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Jump to Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals:SmartphonesWearablesTabletsChromebooksEarbudsIt has been a banner year for Samsung, between the camera prowess of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the more polished foldable experience on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Fold 3, and the launch of the first smartwatch with Wear OS 3, the Galaxy Watch 4. So whether you're looking for new earbuds or a great deal on one of the best Android phones, Black Friday always brings tremendous deals to every segment, and we're here to help you find the best one for you and your family members.While supply issues might make some smartphone deals more elusive than in previous years, there are a few perennial deals and plenty of bundles hoping to sweeten the pot this Black Friday. Tablets are another area we expect Samsung to offer bountiful discounts in, and Galaxy earbuds will drop from good prices down to "what the heck are you waiting for" territory before the turkey leftovers are demolished.Where to find ...

The Black Friday season is upon us, meaning deals on the best gaming chairs and other accessories are already up ahead of the infamous shopping holiday. Amazon even has deals on several AndaSeat gaming chair models, saving you hundreds off of their usual price tags.If you don't already have a gaming chair, now's definitely the time to buy. Not only do they make for perfect office chairs (minus the gaudy colors), but the best ones are usually so expensive that you end up settling for one that, frankly, just isn't as good.Save big on these AndaSeat gaming chairsAndaSeat Fnatic Esports Pro Gaming Chair $360$360 at AmazonEsports fans should find this Fnatic-branded chair appealing. At a usual price of $530, you can use a coupon and get it for just $360. It holds a maximum weight capacity of 440lbs, features fully adjustable 4D armrests, a memory foam lumbar pillow, and reclining support up to 160 degrees.AndaSeat Kaiser 2 Gaming Chair $350$350 at AmazonLike the ...

-If you own a modern gaming console, chances are you already have a usable Bluetooth controller. That's because most newer console controllers either use Bluetooth as a standard or include it for use on other platforms. That means, yes, it's possible to use a PS4 controller on your Android phone, tablet, or TV device. We're here to show you how, so you can start enjoying the best Android games with your DualShock 4. Here's our guide on how to use a PS4 controller on Android.How to use your DualShock 4 on Android devicesOn your Android device, ensure your Bluetooth is turned on by opening settings and heading to the Bluetooth menu. Make sure the phone is in scan mode.With the controller, simultaneously hold the PlayStation button and the Share button for a few seconds. The controller's light will begin blinking to let you know it's in pair mode.Back on the phone, look for a device named Wireless Controller in the list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Tap that device to begin the...

Hunting Simulator 2 also coming at the end of November.What you need to knowGoogle announced two more games coming to Stadia at the end of November and beginning of December.Hunting Simulator 2 launches for Stadia on November 30 with a variety of locations, guns, and hunting dogs.Nine to Five is a free-to-play first-person shooter coming to the platform on December 8.Google revealed two more games coming to Stadia over the next few weeks in a blog post today, including another free-to-play game for the streaming platform.The first game is Hunting Simulator 2 coming to Stadia on November 30. The aptly named title originally released for PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One last year.Hunting Simulator 2 lets players hunt wildlife in the open environments of the Texan desert, Colorado plains, and the forests of Eastern Europe. The game features 33 animal species and over 160 name-brand weapons, accessories, and clothing items to aid in hunting. Players can also...

Finding the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protector for your device is easy when you know what to look for. First, you want to find a product that is specifically designed for your model's case size (40mm or 44mm). Next, you'll need to determine what type of screen protector offers the best protection. Some popular choices include tempered glass for the display as well as protective cases for all-around coverage. We've put together a few of our favorites to help you choose.The best protectionSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-Pack)Staff PickWhen you're looking for all-around protection, you'll want to consider this three-pack from Supershieldz. All the features you seek in a screen protector are present. You'll enjoy high-quality tempered glass for maximum scratch protection, high-definition clarity, and hydrophobic, as well as an oleophobic coating to reduce sweat and fingerprints.$8 at Amazon (44mm) $7 at Amazon (40mm)Amazing precisionSPGUARD...

Not all smart lights are created equal. Thankfully, SmartThings can work with an extremely wide variety of smart bulbs, leaving you with many options. On the flip side, it might be hard to dig deep to find the right light for you. So we've done the legwork and found the best smart lights for Samsung SmartThings. Here are some of our top picks for illuminating your home.Top pickElement Classic 60W Equivalent Soft White A19 Dimmable LED Light BulbStaff PickA stellar combination of quality and price, the Sengled Classic A19 bulb not only works amazingly well with SmartThings but will last for years to come.$10 at Amazon $10 at Best Buy $10 at Home DepotFan favoriteCree Connected LED Smart BulbThis bulb is right up there with our top pick. It's affordable and will save you on energy by lasting for up to 22 years. Yes, you read that correctly, 22 years.$11.50 at Amazon $22 at WalmartName brandSYLVANIA Wi-Fi Smart Light BulbSylvania has been a household name f...

For a limited time, one of the biggest names in cybersecurity is offering huge discounts on its computer and mobile protection plans. Bitdefender is offering its packages for 61% off the regular price.With Bitdefender's Total Security plan, you get extensive privacy protection, including a firewall, webcams, and microphones. The standard protection suite works against adware, malware, web attacks, and ransomware. It also includes parental protection across all devices. This plan works across multiple platforms, including Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. Usually priced at $89.99, it's currently $34.99. For this, you can protect up to five devices, including any of the best laptops of 2021.Protect all your devicesBitdefender Total Security$34.99 at BitdefenderAll the protection you need on your mobile devices and computer for just pennies each day. Best of all, it runs in the background.In addition to its Total Security plan, Bitdefender is offering discounts on two Windows-...

While the 'Pro' in the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is more than just for show.When considering what makes an excellent Android tablet for kids, things like durability, age-appropriate content, and parental controls are generally at the top of that list. Looking at those qualifications and what Amazon offers, it's easy to see why the best Amazon Fire Kids tablets on found on that device list. So, to offer parents and kids even more choice when it comes to Fire Kids Tablets, Amazon announced the new Fire HD 10, it also added a new level to its Kids tablets, Kids Pro — and my son is very excited to help me with this Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro review.One of the other major considerations is price, especially when you are looking at purchasing a tablet for a young child who tends to wreak havoc on electronics. Well, the Fire 10 HD Kids Pro tablet is the best of the best from Amazon, which means it's also the most expensive. While the Kids Pro version of the tablet shares a lot with t...

The feature will allow users to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in a "more guided manner."What you need to knowGoogle has announced a pilot of a Google Assistant-enabled end-to-end vaccine booking feature in India.Google has worked closely with COWIN to make the integration possible. In addition to English, the feature will work in eight Indian languages. Google announced a bunch of new initiatives to improve the experience of its Indian users at the seventh edition of Google for India on November 18. Along with new features to help users find high-quality information in their local language, Google has also announced the first Google Assistant-enabled vaccination booking flow.Google has worked together with COWIN, the Indian government's official web portal for COVID-19 vaccine registrations, to make it easier for people to book an appointment. The company says the feature will empower users with "access to information and healthcare that would otherwise have been ou...

The new Pixel Stand isn't the fastest but might be the smartest.Update, Nov 18 (12 p.m. ET): You can now preorder the new Pixel StandWhat you need to knowGoogle announced its second-gen Pixel Stand with faster wireless charging.The new Pixel Stand features 23W wireless charging capable of charging smartphones and Qi-enabled wearables.An active fan will keep devices from heating up while charging.The new Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) retails for $79, the same as the original stand.Google is introducing a new wireless charger for its Pixel lineup, the Pixel Stand (2nd Gen). The new wireless charging stand is optimized for the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and other Google hardware.Compared to the first-gen Pixel Stand, the second-gen model ups the ante with 21W and 23W of wireless charging for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, respectively, more than double the 10W provided by the original. This is better than many of the best wireless charging pads, although it can't match the 30W+ wi...

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids brings all of the books with none of the distractions — and it's wonderfulAs a parent of two young boys who are regularly exposed to all sorts of technology, toys, movies, and more, my wife and I are always looking for ways to engage their minds in other ways. Reading is one of them. We still have book time before bed with our youngest, six, just as we did with our 9-year-old. But now that our oldest knows how to read, thankfully, he loves it. The problem is keeping up with his insatiable thirst for books — enter the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids.Before the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids entered my household, my son would read on his Fire HD 10 Kids Pro when he wanted to explore a new book. While that is wonderful that he wants to do this, there are two problems with it. First, the eye strain caused by looking at the bright display, and second, the high probability of distraction from the games and videos on the tablet.Even though I can set ...

Now available at 20 physical Verizon locations around the U.S.What you need to knowNreal Light AR glasses can be found starting November 18 at 20 Verizon stores in the U.S. for $599, and online on December 2.These AR glasses tether to your phone via USB Cable and can be used with any app installed on your phone.The lenses create a 220-inch virtual display in front of your face and features 6DoF positional tracking.It's been some time since we've gotten our hands (and faces) on Nreal Light, but now you, too, can get ahold of your very own pair at one of 20 local Verizon stores around the U.S. right now, or online at Verizon's website starting December 2. Retailing for $599, Nreal Light AR glasses work by tethering to your phone with a USB cable and deliver a giant virtual screen in front of you instead of just in your hands.That 220-inch virtual screen can be used for anything from apps to games, movie watching, and even working on the go. Nreal Light previously launched i...

Instagram says your video selfies will be deleted within 30 days.What you need to knowInstagram has begun using video selfies for identity verification.The new authentication method is aimed at determining if an account is created by a real person.Instagram promises to not store video selfies for more than 30 days.Instagram is now using video selfies to combat suspected bots. Instagram is asking users to verify themselves by recording a video selfie, according to a couple of screenshots shared by social media consultant Matt Navarra.The verification system is designed to detect bots, including accounts that engage in suspicious behavior such as liking a large number of posts and following multiple accounts in a short period of time. According to Instagram, a video selfie can help confirm if the account in question was created by a real person.In response to Navarra's tweet, Instagram says video selfie verification was unveiled a year ago. However, it was suspended due t...

Bose has rolled out a lot of wireless earbuds, and the QuietComfort Earbuds have the distinction of being one of the best from the audio manufacturer. They tick all the right boxes if you're in the market for new wireless earbuds: they have adjustable active noise cancellation, amazing sound quality with an auto-adjusting EQ that makes your music come to life, and IPX4 water resistance for workouts.The QuietComfort Earbuds usually retail for $279, but they're now selling on Amazon for $199 for Black Friday, $80 off their launch price. You're basically getting a 29% discount on one of the best wireless earbuds in the market today, making this a standout Black Friday headphone deal.One area where these earbuds shine is active noise cancellation; Bose even goes as far as to claim that these are the among the best in its class at tuning out ambient sound, and that isn't an exaggeration. The built-in mics do a great job finding ambient noise in your vicinity, and the earbuds effortlessl...

Never worry about losing your keys again after you grab one of our picks for the best Bluetooth trackers! Instead, simply pair one of these Bluetooth trackers with your phone and attach it to your keys or valuables. Then, when you lose an item, you're only an app away from quickly finding it again. Tile continues to dominate this market though it faces competition from new players all the time. Even so, our favorite Bluetooth tracker is still the Tile Pro. And the more recent version, introduced in late 2019, offers an unbeatable range, the loudest alert, and a one-year replaceable battery.Best overall: Tile ProOne of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a Bluetooth tracker is range. This determines the distance a tracker can be found through your smartphone app. Most people shopping for a tracker are going to look for the largest range possible. While many options clock in around 100 to 200 feet on the market, the new Tile Pro beats those numbers by a long shot....

The next campaign expansion for Resolution Games' acclaimed turn-based VR RPG launches on December 16.What you need to knowThe Roots of Evil is the second free story expansion for Demeo.The new expansion, titled The Roots of Evil, will introduce a new playable character class: a bard.The expansion is set to launch on December 16 on Oculus Quest and Steam VR.Resolution Games took to Twitter to announce a second expansion for their beloved, card-based RPG, Demeo. The free DLC is set to include new cards, enemies, levels, and even a bard as a new playable character class.The announcement only confirmed the new character, but Resolution Games also uploaded a brief developer Q&A hosted by their community manager, Ciwiel, on their YouTube channel. The Q&A included a few details about the upcoming DLC, including some concept art for the game.The video also hinted at what else players can expect in the team-based RPG's future. It confirmed that more similar expansio...

The best network-attached storage (NAS) for home is one that lets you stream your media collection and back up all the devices on your network seamlessly. A NAS essentially lets you create your own private Netflix or Spotify, and most models on this list even let you access your media over the internet. If you're looking to build your own media server or need a solution for backing up data, these are the best NAS enclosures for your home, although if you were to start somewhere, we'd recommend the Synology DiskStation DS220+.Synology DiskStation DS220+Best overallBottom line: The DiskStation DS220+ ticks all the right boxes: it has robust internals, making it ideal for Plex 4K streaming, two Gigabit ports, and versatile software that offers a ton of features.Pros:Ideal for 4K Plex streamingUp to 32TB of storage across two baysTwo Gigabit Ethernet portsVersatile software with plenty of featuresPowerful internal hardwareCons:No M.2 cachingNo eSATA port The ...

A classic format wrapped in something new.For years, the battle royale genre has been taking over the world of gaming, and PUBG — or PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, as it's fully known — was one of the biggest reasons why. The original game helped launch the battle royale craze, and quickly made its way to mobile devices in the form of PUBG Mobile. Now, the game's sequel, PUBG: New State, is here, to advance on the lore of PUBG and bring players new content to sift through.For fans of the genre, PUBG: New State will be a nice new experience to go through, especially for those who enjoy playing these type of games on their phone. For others, the fact that not a whole lot has changed when it comes to how you play may be something that keeps this game from elevating itself into the ranks of the best Android games out there.PUBG: New State review:What you'll loveWhat's not so greatShould you play?PUBG: New State ...

Google Assistant is one of the most popular smart voice assistants on the planet and is accessible on Google Home compatible devices as diverse as smartwatches, smartphones, smart speakers, and more. In addition to the devices it's built into, Google Assistant has integrations with hundreds, if not thousands, of other smart devices and services. What follows is a list of some of our favorites, broken down by category.Jump to:Smart lightsHome automationSmart appliancesSecurityEntertainmentMusic servicesStreaming services for videoGoogle Home compatible devices: Smart lightsConnected smart lights are the easiest and most fun way to start building out your smart home network. Multiple brands like Philips Hue and Sengled offer complete collections of smart lighting solutions connected by a hub and work well with Google Assistant.Smart light starter kitPhilips Hue Multicolor A19 Starter KitStaff PickPhilips is one of the leading manufacturers of connected l...

The Pixel 6 series don't support faster charging speeds than the Galaxy S21 series after all.What you need to knowGoogle has clarified that its Pixel 6 series phones only support up to 23W wired charging speeds.Google's spec sheet had initially suggested that the two phones can charge at 30W. The company says the Pixel 6 can "quickly reach" up to 80% in about an hour. Earlier this month, the folks at Android Authority put Google's official 30W charger to the test with the Pixel 6 series and found that both phones can charge at a maximum of 22W. In a new post on the Pixel Phone Help page, Google has now explained how charging works on the Pixel 6 phones and confirmed that they don't support 30W charging speeds.Google says it has optimized the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro's lithium-ion battery "for high charge rates when the battery level is low." It claims the standard Pixel 6 can reach 50% charge in around 30 minutes using Google's 30W USB-C charger and hit the 80% market in about a...

Amazon recently shared new details about its update policy on Amazon Fire TV streaming devices, including an extended timeline for how long your Amazon Fire TV device will receive updates before you need to consider upgrading your device. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of some of the most popular Amazon Fire TV devices, which Amazon claims will receive regular software updates through 2025.How to check how long your Amazon Fire TV device will receive updatesTo figure out how long your Amazon Fire TV device will continue to receive updates, you'll need to find out the model and the serial number of your Amazon Fire TV device. Here are the steps for gathering that information:From the home screen, navigate to Settings. Select My Fire TV. Under the About tab, select Fire TV Device. The model and serial number of your device will be located to the right. Once you figure out the make and model of your Amazon Fire TV device, you'll want to see if it's on the li...

Ball punch now has an entirely new meaning.What you need to knowUltimechs is a multiplayer VR title coming to all major VR platforms in 2022.Players will take control of a mech and launch their rocket fists at a giant metal ball in hopes of knocking it into the opponents' goal.Ultimechs is yet another multiplayer VR title from Resolution Games, previously known for titles like Demeo and Blaston.Somehow, even the best Quest 2 games seem to lack the ability to pilot a mech. Thankfully, Resolution Games' latest title aims to fill that gap in a rather unique way. One part Mech Warrior, one part Rocket League, Ultimechs looks to be a challenging twist on the usual sportsball concept as players shoot their rocket fist at a giant metal ball in hopes of launching it into the opponents' goal.Aside from piloting a mech, players will find themselves controlling the trajectory of the rocket fist after it has been fired, lending a unique perspective to the point where an appendage com...

A milestone device that Apple briefly had banned in the U.S., the Gnex set the stage for the best Android phones of the early 2010s.Ten years before the Google Pixel 6, there was another milestone Android device, also developed in partnership with Samsung, that represented a huge leap forwards for the platform.The Samsung Galaxy Nexus launched a decade ago this month, along with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The phone and its software set the stage for the next few years of Android, pioneering features like on-screen navigation keys, face unlock, and easy multitasking.Like 2010's Nexus S, the "Gnex" was a collaboration between Google and Samsung, which following the success of its Galaxy S line was quickly rising to a dominant position in the smartphone market.For Google, it was the third Nexus phone to come to market and the first to offer LTE connectivity thanks to an exclusive partnership with Verizon in the U.S. For Samsung, it straddled the Galaxy S2 and S3 release cyc...

Bose has dominated the wireless audio segment for a long time now, with the QuietComfort 35 solidifying the brand's position in this category. The QuietComfort 45 build on that legacy; they don't differ too much to their predecessor, but you get a few tweaks, including better battery life, a lighter design, and a USB-C port for charging.The QuietComfort 45 launched just three months ago for $329, and they're getting their first discount for Black Friday, going on sale for $279, $50 off their launch price. The 15% discount may not seem like a lot, but for a brand-new product to go on sale is a big deal in and of itself, making this one of the best Black Friday headphone deals.Bose hasn't messed with the design too much, with the QuietComfort 45 retaining the same overall design with the plush leather ear pads and headband, so you get the same all-day comfort. You'll find the power button to the left and volume/playback controls on the right, the USB-C charging port on the right, and...

It's a baby step in the right direction, which is better than anyone expected from Apple.I don't really have much of a personal opinion about the iPhone. If it's what you like, you should probably use one, but it's really not what I like. But because it is the iPhone, I have to follow the news about it and oftentimes write words about it. This is one of those times.There is something I do care about a lot, though, and that is the right to repair. So when Apple claims to support the right for us to repair our own property, it's my time to take the proverbial mic and say something, so I'll come out and say it — Apple is only doing the bare minimum to stay ahead of right to repair legislation in the U.S. and abroad.Now I don't know what was discussed in any meetings before Apple announced it was going to graciously allow us to do whatever we wanted to do with the property we bought and paid for, and I certainly can't read minds. But I can see the hypocrisy in action here. So can...

The new backgrounds mimic a condo or cafe with snowy or rainy weather.What you need to knowGoogle Meet has picked up new immersive backgrounds on the web to make your video feed more realistic.You can also use the new light and color filters to match your actual lighting condition with that of your chosen background.Google has also raised the maximum number of people who can participate in a call to 500.Google Meet's video backgrounds are an excellent way to replace your untidy surroundings with preset images or to apply a blur effect to video calls before or during a meeting. This feature has now been improved with a new update that creates the illusion that you are actually in your chosen background.The videoconferencing service's image backgrounds are now a bit more consistent with the weather in your location with the launch of immersive backgrounds on the web. You can pick from any of the different types of animated backdrops, including cafe and condo interiors. Ther...

Google Meet isn't always the first to offer new video calling features, but it gets around to them eventually. More than a year after Zoom popularized the feature, animated backgrounds have finally arrived on Google Meet. There aren't that many options to choose from right now, but we're so glad that they're finally here. If you've ever changed your background on a Google Meet call, this is all going to feel very familiar, but it's incredible what a difference a slight motion makes. Let's get into how to set up animated backgrounds using Google Meet.How to set up animated video backgrounds in Google MeetOpen a Google Meet session.Before you join, click on the three-dot menu at the bottom center of the screen.Click on Change background or Apply visual effects.There are currently six preset animated backgrounds to choose from. Pick the one you like best, including a party with fun blob characters, a tranquil forest scene, and a cute classroom with fruity classmates.De...

The newest Moto G flagship is a solid upgrade over the Moto G100 in quite a few areas.What you need to knowMotorola has launched its first Snapdragon 888 Plus-powered phone.The new Moto G200 also comes with a 144Hz screen, a 108MP camera, and a 5000mAh battery. Along with the Moto G200, Motorola has unveiled four other new Moto G series phones. Motorola on November 18 expanded its smartphone lineup with the introduction of five new Moto G series phones. The company's new lineup includes the Moto G200, which is a follow-up to the Moto G100 launched earlier this year.The new Moto G200 is a value flagship powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888+ chipset. It sports a large 6.8-inch LCD with a 144Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. In addition to a more powerful processor and a more impressive screen, the Moto G200 also comes with an upgraded camera setup.You get a 108MP main sensor that supports 9-in-1 pixel binning and up to 8K videos. The main sensor is joined by a 13MP ult...

We've been keeping an eye on the early Black Friday PS5 SSD deals this week, and we've seen some fantastic prices on the super popular brands. But today's deal absolutely blows them out of the water. Seriously, if you've already bought a PS5 SSD, maybe you dived in early during the beta or as soon as the bay unlocked for everyone, stop reading as you almost certainly paid a hell of a lot more than this.Amazon is currently selling the 1TB XPG Gammix S70 Blade for just $147.99 in the US. Over in the UK, you can also save a lot of cash as the same PS5 SSD is reduced to £123.40 (when you tick the 30% off coupon voucher). These are the sort of prices we're more used to seeing with half the capacity and without a heatsink.PS5 SSD deals of the weekXPG 1TB Gammix S70 Blade $147.99 at Amazon$147.99 at AmazonThe $12 discount really undersells the value you're getting here, as even at full price the XPG is way, way cheaper than 1TB PS5 SSD options from WD, Samsung, and Seagate. And...

One area where the latest Pixel phones, like the Pixel 6, have excelled is in regards to personal safety. Google developed a Personal Safety app exclusively for Pixel phones that can do a lot to keep you safe. Whether you're in a car crash or going for a walk alone in an area that makes you nervous, the Safety app can be useful in getting you help, even when you can't call for it on your own.How to set up the Personal Safety appSetting up the app is straightforward. This involves you filling in some personal information that can be useful to emergency responders. So let's dive into it!Open the Safety app. Note: The app is called Personal Safety, but the icon is labeled "Safety," so it'll be alphabetically sorted under "S." Getting off to a great start, right?If you have not already logged in, you'll be asked to do so with your Google account. Tap Continue as Your account.You'll be asked to select emergency contacts. These are people who will be contacted in the event of an e...

Samsung's next value flagship will apparently not have a microSD card slot.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy S21 FE has appeared in live images.The phone will come with a plastic back, just like the Galaxy S20 FE. Samsung is rumored to unveil the phone in January 2022. Last week, a massive leak revealed nearly everything about Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S21 FE. The value flagship has now leaked once again, this time in live images.SAMSUNG S21 FE 5G It has plastics back But it's light weightno headphone jack120hz display Awesome camera #Samsung #SamsungGalaxyS21FE @AmreliaRuhez pic.twitter.com/wtZk7lCFEt— Abhishek Soni (@Abhisheksoni130) November 12, 2021The source of these images claims the phone has a "light" build and an "awesome camera." The phone is also said to have a plastic back and a metal frame, just like its predecessor.Unsurprisingly, it also appears that the S21 FE will not include a headphone jack. Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE successor may not include ...

Black Friday is just a few short weeks away, and it is always a great time to buy storage enclosures and hard drives. There have been a few shortages around hard drives in recent months, but availability is thankfully getting back to regular levels as we head into the holiday season.Black Friday NAS deals:Best NAS dealsNAS enclosuresInternal HDDInternal SSDWhile network-attached storage (NAS) enclosures haven't had the same issues with availability, this category hasn't seen as many new launches as in previous years. However, you'll already find a few enticing deals for NAS enclosures, with other deals set to kick off in the coming weeks.If you're already using a NAS enclosure and are looking to make the switch to a new model, looking to increase the storage of your home server with additional hard drives, or are getting your first NAS, Black Friday is the ideal time to do so. In the meantime, we're rounding up a list of NAS enclosures that you should take a look at ...

The holiday season is on the horizon, and that means we're starting to see some great Black Friday deals on all kinds of cool tech gear, from the best Android phones to the best headphones and wireless earbuds to pair with them.Black Friday headphone deals:Deals live right nowBest headphone deals Wireless headphonesWireless earbudsWired earbudsWe'll be regularly updating this list collection through the Black Friday weekend, so be sure to check back frequently if you don't see the audio deals that you're looking for. There are pretty stellar Black Friday headphone sales every year, but there can be a lot to sort through to find the best deals.Whether you're looking for something to keep you entertained on a walk or jog, noise-canceling headphones to let you focus while at work, or something that just sounds amazing for your epic video game battles, we've got you covered.Black Friday headphone deals live right nowWith every year, Black Friday deals kick off earli...

We could see more Snapdragon models globally.What you need to knowQualcomm says it will power up to 50% of Galaxy S-series phones in 2022.CEO Cristiano Amon says that Z-series phones will be powered by Snapdragon chips worldwide.The announcement was made at Qualcomm's Investor day on Tuesday.While the Pixel 6 is doing its own thing with Tensor, Qualcomm will continue to be a top supplier for Samsung smartphones, particularly for the Galaxy S22.During Qualcomm's Investor Day this week, CEO Cristiano Amon took to the stage to lay out some of the company's goals across the industry. When it came to smartphones, he didn't make any product announcements (that's saved for the end of the month), but he did highlight some company wins for 2022.Particularly, he noted that Snapdragon would power up to 50% of Samsung's S-series smartphones next year.Qualcomm appears to have a commitment for 40-50% of the flagship Samsung Galaxy S series phones in 2022. @Qualcomm pic.twitter.com/...

As we enter the second year of the Oculus Quest 2's life, we're expecting some seriously great deals for the hardware and accompanying accessories this Black Friday. Many companies have already begun to offer sales and discounts on their accessories, and newly refined designs ensure that the accessories you buy today will be a better experience than the ones you purchased this time last year. Here are the best Black Friday Oculus Quest deals to enhance your gaming experience.Jump to Black Friday Oculus Quest 2 dealsSee Oculus Quest 2 stockCasesController gripsFacial interface replacementsHead strapsCables, batteries, and docksHeadphonesUnlike some other consoles, Meta has been able to keep the Oculus Quest 2 in stock at most retailers without issue over the past year — even despite record-breaking sales for the headset. The new Quest 2 128GB SKU is the best value you'll find, as it's the same price as last year's 64GB SKU but with double the storage. Couple that w...

We break down which phones will get Android 12 by manufacturer, with our best-educated guesses as to when.After a seemingly neverending beta period, Android 12 arrived on eligible Google Pixel phones on Oct. 19 — much later in the year than usual. Unfortunately, the long wait gives other Android devs less time to get their Android 12 skins ready on schedule.Samsung appeared to work closely with Google on its One UI 4 update, and its update roadmap is unusually speedy this year. In fact, the Galaxy S21 series is already getting Android 12 in mid-November, which is pretty impressive. But most other manufacturers, including OnePlus, won't have the new OS on their flagships until December 2021 at the earliest.You're here to read which of the best Android phones will get Android 12 — and when. Unfortunately, most companies haven't officially announced this information yet, and it will depend on how long it takes to iron out bugs in their respective betas. But we can extrapol...

The Tensor chip may excel at AI, but connectivity suffers.What you need to knowPCMag compared the Pixel 6 Pro modem to Qualcomm's using the Galaxy S21.The test compared the connection and speeds on Verizon and T-Mobile, two of the largest U.S. carriers.The comparison shows that the Pixel 6 Pro modem falls short of Qualcomm in most circumstances.Google touts its impressive AI chops with its new Tensor chip, but one area that the company won't be able to boast about is the Pixel 6 Pro connectivity.PCMag ran a comparison between the Pixel 6 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S21 to see just how the modem paired with Google's new chip holds up against the competition. The tests were conducted on Verizon and T-Mobile's networks to see how the phones paired on two of the best carriers in the U.S.Interestingly, PCMag found that the Pixel 6 Pro was doing something weird with how it reported signal strength, particularly with T-Mobile 5G and LTE. That said, the tests indicate that the G...

When you think of successful smartphone companies, what names come to mind first? Samsung, Apple, OnePlus, maybe even Google, right? But over the years, a well-known company that fell off the wagon has slowly been gaining steam again, catching up with and surpassing nearly everyone in the market.It's Motorola, and, as of this time in late 2021, the company has achieved the coveted title of number three smartphone vendor in the U.S. after a year of explosive growth. But this didn't happen on the back of some innovative new flagship phone.Motorola's success wasn't driven by foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 3, powerful phones with award-winning cameras like Google's Pixel 6, or even uniquely sustainable phones like the Fairphone 4. Quite the contrary.It was driven by the success of boring, everyday phones that do little more than meet expectations at an affordable price.I sat down with Doug Michau, executive director of North American business development at Motorola, and had a ...

Did you know it's possible to use an Xbox One controller with your Android device? With the release of the Xbox One S, Microsoft started outfitting its Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth radios. While this feature was made mostly for PC gaming, you'll be happy to know that it works surprisingly well with Android phones and their games. While more appropriate controllers for mobile gaming are available, this is a nice trick to have in your back pocket. So for those wondering how to use an Xbox One controller on Android, here's how.Products used in this guideA simple, quality controller: Xbox One Wireless Controller: $85 at AmazonHow to pair an Xbox One controller with your Android phoneFor starters, you'll want to ensure the Xbox One controller you have uses Bluetooth. As a rule of thumb, newer versions of the Xbox One S and Xbox One X come with Bluetooth by default. If you're buying a new controller, Amazon has them for $50. Assuming your phone works just fine with the Xbox ...

What you need to knowVerizon Wireless customers can use Alexa devices to make calls from their Verizon number.Customers that sign up for Verizon Number Share - Home can get three months of free service.The service costs $5 per month and is an add-on to an existing Verizon Wireless plan.Verizon has announced a new add-on feature for Verizon Wireless customers that enables making and receiving calls with an Alexa device. For $5 per month, customers can ask Alexa to call people or phone numbers as well as take incoming calls. Customers that sign up will also get three months free to try out the service. Once signed up, customers can link their number using the Alexa app.Once signed up, you can use your Alexa device to place a call by asking Alexa to either call someone from your contacts or a specific phone number. You'll be able to use any supported Alexa-enabled device such as the Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Show.Hands-free calling from home makes it easier to stay connecte...

Everything you'd expect from a modern flagship without the modern price.For years, there's been a stigma around using plastic designs in high-end, expensive phones. Consumers have come to expect more luxurious materials like metal and glass, which, despite being more fragile than plastic, typically have a more "premium" feel.I'm definitely guilty of shying away from devices whose spec sheets feature the word polycarbonate. I was reluctant to try the Galaxy Note 20 for precisely that reason. But once my review unit came in, my concerns surrounding creakiness and a cheap in-hand feel disappeared. Build quality, in general, has massively improved since the days when plastic flagships were commonplace, and the Note 20 felt just as solid as any other phone I'd tested in recent memory.The story is similar to the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition — better known as the S20 FE. This phone is the latest in Samsung's crusade to dominate every pricing tier with a well-rounded device that makes ...

Here's your first look at Xiaomi's 2022 flagship series.Xiaomi had a stellar year for its phone business. The flagship Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra are among the best Android phones of the year, and the budget-focused Redmi Note 10 series solidified Xiaomi's position as the leading manufacturer in this category. In fact, strong showing in the budget segment has allowed Xiaomi to overtake Samsung, with the Chinese manufacturer now the world's largest phone manufacturer.With such a strong portfolio in 2021, it will be interesting to see how Xiaomi builds on its flagship series next year. We already know there will be a few changes; for starters, the phones will be sold under the Xiaomi 11 moniker, with the brand getting rid of its Mi label.If last year is any indication, Xiaomi is likely to announce the Xiaomi 12 series in China at the end of the year, with official availability kicking off sometime in Q1 2022. A slate of leaks over the last few weeks have unearthed a lot of details abo...

Google offers an excellent array of office software for Android phones and desktop computers alike. Google Docs is undoubtedly one of the most famous of the lot, taking on the likes of the best note-taking apps and word processing platforms at once. It also cancels the need for additional note-taking or to-do apps. So here's how you can make a checklist in Google Docs on Android and desktop.How to make a checklist in Google Docs on AndroidHow to make a checklist in Google Docs on desktopHow to make a checklist in Google Docs on AndroidDownload and install Google Docs on your Android phone, if you haven't already, before starting this guide.Open Google Docs.Tap the plus sign on the bottom right.Tap New document.Tap the bullet list icon at the bottom right corner.Tap the checklist icon at the bottom.Add items to your checklist.Tap on the square to tick off an item.After completing the list of items you want to add to the checklist, save your document and re...

Black Friday PS5 SSD deals are in hot demand and we're seeing some of the lowest ever prices for them right now, so there's no need to wait. Users can finally upgrade the console's internal storage capacity beyond the measly amount the PS5 launched with as Sony recently unlocked the expansion bay.Picking up one of the best PS5 SSD options in the ongoing Black Friday PS5 deals events can save you a lot of cash. This is an excellent turn of events as just a few weeks ago a lot of the best devices had sold out and we could only find scalper listings. That could all change going forwards, of course, so we wouldn't even wait for Black Friday at this point as there are some great PS5 SSDs on sale right now. Be prepared to pay quite a lot more if you want one with a pre-installed heatsink - pro tip, buy one separately for much less (links below). We're constantly testing new PS5-compatible SSDs, so we'll let you know which ones are available too beyond the old favorites likes the Samsung 98...

In the market for a new phone? Here's what you need to know about Samsung's best-selling Galaxy A series.The Galaxy A series forms the bedrock of Samsung's mid-range ambitions. The A-series started by bringing features previously limited to Samsung flagships at a much more affordable price point. While it was traditionally focused on the mid-range segment, Samsung got rid of the entry-level Galaxy J series in 2019 and folded them into the Galaxy A lineup.The result is that the Galaxy A series now starts under $150, thanks to devices like the Galaxy A02. While the budget Galaxy A options make it easier to upgrade to one of the best cheap Samsung phones, the mid-range options like the Galaxy A52 and A52 5G offer exciting new features for those who want the latest screen tech and 5G connectivity.Choosing the ideal device for your needs can get confusing, with eight models to pick from across various price points. So if you're looking to pick up a new phone in 2021, here's what you...

The Venu 2 is a great smartwatch that would be almost perfect if it were $100 cheaper.Perhaps the fastest-growing tech category right now is wearables, specifically smartwatches. Having one of the best smartwatches is important to those of us who need (or want) to stay in constant communication with our friends and family, or who need a quick and easy method to triage notifications or control smart home devices. Particularly in the time of COVID-19, more and more of us are paying more attention to our activity and fitness and want to collect as much of this data as possible to get a better idea of our overall health and wellness picture.When it comes to making fitness wearables, there is arguably no company that does it better than Garmin. Elite athletes seek out Garmin's watches, trackers, and monitors due to their accuracy, feature set, and battery life. The best Garmin smartwatches have traditionally had some compromises compared to others from Apple, Samsung, or even Fitbit i...

Samsung's Android 12 (One UI 4) stable build is now rolling out — here's when your phone will get the update.Samsung has started to roll out the stable One UI 4 update based on Android 12. The stable release comes after two months of beta builds for the Galaxy S21 series in the U.S., Korea, India, UK, Germany, Poland, and ChinaOne UI 4 doesn't change too many things from a design point of view, with Samsung instead focusing on integrating all the new features that Google introduced in Android 12. That said, there are exciting changes around home and lock screen customization, notification management, privacy and security, and much more.The Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra are now receiving the stable update, and Samsung has outlined when other devices in its portfolio will get the update. So let's first take a look at all the devices slated to switch over to the Android 12-based One UI 4, and when the devices will get the stable build.Full list of Samsung Galaxy phones eligi...

Samsung's stable Android 12 update is now rolling out — here's what you need to know about One UI 4.Samsung did a fantastic job with the One UI 3.1 update based on Android 11 to most phones in its portfolio, and with Android 12, it is aiming to outdo itself. Samsung's Android 12 update is One UI 4, and it comes with a slate of new features and a UI refresh. While the design itself isn't too different to the current One UI 3.1, there's a lot to be excited about — Samsung is using a version of the colorful Material You design aesthetic called Dynamic Color to offer much better customization, and there are 60 new features in total.The best part is that the One UI 4 stable update is now rolling out, with Samsung delivering the update just a month after Google released the Pixel 6 series. The One UI 4 stable build is now available for the Galaxy S21 series in select countries, so let's find out what Samsung has to offer with Android 12, what phones will get the update, and a look ...

Samsung released the Galaxy Buds 2 alongside the Z Fold 3, offering a lightweight design that's great for all-day use and excellent sound quality. These earbuds debuted for $150 just two months ago, and they're already on sale at Amazon for $110 — a full $40 off their launch price. That's a discount of 27% on one of the best wireless earbuds currently available.The Galaxy Buds 2 deliver the best of what the Buds Pro have to offer, but in a more affordable package. You get a dynamic driver with a focus on low-end, with the earbuds tuned for bass-heavy tunes. You also get fast pairing and the ability to seamlessly switch between your Galaxy devices. The earbuds are also great for calls thanks to the 3-mic design, and Samsung's wind-reduction tech does a good job ensuring calls are clear even when you're outdoors.But the highlight with the Buds 2 is the inclusion of active noise cancellation; these earbuds do an excellent job tuning out ambient sounds in your vicinity, automatically...

It took long enough, but eSIM support has arrived for the S21What you need to knoweSIM functionality has been enabled for Galaxy S21 owners in the US.The feature was limited to global versions of the device up until this point.Users can access the eSIM on their devices after updating to One UI 4 based on Android 12.Earlier this week, Samsung began rolling out the stable version of One UI 4 based on Android 12 to owners of the Galaxy S21 series. This is one of the most significant updates to Android that we've seen in years, as the One UI 4 update brings Samsung's take on Material You theming with dynamic colors and a new color palette to customize how your device looks and feels. But the update also brings a long-awaited feature for owners of the Galaxy S21 here in the US.According to a post by u/i_love_the_usa1776 on Reddit, the update to One UI 4 also adds eSIM compatibility. This feature has been available for some time on global versions of the Galaxy S21 series, bu...