Latest from Android Central

Plastic takes the lead, but glass is still a favorite.What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they prefer smartphones with plastic or glass backs.More than 50% voted for plastic backs while 35% voted for glass.Some users expressed interest in metal or other materials.The days of Moto Maker are unfortunately behind us, meaning we're largely at the mercy of smartphone OEMs when it comes to the materials on our phones. Generally, we're looking at smartphones with plastic or glass backs, and while glass is usually reserved for higher-end smartphones and plastic more commonly found on lower-end devices, it's not a rule that's set in stone. However, with rumors of the base Galaxy S22 returning to a glass back, we asked our readers if they preferred glass or plastic on their smartphones.It's not too surprising that plastic was the most popular option amongst our readers, obtaining more than 56% of votes out of nearly 2400 responses. Glass is still a favorite, it seems, with...

See more from your door At A Glance.What you need to knowGoogle has reportedly begun updating the popular At a Glance widget on its Pixel phones running Android 12.The updated widget will be able to show a text notification along with a live thumbnail view from your video doorbell camera on the lock screen.This feature, along with flashlight and Personal Safety app notifications and a new At a Glance settings menu, should be rolling out to Pixel owners soon.Google appears to be rolling out a much-anticipated update to the popular At A Glance widget on its Pixel phones running Android 12. A report by Android Police indicates that the update will enable a text notification as well as a live video preview thumbnail on the phone's lock screen whenever someone activates your video doorbell's sensors.The new feature should work with any of the best video doorbells that are compatible with the Google Assistant and Google Home app, including Google's own Nest doorbells. Pixel own...

CEO of GSMA says the show will only cancel if Spanish authorities advise itWhat you need to knowMWC will continue on with an in-person event in Barcelona.COVID-19 cases growing, Spain saw over 120k average number of cases on Jan. 9.CEO of GSMA says the show will be canceled based on Spanish authorities' advice.MWC Barcelona will continue on with its annual conference in six weeks' time, despite growing concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the spread of the new Omicron variant.John Hoffman, CEO of the GSM Association (GSMA), said in a post on MWC's website that with previous safeguards and the ongoing efforts from health experts, scientists, and the government, he believes that conference-goers will be able to "convene safely" this year. "This new year also begins with more news related to the pandemic. Global circumstance continues to evolve and, one thing is becoming apparent, we will be dealing with the effects of Covid-19 for years to come. In times like these, respon...

The looksAmazon Echo Show 15$250 at AmazonProsLarge display is excellent for content consumptionWall mountableAlexa Widgets are great for glanceable informationPicture-in-picture makes it good for multi-taskingPrivacy slider for the cameraConsThe camera quality isn't very goodVisual ID is inconsistentLacks access to YouTubeAudio quality feels thinThanks to its picture frame design, Amazon's Echo Show 15 looks great on a countertop or mounted on the wall. The customizable widgets make excellent use of the 15.6-inch display, allowing you to see the info you want quickly. While the Echo Show 15 is perfect for content consumption, the poor camera quality makes the Visual ID feature and video calling less than enjoyable.The brainsNest Hub Max$190 at Best BuyProsGreat, wide-angle cameraFacial and voice recognition works wellAccess to YouTube and YouTube MusicGoogle Assistant is extremely helpfulThe display automatic color temperature adjust...

The French developer's Düsseldorf-based studio, Ubisoft Blue Byte is working on multiple new VR projects.What you need to knowAccording to the job listing, Ubisoft's working on VR entries for many of its biggest franchises.Ubisoft initially announced that Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell were headed to the Oculus ecosystem in late 2020.Ubisoft was one of the first major publishers to release VR games.Over a year ago, Ubisoft announced that it was working on two VR games for Meta's Oculus Quest devices. Now a job listing has revealed that the publisher is working on at least one more unannounced project.Last weekend, YouTuber and tech industry analyst Brad Lynch spotted a job listing on Ubisoft's hiring website that specifically referenced Ubisoft's previously announced VR titles as well as one new one.Ubisoft has open positions for Assasins Creed VR, Splinter Cell VR, and then there is also a new “Unannounced AAA VR Project"Content is coming pic.twitter.com/0vHvqIN...

Samsung Galaxy S21 FEUpdated for 2022$700 at SamsungProsModern designVivid AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rateSnapdragon 888 is powerfulVersatile camerasIP68 dust and water resistanceAndroid 12 with three further updatesConsUses the same camera hardware as S20 FENot as good valueThe Galaxy S21 FE kicks off Samsung's portfolio for 2022, and there is a lot to like here. The phone is based on the S21 series and utilizes the same contour cut design at the back for the camera housing, and you'll find the same internal hardware as the S21. You also get decent cameras, IP68 water resistance, a gorgeous AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh, and it runs Android 12 out of the box.Samsung Galaxy S20 FEStill a great choice$580 at AmazonPros120Hz AMOLED panelSnapdragon 865 still holds up in 2022Cameras continue to deliverIP68 dust and water resistanceAll-day battery with 15W wireless chargingWill get three Android version updatesConsNo 3.5mm jackWo...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsCheaper monthly ratesLots of plan optionsUnlimited talk and textFree hotspot accessWorks with most unlocked phonesConsCoverage isn't quite as dense as Visible'sOnly 5GB hotspot data on unlimited planMint Mobile uses T-Mobile to power its network, and with its extensive 5G coverage that means you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plans are sold in bulk, meaning you have a bigger upfront cost but save a lot of money month-to-month. And, unlike Visible, you can use Mint Mobile with just about any Android phone.No data limitsVisibleFrom $40/mo. at VisibleProsUnlimited talk, text, and dataVerizon's LTE and 5G networkFree hotspot accessTaxes and fees includedSave more with Party PayConsOnly works with select Android phonesNo roamingHotspot speed capped at 5MbpsWant access to Verizon's incredible LTE network for a fraction of the cost? That's what Visible brings to the table. For j...

The Magic V is the most powerful foldable phone yet.What you need to knowHonor has launched its first-ever foldable phone.The phone features a 7.9-inch inner screen and Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. It is slated to go on sale in China from January 18 from 9,999 yuan (about $1,570). Honor on January 10 announced the Magic V, the first foldable phone to feature Qualcomm's 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. Just as expected, the phone features an inward-folding design like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the recently launched OPPO Find N.Unlike the OPPO Find N, which is a "compact" foldable device, the Magic V has a massive 7.9-inch main OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and IMAX Enhanced certification. The phone's cover display is a 6.45-inch curved "creaseless" OLED panel with a 21.3:9 aspect ratio and a 90Hz refresh rate.The Honor Magic V impresses in the camera department as well, at least on paper. Honor has equipped the phone with a triple-camera arr...

Stay motivated on your journey to a better you.Fitness is a life-long journey full of ups and downs. Sometimes you may suffer an injury, or life just gets in the way. But, whatever is going on, it's never too late to start or restart. The end goal, after all, is a better physical and mental version of yourself.Though you can go it alone, some of the best Android fitness apps can offer help, guidance, and motivation to keep you going strong. There is integration with the best smartwatches for fitness, making it easy to keep track of all of your workouts. And when you're done here, be sure to check out our awesome roundup of the best apps for Android.The Top 3 apps1. FitNotes2. Nike Run Club3. JEFITMore optionsGoogle FitFitbitRunkeeperStrongWorkout TrainerMap My Run7 Minute WorkoutZombies, Run!What are the best fitness apps for Android?The Play Store is full of fitness apps that give you workout ideas and help you track your progress. Unfortunately, the...

The launch doesn't mean OnePlus doesn't care about North AmericaOnePlus' decision to launch the OnePlus 10 Pro in China first might seem perplexing, but experts say it makes sense from a competitive standpoint. They add that since its integration with OPPO, the company has a big year ahead to differentiate itself. Otherwise, the brand may drift into irrelevance.The OnePlus 10 Pro was announced in China on Monday, Jan. 3, and is a huge departure from the OnePlus 9 Pro by looking at the rear panel, which features a wrap-around camera bump that's very Samsung Galaxy S21-inspired. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau (who's also OPPO's chief product officer) confirmed that the series would be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, making it a worthy challenger to the best Android phones that will release this year.The device will be available on Jan. 11 and will likely launch in North America and other markets later (probably sometime in March); however, the announcement did not include...

The Indian variant of the phone is powered by Samsung's Exynos 2100 chipset.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S21 FE 5G is now official in India.It will be available in the country starting January 11 for ₹49,999 (about $675). The value flagship comes with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, Samsung's Exynos 2100 chipset, and a 4500mAh battery. Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which made its global debut last week, has now been launched in India. Unlike the global variant, which features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888, the Indian variant of the phone is powered by Samsung's in-house developed Exynos 2100 chip.The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a follow-up to the Galaxy S20 FE, which was among the best Android phones launched in 2020. As its name suggests, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is essentialy a watered-down version of the Galaxy S21.The phone sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. In the camera department, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a triple...

This upgrade is an uphill battle for Samsung thanks to steep competition.It's hard to believe that it's been a year and a half since Samsung redefined the "flagship killer" concept with the Galaxy S20 FE. At the time, the phone blew us away with its quality, delivering a true flagship experience for a significantly lower price than a "regular" Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S21 FE was rumored to be released the entire second half of 2021, and now it's finally here.The Galaxy S21 FE debuts with some of the expected upgrades over its predecessor but still retains many of the points that made the S20 FE a more affordable device. You won't find a brand new camera array on this phone when compared to 2020's device — that's a 12MP sensor for the main and ultra-wide lenses, while an 8MP sensor still resides behind the 3X telephoto lens — but Samsung has upgraded the styling to be more in line with the Galaxy S21 and the rumored look of the Galaxy S22 series.The display got a big touch lat...

Max everythingAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max$55 at Amazon$55 at Best Buy$57 at B&H PhotoProsLive View picture-in-pictureFaster processorAlexa Voice Remote includedHDR10 and HDR10+ certifiedWi-Fi 6 supportConsMore expensiveNot too many extra featuresAmazon's latest and greatest Fire TV Stick checks all of the boxes you could want, and then some.Paved the wayAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K$50 at Amazon$50 at Best Buy$50 at B&HPros4K HDR and HDR10+ playbackAlexa Voice Remote includedOffers most of the same features at a lower priceSame great designConsNo Wi-Fi 6 supportUnable to use Live View picture-in-pictureAlthough it's not on top of the mountain anymore, the Fire TV Stick 4K is still the best option for many.It's easy to want to see how the Fire TV Stick 4K Max vs. Fire TV Stick 4K stack up against one another as they duke it out for the title of the best Fire TV Stick. But are there enough improvements with Amazon...

We're back! Ara, Nick, and Jeramy check out the first two new phones of 2022: Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE, and the OnePlus 10 Pro. There's also a ton of smartwatch news to explore from CES 2022, plus Chromebook and VR goodness.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review: Better phone, worse price | Android CentralSamsung's new Home Hub wants to be the ultimate smart home controller | Android CentralSamsung's foldable concepts show how it could evolve beyond the Galaxy Z Fold 3 | Android CentralOnePlus 10 Pro is already shaping up to be one of the best phones of the 2022 | Android CentralOnePlus reveals more details on the OnePlus 10 Pro's second-gen Hasselblad camera system | Android CentralRazer gets its own limited-edition Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch for gamers | Android CentralGarmin Vivomove Sport debuts with a 'hidden' display and an affordable price tag | Android...

Big Red may charge an arm and a leg for its service, but the best Android phones on its network don't all have to be unattainably expensive. So whether you're after the top-of-the-line Pixel 6 Pro or you'd rather save some money and pick up something like the Galaxy A42 5G, there are plenty of great options for one of the nation's top-rated carriers. Here are our top picks for the best Verizon phones on the market right now.Best overallGoogle Pixel 6 - 5GStaff PickThe Google Pixel 6 punches above its weight class with the powerful Tensor CPU package delivering smooth performance on the 6.4-inch OLED display. It comes with two cameras on the back with a 50MP primary shooter and an ultra-wide 12MP backup. This phone also supports Verizon 5G with Ultra Wideband support, including the upcoming C-band network.From $23.33/mo. at VerizonThe complete packageSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - SmartphoneThe Galaxy S21 Ultra is Samsung's ultimate mobile experience, cramming...

Finally got a Google Nest smart speaker? First off, congratulations! Google smart speakers are among the best smart speakers around. The handy devices open a whole new world of possibilities for expanding your smart home. It can function as the hub for controlling and/or tapping into a multitude of smart products, from lighting to speakers, home appliances, security cameras, video doorbells, and more. Plus, you can play music, ask Google questions, like what the weather or traffic is outside or how many grams are in an ounce, hear news headlines, and more. But before you get started, you need to set up the Google Nest smart speaker. Thankfully, this is a pretty simple process.What to consider before setting up a Google Nest smart speakerBefore setting up a Google Nest smart speaker like the Nest Audio, which we deemed the best smart speaker for most people in our detailed review, decide where you want it to live. The best spot is a central location where commands can be heard f...

Get out and put your feet to the pavementFor many of us, running is hard work. Maybe it's a motivation thing, or perhaps it's a physical thing. Whatever the reason, the simple fact is that running is exercise, and exercise can be a real pain.We're looking at some of the best running apps for Android, and we've got a few different kinds of apps here. Some are more of the hardcore variety, for folks used to exercise who may be looking to increase and improve the way they do things. The best part about most of these apps is that they can integrate with the best running watches as well as the best fitness trackers so you can have all of your workout information in one place. Others are more simple — only tracking steps or basic movement. There's a place for all of these, and some work rather nicely with the best fitness apps.The top 3 apps1. Strava2. Runkeeper3. Nike Run ClubMore optionsZombies, Run!Map My Run by Under ArmourFitbitAdidas Running App - Your Sports ...

If COVID keeps resurging, tech showcases could face a reckoning.CES 2022 was half-virtual, half in-person, and 100% messy, with many of its major announcements coming from companies that has already fled Las Vegas due to COVID concerns. With some tech conferences like MWC plunging ahead with in-person plans while others like E3 preemptively go virtual-only, tech companies and journalists alike have to reimagine how trade shows fit into our new normal.Many tech sites and CES attendees have speculated that CES 2020 was one of the original super-spreader events for COVID-19, back when no one could reasonably understand what was happening. This year, CES 2022 took place amidst the raging Omicron variant, with everyone involved fully aware of the risks. "CES will and must go on." Apparently."CES will and must go on." So said Consumer Technology Association CEO Greg Shapiro in an opinion piece for the Las Vegas Review Journal, despite most major tech companies and journalism org...

Characters in higher tiers tend to be more powerful.Genshin Impact, the latest action RPG from miHoYo, has two dozen characters, along with many more coming soon. As with any gacha game, the best Genshin Impact characters require a fair bit of luck and/or money to add to your team. Characters each have different rarity levels and belong to different tiers. Typically, the higher up the tier they are, the more powerful they are. So, which characters should you be hoping for and investing your resources in leveling up? We're here to help and when you finish, be sure to check out our best Android games for even more mobile fun.Genshin Impact Tier ListHow many playable characters are there?S Rank CharactersA Rank CharactersB Rank CharactersC Rank CharactersD Rank CharactersComing soonHow many playable characters are there?There are nearly 50 different playable characters in Genshin Impact. A handful are rewards for completing certain portions of the story, includi...

Using the Quest 2 in a communal space can end in disaster if a person or pet unexpectedly enters your Guardian circle. Thankfully, Meta developed Space Sense, a new detection system that makes people visible when they get too close. It's an experimental, unpolished system that is hard to find if you don't know where to look. Here's how to use Space Sense on the Oculus Quest 2.How to turn on Oculus Quest 2 Space SenseGo to the main menu by pressing the Oculus button on the right controller.Select Quick Settings on the left side of the Universal menu.From there, select Settings on the top-right side of the menu.Next, select Experimental Settings.Scroll down until you find Space Sense. Select that option, then toggle on the feature. You've activated Space Sense!Space Sense registers any person or object within your Guardian area from up to 9 feet (2.74 meters) away, with the color changing from blue to pink to red based on how close the thing is. They'll appear as a ...

Facebook offers some of the best Android apps out there for tasks like video calling and messaging. The OG Facebook platform is full of useful features for social purposes. For instance, you can add Facebook events to your Google Calendar, making it easier to track your schedule all from one place. Here's how you can add events from Facebook to your trusty Calendar on Android phones and desktops.How to add Facebook events to your Google Calendar on your Android phoneOpen the Facebook app on your Android phone.Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.Tap on Events.Select the event you want to add to Google Calendar.Tap on Manage.Select Add to Calendar.Tap Allow to give Facebook access to your calendar.Select the email address associated with your Google Calendar.The process of adding Facebook events to your Google Calendar is much easier and faster on your good ol' Android phone. But if you like, you can follow the next set of instructions to add ...

Amazon recently made it easier to access the most-used features on your Amazon Fire TV device by launching the Alexa shortcut panel. The new features started rolling out in mid-December 2021 and make it easy to review the content currently saved in your Library or to check the weather in your area, among other features. With that in mind, we've put together this handy how-to that explains how to access the shortcut panel on Amazon Fire TV devices.How to access the shortcut panel on Amazon Fire TV devicesThe Alexa shortcut panel is one of the latest features to roll out on Amazon Fire TV devices, including Amazon Fire TV Sticks. While the new shortcut panel functions similarly to the quick access shortcut screen, which is launched by holding the Home button, there are some key differences. Here's how to access the shortcut panel on Amazon Fire TV devices via your Alexa Voice Remote.Tap and release the Alexa or microphone button at the top of your Fire TV remote.The shortcut pa...

The offer works for both new and current Stadia accounts.What you need to knowAT&T is offering a six-month subscription to Stadia Pro for its new and current wireless customers that have an eligible 5G phone and unlimited plan.The promotion does not require buying a new smartphone or adding a line if already eligible.Existing Stadia accounts that have used Stadia Pro in the past can claim the offer.AT&T is handing out six months of Stadia Pro for free for its wireless and fiber users. The offer is available for new and current wireless customers with an eligible 5G smartphone and unlimited plan, or new residential fiber accounts with a qualifying internet plan.The company had been offering six free months of the streaming subscription service alongside a coupon that heavily discounted the Stadia Premiere Edition since last year. The difference is that the promotion is now extended to existing AT&T Wireless users that already own an eligible 5G smartphone, inst...

The best Android tablet available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. But, of course, it's pricey and not the right pick for someone who prefers a smaller, more portable tablet. Still, as an all-around device, it can't be beaten. For those with different needs (or budgets), we gathered a few additional options that will work just as well for media consumption and won't break the bank.What is the best Android tablet for you?Picking a quality Android tablet typically boils down to either Samsung or Amazon models. Samsung dominates the premium and mid-range tablet market while competing with Amazon's cheaper, budget A-models. So when weighing the best Android tablet for you, specifically, start with Samsung unless you don't have much money to spend.There's much more to a tablet than just its display, but it's hard to deny how important a role that particular spec plays. The Galaxy T...

From phones to dongles, CES had a little of everything this year.CES 2022 has come to an end, and it went off without a hitch — unless you count the numerous companies that pulled out of physical appearances at the venue. Regardless, there were tons of companies still at the show, and the ones that weren't there managed to still present some cool products. There was a lot to sift through, but here are some of the top announcements that we saw at the event. Also, be sure to check out Android Central's Best of CES 2022 for even more reveals.OnePlus 10 ProIn typical OnePlus fashion, the company spent CES teasing its latest flagship phone, little by little. We, thankfully, got a full, official look at the OnePlus 10 Pro design, including its Galaxy S21-like camera stove with Hasselblad branding, impressive specs including the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and much faster charging, and the first set of camera samples and features.Although there's no word on its global launch,...

Honor's upcoming foldable phone could be bigger and have a larger battery than Samsung's bet.What you need to knowNew renders and specs of the Honor Magic V have leaked.The leak suggests the upcoming foldable phone will outperform the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in key departments such as the display, camera and battery size.We also get a glimpse of the phone's three color options.A few days ago, Honor teased its upcoming challenger to the best foldable phones, along with information on the device's launch date in China. The teaser revealed an inward folding handset in the style of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, but a new leak sheds more light on the Honor Magic V.According to the renders and the specs sheet shared by Ishan Agarwal with MySmartPrice, the upcoming phone will measure 160.4 × 141.1 × 6.7mm when folded out. This implies that it may be larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which measures 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm when unfolded.There are a few other areas where Honor's first fol...

The premium heft or light and durable?In the smartphone world, one of the main differentiators between lower- and higher-end devices is the material they're made from. While aluminum used to run rampant across smartphones of yore, these days, the battle is mainly between two materials: plastic and glass.While there are benefits and tradeoffs to both, we're curious about what material our readers prefer on the back of their smartphones.Do you prefer glass or plastic backs on smartphones?When it comes to the best Android phones, you're likely to find glass on the back of the device. While glass has the unfortunate characteristic of being prone to scratches, fingerprints, and, of course, the dreaded crack, it often provides smartphones with a more premium look and feel while adding a certain heft that users may appreciate. Plus, the use of Corning's Gorilla Glass makes these phones much less prone to this sort of damage (at least on paper), which should provide users with some ...

Do Google and Fitbit have what it takes to compete with Samsung and Apple?If you paid attention to the wearable world in 2021, you know that the hottest topic of the year revolved around the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatch. This wasn't just another Galaxy Watch; it became the first Android smartwatch to run on the new Wear OS platform — and remains the only Wear OS 3 watch today.If you didn't know, Google and Samsung joined forces to bring Samsung's Tizen OS and Google's Wear OS together into a single platform. While this was exciting news at the time, much of the following news tempered our excitement.We eventually learned that not all existing Wear OS watches would be eligible to upgrade to this new platform — including all previous Galaxy Watch models, which would remain on Tizen OS indefinitely. To worsen the blow, the handful of eligible watches would not receive Wear OS 3 until early 2022.As you can imagine, these realizations were met with frustration by many...

It's now easier to add your YouTube account to smart TVs with a new mobile sign-in option.What you need to knowYouTube for smart TV has introduced a bunch of new capabilities, including a new sign-in process.It allows you to log in to your YouTube account without using the on-screen keyboard.YouTube will also now display the current video playback resolution dynamically.Signing in to your YouTube account on smart TVs can prove unwieldy if you're left with no other choice but to use the on-screen keyboard. Fortunately, YouTube added a sign-in option using a web browser, but a new option makes that process much easier.YouTube has added a new feature that allows you to sign in to your YouTube account on your smart TV without having to use the virtual keyboard on the screen. You only need to approve the login attempt on your smartphone. This eliminates the need to manually enter your email address and password.The new mobile sign-in option was discovered by Android Police, ...

The most recent leak reveals a rather dismal outlook for the phone's software update.What you need to knowA new leak provides almost all of the information we need to know about the upcoming Moto G Stylus (2022).The device will most likely come pre-installed with Android 11 and will receive bi-monthly security updates for the next two years.After upgrading to Android 12, Motorola may not release another major software update for the phone.Motorola was previously rumored to be planning a mid-year release of the upcoming Moto G Stylus (2022). While some of the phone's specifications were leaked late last year, indicating some improvements, a new report reveals a potentially significant drawback.According to XDA Developers, the mid-range phone will run Android 11 out of the box. This means it will be one Android version behind some of the best Android phones under $200 such as the Moto G10 Power and the Moto G Fast (2021) by the time it launches. Motorola is set to roll out ...

A proper media player is inbound.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out Chrome OS 97 to Chromebooks.The update brings improvements to the Gallery app with a new audio player and multi-window support.Chrome OS 97 also brings offline, on-device grammar check.Hot on the heels of Google's major Chrome-related CES announcements, the company is now pushing the Chrome OS 97 update to some of the best Chromebooks. The update features a few notable changes and upgrades for the gallery app, the full-screen magnifier, and more.Probably the most notable changes come to the Gallery app. With Chrome OS 97, users are now able to open and edit photos in multiple windows with different images, which should come in handy if you want to compare and contrast. It's a pretty basic function, but one we're glad has finally arrived on the OS.Additionally, the dedicated audio player is getting a notable upgrade from the tiny pop out it's had up until now. For the masochists out there that pr...

The Samsung TV Plus app is a free, ad-supported streaming service that provides users with access to more than 190 curated channels in the United States spanning sports, news, entertainment, and more. Here's how to access the Samsung TV Plus app on your Samsung TV.How to access the Samsung TV Plus app on your Samsung TVThe most common way to access the Samsung TV Plus app is on Samsung smart TVs released since 2016. An internet connection is also required. If your smart TV meets these requirements, these are the steps you need to take to access the Samsung TV Plus app on your Samsung TV.Turn on your Samsung TV.Use the app bar located at the bottom of your TV screen to navigate to the Samsung TV Plus app.Click on the Samsung TV Plus app to enter the experience.The Samsung TV Plus app should be located on the far left of the screen in a fixed position, rather than mixed with the third-party app. It's also worth pointing out that, while the Samsung TV Plus app was prev...

Good news for Sony Xperia fans.What you need to knowSony details its Android 12 update, which has begun rolling out.The Xperia 1 III and 5 III models in Russia are the first to receive the new update.It's unclear when other regions or devices will receive the update.While Samsung is in the middle of furiously updating its vast smartphone lineup across devices and regions, Sony is finally arriving to the party with the stable Android 12 build for the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III flagships.An Android 12 support page was found on Sony's website, highlighting some of the changes arriving alongside the update. That includes features like native scrolling screenshots, privacy indicators for the camera and mic, approximate location, and improved one-handed use, which is ideal for a phone as tall as the Xperia 1 III.Essentially, these are all features we see on Google's Pixel 6 phones, which isn't surprising since Sony keeps a pretty vanilla version of Android. However, the pa...

Best answer: Yes. The Samsung TV Plus app is free and offers more than 160 curated channels, giving users instant access to content spanning news, sports, and entertainment.What is Samsung TV Plus?The Samsung TV Plus app originally launched in 2016 as a streaming service hub on Samsung smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets. While the platform no longer allows users to rent or purchase content within the app, the Samsung TV Plus app still boasts a variety of free shows and movies across hundreds of "live" channels. It also requires no download, no additional device, and no credit card information. In fact, the only requirement is an internet connection.In addition to being available on Samsung smart TVs released as of 2016, the Samsung TV Plus app can also be streamed via casting on Chromecast with Google TV devices.Channels on Samsung TV PlusThe Samsung TV Plus app offers instant access to a variety of new and classic streaming content across its more than 190 curated channel...

Cutesy and packed with all the pop and EDM tracks you could ever want, Sweet Sins Superstars is a solid free mobile rhythm game.Many moons ago, back in the hellscape known as 2021, I was wholly and completely addicted to just one rhythm game: Cytus II. I still play regularly, and it's still the top dog of mobile rhythm games as far as I'm concerned. However, I'm always willing and happy to give other rhythm games a try, since it's arguably my favorite mobile genre. A friend recently introduced me to Sweet Sins Superstars (aka Sweet Sins 2), which is a charming, free-to-play title that doesn't quite give Cytus II a run for its money, but is fun nonetheless.For any other rhythm junkies out there, the best way I can describe Sweet Sins Superstars is that it's Muse Dash lite. It's a bit less polished, a lot less scandalous, and a little less fun, but Sweet Sins Superstars has something that Muse Dash doesn't: it's free. Even the base version of Muse Dash is $2.99 and the extra song p...

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 January.★ A legendary collection — Jan. 28Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection — PS5Staff PickThe Uncharted video game series is one of the most legendary in all of gaming, and two of the most recent releases are getting remastered in the form of the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection. This collection bundles together both Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, both of which have been remastered for the PlayStation 5 with improved visuals and frame rates.$50 at PlayStation StoreJan. 20Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction — PS5 & ...

What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they were looking forward to the Oculus successors or PSVR2.Nearly 50% voted for the Oculus Quest 3/Pro.Almost a third voted for the PSVR2, with some readers saying they want both.Sony and Meta are gearing up to launch the next-gen VR headsets, and they sound pretty exciting, so we asked our readers what they're looking forward to between the next Oculus Quest and PSVR2. After all, both companies make some of the best VR headsets available and the successors are likely to come with nice upgrades.Meta's Oculus Quest remains one of the most popular devices, so it's not too surprising that about 50% of the votes were for the next-gen Oculus Quest 3 or Pro. Details on these devices are scarce, but we know that Meta will use them to push users further into the metaverse.Sony surprised us with more details of the PSVR2, which is shaping up to be an impressive device. Features like a USB-C connection and foveated rendering should help...

Although there's an all-new PET film and IPX8 water resistance on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, you can never be too careful. Samsung even upgraded the Cover Screen, bringing its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. So if you want to make sure both displays are protected forever, we've rounded up the best Galaxy Z Fold 3 screen protectors.The ultimate optionWhitestone Dome Glass for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3Sponsored PickSince the Galaxy Z Fold 3 already has a screen protector installed from the factory, the Dome Glass from Whitestone offers the best-tempered glass screen protector for your Cover Screen. This kit includes two screen protectors and an installation kit, which uses UV curing light to make sure your screen protector remains bubble-free.$50 at AmazonNo compromisesOlixar Screen Protector (2-pack)Staff PickThis two-pack of screen protectors from Olixar offers excellent protection for the inner display of your Galaxy Z Fold 3. There's an oleophobic coating a...

Take a breath and manage your scheduleKeeping track of a busy schedule full of social events, appointments, and work deadlines can seem almost impossible. However, if you have a handy calendar app in your pocket, you (likely) won't accidentally overbook yourself or miss your niece's recital.Some of the best calendar apps for Android are simply companion apps that integrate with and improve the most popular apps. Others offer better, more specialized features than the big-name players offer. There are even a few calendar apps that integrate and work well with the best to-do apps that you may already be using. Whatever you need, these are our favorites.The Top 3 Apps1. Google Calendar2. Calendar Widget by Home Agenda 3. DigiCal Calendar Agenda More optionsCalendar NotifyAny.do CalendarBusiness Calendar 2Simple CalendaraCalendarMicrosoft OutlookKeeping track of your schedule is easier than everWhile there are way too many calendar apps available on the Pla...

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is here with outstanding camera upgrades, instant dictation/translation thanks to Google Tensor, and a curved 6.7-inch screen with a variable refresh rate. Anyone who's ever owned a curved-screen phone knows, protecting the sides of that phone is crucial to keep it intact and alive. With that in mind, here are the best Pixel 6 Pro cases to keep your shiny new flagship safe.Slim, but secureSpigen Liquid Air Armor Designed for Google Pixel 6 ProStaff PickIf you don't want to bulk up your super-sized Pixel 6 Pro, what you want is something slim but still thick enough to provide some impact protection and significantly add grip. The Liquid Air Armor has great textures both across the back and on the sides, which is why I recommend it over its classic Rugged Armor sibling.$16 at AmazonTerrific two-toneCaseology Parallax Protective Case Compatible with Google Pixel 6 ProWhile the Caseology Parallax isn't packing quite as colorful a lineup as it ha...

You'll no longer be able to adjust the volume on your speaker groups all at once following the ITC's verdict.What you need to knowGoogle announced new changes to its smart speaker group volume controls after a legal ruling.Customers will have to adjust the volume on each Nest and Cast-enabled speaker instead of using the group volume controller.The changes are in response to the International Trade Commission's recent patent infringement ruling in favor of Sonos.Google's feature that lets you control the volume of multiple smart speakers in your house at the same time is coming to an end. Following the U.S. International Trade Commission's patent ruling in favor of Sonos, the search giant announced that it's changing how you can adjust the volume of Nest and Cast-enabled speakers.If you own multiple models of Google's best smart speakers at home such as the Nest Audio or Nest Mini, controlling their volume is getting a bit cumbersome. Google said in a Nest community blog ...

Virtual reality is all about immersion, but the last thing you want is to miss some vital text or email because you spent too long playing Beat Saber. Oculus has added the option to receive Android or iOS phone notifications on the Oculus Quest 2, but you must enable the setting. Here's how to turn them on, adjust which notifications come through, and manage what data Meta collects.How to set up phone notifications on the Quest 2Open the Oculus app on your phone. These instructions will work for both Android phones and iPhones.Tap the Devices icon in the bottom navigation menu.Turn on your Quest 2 and make sure it shows as Connected to your phone in the app.Under Headset Settings, select Phone notifications.On the subsequent menu, select Continue. You'll receive a Bluetooth Pairing Request.Put on your headset and make sure the 6-digit code matches, then select Pair.Allow the Quest 2 to display your notifications.You should now see a Phone Notifications in VR toggle,...

Samsung wants to bridge the gap between cloud streaming and console gaming with its Gaming Hub, a place that brings all of your gaming services together.Television manufactures haven't always done the best when it comes to gaming. With the rise of smart TVs, that began to change. Samsung has partnered with companies like Microsoft and Sony in the past to integrate gaming features and apps, but its latest push is its biggest yet. At CES 2022, Samsung announced the Samsung Gaming Hub, an all-in-one discovery platform that provides quick and easy access to your favorite game streaming apps and consoles.Set to launch later in 2022, the Samsung Gaming Hub will support Stadia, GeForce Now, and Utomik upon release. Players can use their existing controllers to stream games through these apps, and quickly launch any connected consoles directly through the hub.Here's everything we know about the Samsung Gaming Hub.Jump to:What is the Samsung Gaming HubStreaming appsSupported Sa...

Track your eating habits and diet with ease.I recently restarted my fitness journey, and with that came a radical shift to my diet. For years, I thought that if I ate less (or not at all), I would lose the weight I gained since injuring my knee a few years ago. I was wrong. Changes needed to happen, and I was forced to make conscious decisions to upend my terrible dietary habits.So here are the best food tracking apps for Android, which can help you gain some perspective on your diet, just like they did for me. When you've taken a gander through our list, be sure to head over to our best Android apps roundup for some more great app ideas.The top 3 apps1. Food Diary2. See How You Eat3. FatSecret Calorie CounterMore optionsMyFitnessPalFooducateProtein TrackerStupid Simple Macros TrackerLose It!LifesumMyNetDiaryWhat are the best food tracking apps for Android?I'm glad you asked. As you might have guessed, there are a lot of food tracking apps on the Play ...

Like 5G, Wi-Fi 6E leverages new spectrum to enable multi-gigabit wireless connections, and Android phones were some of the first devices to take advantage of the latest tech. Starting with Samsung's priciest flagship Galaxy phones, Wi-Fi 6E now makes its way to a much wider range of phones. Wi-Fi 6E with 160MHz support has doubled Wi-Fi speeds on phones compared to Wi-Fi 6-only devices. Luckily for enthusiasts, the tech is included in some of the best Android phones you can buy.One of the bestGoogle Pixel 6Staff PickThe Google Pixel 6 gets just about everything right from the powerful Google Tensor CPU under the hood to the dual cameras on the back. It's got a large 4614mAh battery to keep it powered all day and comes with Google's most up-to-date version of Android. It also comes with IP68 water resistance and comes in three nice colors.$599 at Amazon $599 at Best Buy $599 at B&HThe whole packageSamsung Galaxy S21 UltraThe Galaxy S21 Ultra has been arou...

Perhaps it was because of the abbreviated schedule, or maybe it was the smaller numbers of in-person attendees and exhibitors, but it sure felt to us like CES 2022 came and went quicker than ever before. Yet even though it was a bit of an unorthodox event, we still saw some pretty amazing tech come out of this year's Consumer Electronics Show.Our team has been closely following all of the exciting announcements coming out of Vegas, and we've compiled a list of some of the favorite products and initiatives we saw this week. Here are the ones we've crowned with our Best of CES 2022 awards!Best of CES 2022TCL NXTWEAR AIRNews coverageSmarter glassesSmart glasses represent a nascent, but quickly evolving, category of coverage here on AC. TCL has continued to iterate on its spectacles, taking studio glasses to the next level by allowing you to watch your entertainment with its NXTWEAR series. The original NXTWEAR G looked cool, but its design was marred by its bulkiness. Th...

The regular Pixel 6 was the only one to get actual color options and not just metallic shades, and we deserve to flaunt those fun colors and bold accents around that eye-catching camera bar stretching across the back. This is one of the best Android phones with half a decade of updates ahead of it, and if you want your new phone to last that long, you need to grab one of the best Pixel 6 cases you can.Come to the dark sideCaseology Parallax for Google Pixel 6Staff PickWhile not many cases yet highlight that pop of red at the top of the Kinda Coral Pixel 6, Caseology leaped right in. So whether you're tracking rebel scum across the galaxy or lording over your domain, the Parallax will help you keep an iron grip upon your Pixel 6, thanks to the new diamond grip pads along the bumper.$15 at Amazon $15 at WalmartBe still, my blue heartBellroy Leather Case for Pixel 6We might not be getting a fabric case for the Pixel 6 this year, but at least Bellroy is back with anot...

There's plenty to look forward to in the world of Android this year.Google and Samsung dominate the conversation around Android (for obvious reasons), but dozens of players from all over the world contribute to the broader Android ecosystem. Chinese phone manufacturers like Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are increasingly focusing on western markets, and Amazfit and Mobvoi are doing all the right things on the wearable front.In short, there are many exciting developments in the Android ecosystem right now, and these are the brands that you should pay more attention to this year.OnePlus, OPPO, and VivoThe BBK triumvirate of OnePlus, OPPO, and Vivo had a good 2021, and they're looking to continue their strong showing. OPPO kicked things off in style with the Find N, a creaseless foldable that gives us an early look at what's possible in this category in the coming years.OPPO and Vivo dominated sales in China last year, but they also did well in global markets — particularly in the...

Mint Mobile is a prepaid carrier operating on T-Mobile's network that sells its plans in multi-month bundles so you can save money. You can buy three, six, or 12 months at a time, and plans come in 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, and even unlimited with 5G included. If you decide to try out Mint Mobile, porting your number from another carrier is relatively simple and painless. Best of all, it's free.How to port your number to MintBefore starting the porting process, it's important to note that your phone number must remain active on your previous carrier throughout the process. If you cancel your old service before moving to Mint, you likely won't be able to recover your phone number — at least, not without going through a much more tedious process.You will need a Mint Mobile SIM card and a compatible phone to get started. Mint Mobile will work with any of the best Android phones thanks to the T-Mobile network's great compatibility.If you have a Google Pixel phone or newer iPhone, you ca...

Wearables offer various benefits. One is to track your fitness, and knowing how to sync your fitness band to Google Fit is an excellent way to keep all of your info in an easy-to-access app. Google's health and fitness platform can connect with some of the best smartwatches for fitness on the market, ensuring that regardless of what brand of wearable you prefer, you'll be able to have a common location for your fitness data. Let's get into connecting your fitness band or smartwatch to Google Fit.How to sync your Wear OS watch to Google FitMost Wear OS smartwatches come with Google Fit pre-installed. However, if you don't have the app already on your watch, you'll want to go to the Google Play store and install it. This even applies to the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 lineup of wearables since Samsung has switched platforms to Wear OS. You will also want to be sure that you have Google Fit installed and set up on your phone so that your watch can sync with it.Press the side butto...