of Misfit Toys if they have a use.When I was growing up, I always used to go to the junk drawer in my grandma's kitchen to find some weird doohickey that would keep me occupied for the afternoon. This treasure trove of forgotten devices might look a little different in a modern home. Maybe it's got an old smartphone that you held onto for a backup (and never went back to) or a portable hard drive you haven't used in years.The process of taking something old and making it new again is known as "upcycling," and it's exactly what we're aiming to accomplish here. We hope these ideas can help turn those useless digital paperweights into a new gadget that'll make your life a little more pleasant.Jump to:Replacing the TV remoteA smart home controllerA Google Home or Alexa speakerTurning your Galaxy phone into a light or sound sensorA baby monitorAn alarm clockA dedicated smart home networkA portable video game consoleDo-it-yourself NASAn infotainment c...

The update also brings a bunch of other new features.What you need to knowTelegram is rolling out a major update with a bunch of new video-focused features.Group video calls on Telegram can now have up to 1,000 viewers. The update also adds support for screen sharing with sound to one-on-one video calls. Telegram has announced a big new update that "takes video "to the next level." The popular messaging app has made improvements to nearly every video-focused feature — including group video calls, video messages, and the media player.Group video calls on Telegram can now have a total of 1,000 viewers. However, the app still allows only up to 30 participants to broadcast video. Telegram is also improving its Video messages feature by adding support for higher resolution. You can record a video message by tapping the microphone icon in the message bar to switch from voice message to video. Similar to voice messages, you'll need to press and hold to begin recording. You can...

A OnePlus 9 upgrade could arrive this fall. Here's what we know so far.The OnePlus phone release schedule used to be beautifully straightforward: the Chinese phonemaker would release a flagship sometime in spring or early summer, followed by a T model with some minor improvements on the original in late fall. Last year's OnePlus 8T improved on the OnePlus 8 with its 120Hz AMOLED display and 65W charging at a slightly higher price than the 8. Simple!But recently, OnePlus started shipping its phones in more markets — and made its lineup more complicated. "Pro" phones appeared in 2019, followed by a surge of mid-range phones like the OnePlus Nord 2 and budget handsets like the OnePlus Nord N200 5G. To top it off, the OnePlus 9R launched earlier this year, which our reviewer noted was essentially a rebranded OnePlus 8T.In the midst of this crowded lineup and a global chip shortage, the big question for OnePlus fans is whether or not we'll see a OnePlus 9T in 2021. A recent, widel...

Running out of storage on your PS5? We've rounded up the best external drives and SSDs for PS5, and now you can use the internal M.2 SSD slot. Sony has finally confirmed hardware requirements for the M.2 slot on the PS5, and a software update (now in beta) will let you use an internal SSD to increase the storage of your console. These are the best M.2 SSDs for your PS5.PS5 M.2 SSD requirementsBefore we get started, we'll need to take a look at the list of hardware requirements for an M.2 SSD to work as an internal drive on the PS5. Sony's M.2 hardware guidelines are pretty stringent, so you will need to pick up the latest M.2 drives. These are the full requirements for an M.2 drive to work as internal storage on the PS5:PCIe Gen4 interfaceMinimum sequential read speeds of 5,500MB/sDrive storage has to be within 250GB to 4TBM.2 form factor with 22mm widthMandatory heatsinkDrive and heatsink height needs to be under 11.25mmBecause of the M.2 slot, you won't be able to us...

MIUI has come a long way in the last two years, and while the interface has received a much-needed facelift and a trove of new features, it still has a few lingering issues. Push notifications continue to be a significant problem in MIUI thanks to Xiaomi's aggressive memory management, but there is a workaround. Here's how to fix push notifications in MIUI.How to fix push notifications in MIUITo get around MIUI's memory management, you'll have to select autostart for apps that aren't sending push notifications.Open Settings from the home screen. Scroll down to the Apps sub-menu. Select Permissions.Tap Autostart.Choose the apps that aren't sending push notifications. Toggle the slider to ensure the apps always start in the background.If you don't see a particular app listed in autostart or are still facing issues with notifications, you should disable the built-in battery optimization. Doing so will ensure that the app isn't being restricted by MIUI's memory managem...

This could be the biggest feature on the upcoming Galaxy Watch 4.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 could have impressive battery life.The smartwatch is said to feature roughly the same battery capacity as its predecessor.Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy Watch 4 at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event.Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked is just over a week away, and we continue to gain more information about its upcoming devices. The latest tidbit claims that the Galaxy Watch 4 will feature fairly impressive battery life, clocking in at up to a week.Shortly after live images of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic were leaked online, WinFuture provided a rundown of specifications that are expected for the upcoming smartwatch, saying that the battery life "is indicated by various sources with up to seven days" (via translation).It sounds like an impressive feat for a Wear OS device and could easily rival some of the best Android smartwatches like the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 GPS,...

A bunch of new features are coming with Chrome OS 92What you need to knowChrome OS 92 is now rolling out to Chromebooks.The update includes the new Google Meet pre-installed as a Progressive Web App (PWA).Google has also re-designed the emoji picker while adding proper eSIM support on compatible Chromebooks.Lost in the midst of today's Google Pixel 6 news, the company has announced the rollout of Chrome OS 92 for Chromebook owners. This comes a couple of weeks after the same Chrome version was made available for desktop and Android users. In the update, Google details changes to the emoji picker, eSIM support for compatible Chromebooks, better support for video calling apps, and new wallpapers.Google Meet PWA is now pre-installedThe biggest addition coming with Chrome OS 92 is the pre-installation of Google Meet as a Progressive Web App or PWA. Last week, Google announced Meet would be available as a PWA, shortly after Zoom made a similar announcement. But Google also s...

We have already rounded up all the best Chromebook options available, but when it comes to the best student Chromebooks, that's a different set of options. Education Chromebooks are designed to withstand the use and abuse of a classroom full of kids, as well as being carried around in an overstuffed backpack. Reinforced hinges and ports are the norm, as are water-resistant keyboards and all-day battery life. These lightweight laptops also have some of the easiest and most useful keyboard shortcuts to help your child get homework done quickly once they find their rhythm. There are many great options to choose from, but the best Chromebook for students overall is the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214. Here are some of our other trusted favorites to consider.ASUS Chromebook Flip C214Best student Chromebook option available nowThe ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is the best Chromebook for students because it provides an excellent experience in a compact, durable package. The 11.6-inch screen i...

The new Google Translate experience focuses on one-handed use, but some elements are not functional for now.What you need to knowGoogle seems to be working on a new design for the Translate app.The new interface makes it easier to access some of the app's key functionalities in one-handed mode.Translate's fresh makeover could launch alongside the release of the Google Pixel 6 devices.Google Translate is one of the company's services that hasn't seen much love in a while now, but that could be changing soon. Google appears to be working on a major redesign for the Translate app.XDA Developers spotted the new UI as part of the app's version 6.21 release that rolled out over the weekend. The latest version includes a new Activity titled "NewTranslateActivity" that introduces a fresh interface. However, some key functionalities in the new UI remain inactive for now, such as the camera button, More button, star button at the top left, and the account button at the top right....

Qualcomm wants you to know it'll still be around, even if the Pixel 6 won't rely on it.What you need to knowQualcomm says that it will continue working with Google on future products.The company's Snapdragon chipsets have been featured in previous Pixel devices.The upcoming Google Pixel 6 will be powered by a custom-built SoC reportedly built by Samsung.The early announcement of the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro came as a surprise as Google provided details about the new phones and the company's custom-built Tensor chip. The chip sees Google shifting its dependence away from Qualcomm for its smartphones, but the chipmaker says it's not going anywhere.As per a tweet by Walter Bloomberg, Qualcomm has declared that it maintains a working relationship with Google and will continue to supply the company with Snapdragon chips for "existing and future products."QUALCOMM WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH GOOGLE ON EXISTING AND FUTURE PRODUCTS BASED ON SNAPDRAGON PLATFORMS - QUALCOM...

Best answer: Google Stadia launched in 2019 as a way for players to access the games they love without needing a console or dedicated gaming PC. Since its initial launch, Stadia's modest amount of playable games has seen steady growth, with a ton of new titles becoming available in the months to come and many more on the horizon.Full Google Stadia game listA Place for the UnwillingAssassin's Creed Odyssey Assassin's Creed OriginsAssassin's Creed SyndicateAssassin's Creed UnityAssassin's Creed ValhallaAttack on Titan 2: Final BattleAVICII InvectorBaldur's Gate III Early AccessBorderlands 3Cake BashCelesteChronos: Before the AshesCosmic Star HeroineCraytaCthulhu Saves ChristmasCyberpunk 2077Darksiders GenesisDead by DaylightDestiny 2Destroy All Humans!Dirt 5 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut DOOMDOOM 64DOOM EternalDragon Ball Xenoverse 2Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive AgeEl Hijo - A Wild West TaleEmbr Early AccessEnter the GungeonEpistory - Typing...

Fixing the latest bugs and exploits in Android every month.Google has detailed the latest Android Security Bulletin and released the fixes for Pixel devices.These are exploits and other security concerns that affect Android as a whole. Issues with the operating system, kernel patches, and driver updates may not affect any particular device, but these need to be fixed in the Android base by the folks maintaining the operating system code. That means Google, and they've detailed the things they have improved for this month.Updated factory images for Pixel devices that are still supported are available, and over-the-air updates are rolling out to users. If you don't want to wait, you can download and flash the factory image or OTA update file manually, and here are some handy instructions to get you started. The company that made your phone uses these patches to send an update out to you.These changes have been released to the people making the best Android phones for at le...

The best student Chromebook accessories elevate their experience in any environment, not just in school. Chromebooks are fantastic for so many people, but there are few environments they thrive in better than schools. Between easy management and maintenance, enterprise-grade security, and drop-dead easy workflow — not to mention all those lovely, lovely keyboard shortcuts — Chromebooks are, in most cases, quite literally, made for the classroom. So before you head back to class for another year of learning and making dope memes with your friends, here are some of the best Chromebook accessories for students that can make your device slicker and sweeter than ever.Expand your spaceSanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory CardStaff PickChromebooks tend to have less internal storage than traditional Windows or Mac laptops, but just about every Chromebook has a microSD card slot to help make up for it. This U3 card comes in sizes from 32GB all the way up to 1 terabyte, but I r...

Making sure your employees have everything they need is crucial to keeping your business on track and thriving. Whether you're managing a small or medium-sized business, Verizon has some of the best deals around on Unlimited wireless plans for your company and even some huge discounts on the latest smartphones.Verizon's Business Unlimited plans offer 5G, data and call filter features that your business can truly rely on with prices starting as low as $30 per line. Verizon even allows you to mix-and-match plans so each employee has exactly what they need for the job.Typically, you can find some excellent trade-in offers at Verizon too; by sending in an older device that's no longer needed, you can score huge savings on a new phone though these offers also usually require you to add a line on a Business Unlimited plan in the process.Best Verizon Business DealsSamsung Galaxy S21 | Free at VerizonVerizon is offering the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 128GB device for free when you...

GoveeUnique and colorful$19 at Amazon (2 Pack)ProsAffordableVariety of non-traditional lightingNo hub required Compatible with Google Assistant and AlexaMusic syncing with certain bulbs ConsLimited selection of standard bulbsFewer third-party partners Govee can help you light up your home with all sorts of lighting, ranging from smart bulbs to lightstrips to TV backlights. Offering 16 million different colors, Govee's mission is to match your lighting to your mood, and it helps you do that through its app or voice control, no hub required. You can even sync up your lights to your music or as you're gaming.SengledStronger ecosystem$46 at Amazon (2 Pack with Hub)ProsConnects to hub or Wi-FiWide range of affordable bulbsCompatible with Google Assistant and AlexaSet schedules and timers Several third-party partnersConsNot as sophisticated as Philips HueHub required for all features If you're planning on introducing smart lighting ...

It remains unclear if the new subscription tier will be offered in North America.What you need to knowGoogle is testing a new premium YouTube subscription tier called "Premium Lite."YouTube Premium Lite is currently limited to certain markets in Europe. Just like YouTube Premium, the new "Lite" plan offers ad-free viewing. YouTube has started testing a new offering that gives users an ad-free experience for a lower monthly price. The new "Premium Lite" plan was first spotted by a user on ResetEra (via The Verge).YouTube confirmed the test to Android Central and shared the following statement: We launched YouTube Premium nearly six years ago to give users more choice on YouTube. Since then, we've been working to build a subscription service that fits the needs of our users. In Nordics and Benelux (except for Iceland), we're testing a new offering to give users even more choice: Premium Lite costs €6.99/month (or local equivalent per month) and it includes ad-free vid...

Material You's bright, colorful aesthetic is too playful and user-empowering for Apple's walled garden.For every new feature in an iOS update, you'll find two "new" ones that Android users have enjoyed for years. iOS 15 will steal Android tools like smarter notifications, Live Text, and Google Assistant-like upgrades to Siri. iOS 14 also took Android features like widgets, PiP, an App Drawer, and app permissions, and put its own unique flair on them. Next year's WWDC will undoubtedly sell innovative advancements that Android users find familiar.I'm not interested in weighing the ethics or comparing iOS's software quality to Android's. Google and Apple have a symbiotic relationship, and the more Apple adopts Android features, the more its customers could see Android as a cheaper-but-viable alternative. Plus, Google sometimes follows Apple's lead on new features, such as its Privacy Dashboard. Imitation is part of the industry. Material You may be the one Android feature that A...