Android Central RSS Feed

Taking other apps to task.Even though there is a robust network of third-party app developers on Android, some of my favorite apps come from Google itself. It's probably no surprise that I spend a ton of my time — both on my phone and on my computer — in apps like Gmail, Calendar, and YouTube, but there's another Google app that I rely on which probably doesn't make it on many home screen setups, and that is Google Tasks.I'll give you a minute to clean up the coffee you probably just spit up after reading that sentence, but I meant it. I think Google Tasks is one of the most underrated Google apps available, though there are certainly many others that could make this claim. Like my colleague Ara Wagoner, I, too, have a soft spot in my heart for Google Keep, but as much value as I get from that app, several days may go by between using it. That's just not the case for Google Tasks. It's the low-key top-level productivity app for me.What is Google Tasks?Google Tasks is an...

The Reno 6 Pro shows off the potential of the Dimensity 1200 — at a hefty price.OPPO is doing all the right things in 2021; the Find X3 Pro is one of the best Android phones, and the Reno series is a viable alternative to the likes of the Galaxy A52. The Reno 5 Pro 5G debuted just six months ago, but its successor is already here.The Reno 6 Pro is now available in global markets, and there are a few standout features: the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 platform offers the latest Cortex A78 cores, and there's a larger 4500mAh battery that uses 65W fast charging. As upgrades go, there isn't much to talk about here. The Reno 6 Pro shares the same 90Hz AMOLED screen, same 64MP camera and 32MP front shooter, and a similar design aesthetic as its predecessor. But the updated hardware should give it an edge over the Reno 5 Pro, and the marginally larger battery allows it to last longer.Ultimately, the Reno 6 Pro is as iterative as updates get in 2021, but the fact that this phone serves as...

Google is making sure your Pixel battery is protected under the most extreme conditions.What you need to knowGoogle introduced a new battery health feature in Pixel smartphones.The feature limits Pixel batteries to 80% charge under certain extreme conditions.There is no toggle for the feature, but users can disable it by unplugging their phones.Regardless of which of the best Android phones you own and how big their batteries are, protecting your smartphone's battery health is important. Google aims to do just that with a new feature it quietly introduced on its Pixel smartphones for "optimizing for battery health."Spotted by XDA-Developers, the new feature keeps your phone from fully charging under certain extreme conditions, of which only two are listed: when your Pixel has been charging for four days straight and when it detects continuous charge "under high battery drain conditions, like game play."Under these conditions, phones from the Google Pixel 3 to the Google...

Clubhouse now has DMs, just like every other social media app.What you need to knowClubhouse today announced Backchannel, its take on direct messaging.This is rolling out on iOS and Android today, albeit with only basic support for text chats.A V2 update with more features is planned soon.The longer a social media app exists, the more likely that it'll start picking up features from other social messaging apps. In a change from being pillaged for features by other apps, Clubhouse today launched Backchannel, its own direct messaging service for the eponymous app.As you'd expect, Backchannel offers rudimentary messaging support. Clubhouse users can opt for group chats, or they can go for 1-1 chat. While you can do the basics such as send and respond to messages, it doesn't support more advanced yet common tasks like sending images, gifs, or videos.An update that'll bring more features is planned soon, the company said. While no features were specified, it would be likel...

Beta 3 lands for the Android TVWhat you need to knowGoogle has released Android 12 Beta 3 for the Android TV platform.The update includes improvements to UI elements and more.New privacy controls have been added to manually turn off microphone and camera access to Android TV apps.Earlier today, Google released Android 12 Beta 3, which includes the long-awaited arrival of native scrolling screenshots and more. But the Android TV platform is also getting some love as Android 12 Beta 3 also has arrived.The update primarily focuses on improving UI elements when viewing the interface on the best 4K Android TVs. Google has also included some new privacy controls for those who don't want the microphone or a connected camera always being active.Starting with the 4K UI elements, this has been a big complaint for a few years, as the main interface is only rendered in 1080p. It's not until you select something to watch that the UI switches over to 4K, which tends to cause some "...

Another update to fix a problem has arrived.What you need to knowA new update is rolling out to the OnePlus Watch with version B.62.The update includes a few changes to the UI along with a potential for GPS issues.OnePlus is rolling out the update in stages, with it arriving for everyone in the coming days.Another update is rolling out to the OnePlus Watch, but instead of bringing new features, this one aims to fix some issues plaguing the smartwatch. This update comes with version number B.62 and includes a potential fix for the "accuracy and speed" regarding GPS positioning. Also included in the update are an array of design changes for various aspects of the UI.A OnePlus Forums post detailed all of the changes that are arriving. Here's the full changelog of what you can expect to find:DesignOptimize the design details of some dials, make them look better, and add some information such as date;Optimize the layout of some interface buttons, making them more intuit...

The OnePlus 9 Pro is likely the latest victim of the global chip shortage.What you need to knowThe base OnePlus 9 Pro will reportedly not reach the United States or Canada.OnePlus cites "supply constraints" as the reason that it's not releasing the model stateside.The higher-specced OnePlus 9 Pro will continue to be the company's focus in North America.OnePlus is apparently not launching the cheaper OnePlus 9 Pro model in the United States, according to a statement provided to Android Police.When the company launched the OnePlus 9 series smartphones, the lower-specced 8GB/128GB 9 Pro was nowhere to be found. OnePlus initially pointed to delays, but today the company seems to make it clear that it won't arrive. The OnePlus 9 Pro 8x128 GB variant was originally set to be sold in North America for $969. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen supply constraints specific to North American devices, we recently concluded it is no longer possible to bring this configuration to the ...

The last thing you want to do while your hands are dirty with food or wet from washing dishes is tap a button on your smart speaker. When entertaining, don't you find that so many parties congregate in the kitchen? Smart kitchen products are pretty standard nowadays, but most useful, in particular, are those you can control by voice. They help simplify things when you're multitasking and make for a super-cool kitchen that will be the envy of all your guests. If you set up voice assistant routines, you can even enjoy various things happening at once with different Alexa devices, like the kitchen lights turning on, music playing, and coffee brewing with a single command. Here are some of the best kitchen products with Alexa to make your life a little easier, some of which are actually the best Alexa devices, overall.Versatile multicookerInstant Pot Smart WiFi MulticookerStaff PickThe best multicooker you can get is the Instant Pot, and this smart version allows you to remotel...

There are a lot of fun new features coming in Android 12 and chief among them is the first major update to Android's design and user interface (UI). Material Design was unveiled in 2014, dragging us out of the beautiful #HOLOYOLO darkness and into the multi-layered blindingly white of most Material Designed apps. Now, we're getting Material You, a fun new evolution that helps bring back a more cohesive look for Android while offering you the chance to make your phone look and feel totally unique and personal.What's new in Material You theming — and who can take advantage of itWhile many parts of Material You will be available to all manufacturers and ROM-builders when Android 12 releases this fall, one aspect — in my opinion, the most important aspect — will be Pixel-exclusive at launch: Dynamic Color themes that will automatically theme your phone with colors extracted from your wallpaper. While the automatic Dynamic Color theming first arrived on Beta 2, you couldn't swit...

What you need to knowVerizon won RootMetrics best overall network performance and reliability award for the 16th consecutive time.Verizon came in first in five of the seven categories.AT&T took the lead for the fastest speeds and data score from Verizon.T-Mobile improved its media download speeds by 50%, from 20.1Mbps to 30.3Mbps.Verizon announced that has been awarded the best overall network performance and reliability by RootMetrics for the sixteenth time in a row. In its report for the first half of 2021, RootMetrics found Verizon to have the top network in five of its seven categories. This report includes results for network reliability, speed, and performance, including data, calls, and text. Verizon took top marks in the reliability, accessibility, call, and text performance categories giving it the top spot overall.Verizon points out that it has won or shared 738 out of 875 Metro Area RootScore Awards. Verizon also had 43 markets with at least 40Mbps. RootMetr...

Best answer: Yes. As of December 2020, the HBO Max app is available to download on all Roku devices running Roku OS 9.3 and higher.How to install HBO Max on RokuIf you already subscribe to HBO or HBO Max but have yet to add either app to your Roku device, these are the steps you need to follow to install HBO Max on Roku:Turn on your Roku device or Roku TVNavigate to the Roku home page.Select Streaming Channels and Search channels. Search for HBO Max and select Add Channel to pin it to your Roku home page. Sign in to the HBO Max app using your existing credentials.If you're not currently subscribed to HBO Max, you should subscribe to the service at HBOMax.com before downloading the app on your Roku. It's also possible to register for HBO Max directly on your Roku and pay via Roku Pay.My HBO app didn't update to HBO MaxIt's worth pointing out that, since the launch of HBO Max on Roku streaming devices, users have reported issues with the app. If you used the HBO a...

Cheaper & more advancedFitbit SenseFrom $229 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/sleep trackingMore reasonably pricedECG, EDA, SpO2 trackingBuilt-in microphone & speakerConsOnly one size optionShorter battery life than Venu 2If you want an advanced health smartwatch with many sensors and features, you'll likely lean toward the Fitbit Sense. You get a full 6 days of battery life on a single charge, activity/sleep tracking, Fitbit Pay, and a mic/speaker with voice assistants. In comparison to the Venu 2, it's also a much better value.Pricey & slightly lackingGarmin Venu 2$400 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/sleep trackingPulse Ox & Body BatterySuperior battery lifeTwo size optionsConsInsanely expensiveNo mic or speakerLacks ECG/EDA sensorsThose who are already fans of Garmin might not mind paying a bit more for the Venu 2. It's available in two sizes and offers amazing battery life. You get activity/sleep trac...

Best answer: Amazon's devices with Special Offers (now called Ad-Supported devices) are products like the Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets that feature targeted lock screen ads but come at a reduced price to the consumer.What are Kindle and Fire Tablet ad-supported devices?You may have come to this article wondering just what Kindle and Fire tablet special offers, or Ad-Supported devices, are, so let's take a minute to explain what this idea is. Amazon introduced the concept of devices with Special Offers a while back as a way to reduce the entry cost into the Kindle, and then later, the Fire Tablet ecosystems.Amazon has always offered relatively low-cost hardware, particularly during major shopping events like Black Friday or Prime Day, but it pitched the Special Offers as a way to offset those expenditures further. The devices with Special Offers, now called Ad-Supported devices, consist of lock screen/screensaver ads that are personalized to you based on your shopping pre...

Whether you want to use your tablet to view a recipe while cooking or watch a movie in bed, you'll want to have one of the best tablet stands out there to do its job: free up your hands. There's nothing worse than trying to relax after a long day only to have your arms get tired from holding your tablet up for hours. Fortunately, these tablet stands we've chosen will make that problem seem like a thing of the past.Foldable and lightUGreen Multi-Angle Adjustable Tablet StandStaff PickThis stand is wide enough to accommodate most tablets and has internal padding to keep your device from sliding off. It's also lightweight and foldable.$9 at Amazon $12 at Walmart $20 at NeweggStylish and trendyLamicall Adjustable Tablet StandThe Lamicall tablet stand is easily adjustable and even works for other devices like your phone. The base has anti-skid cushions to keep it in place.From $17 at Amazon $20 at WalmartEasy-to-use clampSRMATE Gooseneck Tablet Stand...

Can't get inside that massive wind dome? We're here to help.Exploring the massive open world of Genshin Impact can give the same sense of wonder felt while playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the first time. There are so many interesting things to see and plenty of puzzles to solve as your journey around. It's one of the best Android games and one of the best free PS5 games available. Perhaps the biggest puzzle players face early on is figuring out how to break the seal on Stormterror's Lair.If you've been dying to figure out how to get inside this enormous wind bubble or are having trouble defeating the dragon, we're here to help. Here's everything you need to know about Stormterror's Lair, regardless of whether you're playing on mobile or on PS5.Stormterror guideEnter the wind domeBreak the sealsDefeat StormterrorEntering the wind domeFirst off, no matter how curious you are, you won't be able to get past the storm barrier until you are given t...

Though it's equipped with a solid metal frame, the best Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite cases will help protect your new, compact tablet and its shiny 8.7-inch LCD from any mishaps. After all, life happens. Like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, this latest lighter model could quickly join the ranks of some of the other best cheap Android tablets. These are the best cases to keep your tablet looking new and convenient to use.Perfect matchGalaxy Tab A7 Lite Book CoverStaff PickThere's no greater match for your new Galaxy Tab A7 Lite than Samsung's official book cover. This slim case will fit like a glove. It's offered in both gray and silver like the tablet itself, and it's guaranteed to look as good as it feels. And when you want to watch a video or a show, you can quickly prop the tablet up thanks to a flexible hinge.$30 at Samsung $30 at Best Buy $30 at B&HBest defenseOtterBox Defender Series CaseYou can count on OtterBox to provide your new tablet with multi-laye...

It was only here for a fleeting moment.What you need to knowTwitter has announced that it is ending its Fleets experiment on August 3.The company admits that it didn't have as much usage as it would have hoped.Twitter teases Fleets features coming to the tweet composer and Twitter Fleets is dead. The company announced that it is ending its Fleets experiment in roughly two weeks' time, on August 3.Twitter's head of product, Ilya Brown, said in a blog post that it saw Fleets as an engaging new way for users to participate in conversations, but the feature did not meet the company's expectations. ...in the time since we introduced Fleets to everyone, we haven't seen an increase in the number of new people joining the conversation with Fleets like we hoped.The feature rolled out globally on the best Android phones in November 2020 as an alternative to Snapchat, which popularized expiring photos and videos. Twitter Fleets were placed at the top of the timeline, and the ...

Can Samsung's upcoming tablets compete against the iPad Pro?Among the best Android tablets available today, the only real toss-up is between the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and its upgrade, the Galaxy Tab S7+. But considering both tablets are about a year old with aging chipsets, we're eagerly anticipating when the new Galaxy Tab S8 will arrive.We've only just begun to see initial Galaxy Tab S8 rumors and leaks in July, making it unlikely that the highly scrutinized and leaky company will release the new tablet anytime soon. Instead, we've learned that Samsung may mimic the Galaxy S21 series and release three new tablets, including a Tab S8 "Ultra" version that could go toe-to-toe with the iPad Pro. But we'll know more in the coming months.The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 likely won't arrive for some time, but anyone considering buying an Android tablet will have to decide whether to wait for it or buy something now. So here's what we know about its potential release date, price, specs, and...

The best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers take whole-home wireless speeds to the next level. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has allowed mesh systems to deliver full gigabit speeds easily throughout a large house by getting even more performance out of the available spectrum. Wi-Fi 6 lets compact routers hit gigabit speeds on their own and over 500Mbps while deployed as a mesh. With more phones than ever, including Wi-Fi 6 support, and families asking more of their internet connections than ever, it's a good time to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers?If you're looking for a great balance that's a great fit for an internet connection over 500Mbps, the Netgear Orbi RBK752 is a great choice, thanks to a tri-band AX4200 setup. This Orbi system dedicates a fast Wi-Fi band to connecting the mesh keeping speeds high and consistent throughout your home.The second best option is the Netgear Nighthawk MK62, designed for people who want a compact mesh system with enough speed for most people....

Once upon a time, getting one of the best 100W USB-C chargers meant it would be bulky, expensive, and proprietary. Now with Power Delivery, you can now find 100W chargers, with 160W charging on the way, that will charge even the most powerful laptops quickly and will charge even lower-powered devices like Chromebooks and phones, alongside your laptop with ease. The scene is shifting on 100W chargers pretty quickly these days as gallium nitride (GaN) starts making its way into this class of charger, but right now, we have a clear winner in the AUKEY Omnia 100W PD Charger.Smart powerAnker PowerPort Atom PD 4 ChargerStaff pickThis desk-friendly charging station can charge at up to 20V/5A for one device or intelligently breaks it up to charge 2-4 devices at once. The form factor and split of two USB-C and 2 USB-A make it great for charging a wide variety of devices in a variety of situations.$100 at Amazon$110 at Best BuySleek styleSatechi 108W Pro USB-C PD Desktop Charg...

The issue appears to affect all three Galaxy S20 series phones.What you need to knowA small number of Galaxy S20 phones appear to be experiencing major screen issuesThe screen turns green or white on affected units without any evident reason.Samsung is yet to acknowledge the issue. The Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra were three of the best Android phones of 2020 and are still great options to consider if you don't want to spend over $700 on a new Samsung flagship. Unfortunately, it looks like some owners of the Galaxy S20 series phones are experiencing a severe display issue that basically renders them useless (via Android Police).According to complaints from affected users on Samsung's Community forum, Reddit, and YouTube, the issue causes the entire display to turn green or white. Most of them say that they began noticing flickering issues a few days before their screens started turning green or white. They also claim that their phones weren't damaged in any ...

Android 12 is close to platform stability.What you need to knowGoogle releases the 3rd Android beta with a few notable features.The update brings native scrolling screenshots and on-device search for app content.Auto-rotate uses the camera to detect phone orientation more quickly.Google has begun rolling out Android 12 Beta 3 as the upcoming update nears platform stability. While Beta 2 was all about introducing new privacy enhancements, Beta 3 focuses more on utility, bringing some highly requested features while improving on others.Scrolling screenshotsThe first major feature coming to the new beta is native scrolling screenshots. This is a feature long requested by many Android users on phones like the Google Pixel 5, while many of the best Android phones already have their own implementation.When taking a screenshot, users will see a "Capture more" button to capture the full page, which can then be cropped to get just what you need.Better, faster auto-rotate...

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

What you need to knowAT&T 5G now covers more than 250 million people six months ahead of schedule.5G+ continues to expand with coverage in parts of more than 40 cities and 40 venues by the end of 2021.5G+ is already available in one airport, with seven more planned by the end of the year and 25 by the end of 2022.AT&T has a lot to say about 5G, announcing it has reached 250 million people covered by its 5G network in July 2021. This is six months ahead of schedule and is a major step towards achieving full nationwide 5G coverage. This coverage is mostly made up of AT&T's low-band 5G and shared DSS 5G. The announcement also included updates to its 5G+ (mmWave 5G) expansion and a plan for C-Band deployment.AT&T's 5G+ currently has coverage in parts of 38 cities and 20 venues. This is expected to grow to more than 40 cities and 40 venues by the end of 2021. 5G+ uses mmWave technology to deploy high-speed 5G connectivity with a ton of capacity in areas with a la...

There's room for improvement but not for panic.In light of how Microsoft vastly expanded the Xbox first-party portfolio through buying ZeniMax Media, I previously argued that Sony didn't need to acquire a publisher and based on the company's current trajectory, it seems we're in agreement. While nowhere near as splashy or headline-grabbing as Microsoft's purchase of ZeniMax Media, Sony is expanding the PlayStation first-party family with smaller but strategic acquisitions. Recent announcements indicate that Sony is interested in acquiring companies to grow Sony Worldwide Studios where appropriate, with the company buying Finnish developer Housemarque and PC porting team Nixxes Software within the same week.In fact, when you look at what Sony has chosen to purchase, both are fairly obvious decisions, which is a good thing! Housemarque is a longtime partner, having worked on PS3 titles like Dead Nation, as well as Resogun, Alienation, and Nex Machina for the PS4. Even before the cr...

PlayStation is falling behind the competition.In the months following Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, and subsequently Bethesda, I argued that Sony should follow suit and purchase a publisher as well. Given recent announcements from the company — partnering with third-party studios like Haven and Firewalk and purchasing developers Housemarque and Nixxes — it's clear that PlayStation doesn't seem interested in a heavy-hitting publisher, instead cultivating a growing first-party portfolio through careful and deliberate acquisitions.While in the short term I can see this benefiting Sony, I don't think it will work out in the long run as direct competitor Xbox beefs up its offerings. And even if Sony were to buy a publisher, it doesn't solve the entire problem.Not only did Microsoft buy a goldmine of IP when it acquired ZeniMax, it also bought the perfect way to sell Xbox Game Pass subscriptions to those who hadn't already bought in. That's what PlayStation is missing...

Welcome to the world of Virtual Reality! Now that a PlayStation VR (PSVR) has made its way into your life, you need to find the best display stand to show it off when you aren't playing some of the best PSVR games. Display stands are perfect for keeping things neat and tidy while also preventing you from needing to unpack and repack your VR headset for each use. Here are the best options.All-in-oneSkywin PSVR Charging Display StandStaff PickThe Skywin PSVR station is my top pick for the number of things it holds, how many charging options it has, and how sleek it looks on my entertainment center. You can charge two DualShock controllers, two Move controllers, and up to four devices on the USB ports on the front. This is also one of the few PSVR docking stands that has a place for the PSVR helmet, your headset, the console and the processor box.$39 at Amazon $40 at WalMartRunner-upSkywin PSVR Charging StandIf you like our top pick but think it's too big, you might ...

This comes just two weeks after Amazon's petition to have khan recuse herself from cases involving the e-commerce giant.What you need to knowFacebook wants FTC chairperson Lina Khan to recuse herself from the ongoing anti-competitive case against the company.Facebook says Khan has made public comments about Facebook that will not make her impartial when making decisions.The request comes a couple of weeks after Amazon filed a similar petition.Facebook is seeking the recusal of the Federal Trade Commission's chairperson Lina Khan from the ongoing anti-competitive case against the social media giant.In a statement to Android Central, a Facebook spokesperson said that Khan has consistently made "well-documented statements about Facebook and antitrust matters that would lead any reasonable observer to conclude that she has prejudged the Facebook antitrust case brought by the FTC.""To protect the fairness and impartiality of these proceedings, we have requested that Chair Kh...

It should come as no surprise that as time has passed everyone by, the best Chromebooks have progressed and become true productivity machines. And while there are a lot of awesome Chromebook tips and tricks that you won't find elsewhere, you'll likely want to know how to do some of the more basic tasks. One such task performed a plethora of times per day is simply copying and pasting text or other items from one place to another. So here's how you can copy and paste on a Chromebook.How to copy and paste with the touchscreenLocate the text that you wish to copy and paste.Double-tap the screen on the text that you wish to copy.Drag the highlight handles to highlight all of the text you want to copy.From the pop-up menu, tap Copy.Navigate to the area where you wish to paste the text. Tap and hold in the space where you wish to paste. Tap Paste from the menu that appears.Using the touchscreen on your Chromebook can be a bit finicky from time to time. For example, we hav...

The listings suggest the Galaxy Watch 4 series will be released on August 27.What you need to knowAmazon Canada has prematurely listed the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic on its website.Along with detailed renders of the two watches, the listings also reveal several key specs and pricing.The Galaxy Watch 4 series is rumored to debut at a Galaxy Unpacked event on August 11.Yesterday, Samsung teased its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Watch 4 in an official video. Amazon Canada has now jumped the gun and listed the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic on its website, revealing some specs and possible pricing of the two smartwatches (via WinFuture). According to the listings, the Galaxy Watch 4 will be available in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, on the other hand, will come in 42mm and 46mm sizes. The larger variants of the two watches will sport a 1.36-inch display. As you can see in the renders above, the Galaxy Watch 4 Cl...

As high-end phones get more expensive, awesome budget Android phones are getting better. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy, and with our buyer's guide, you'll find the perfect phone for you.What are the best cheap Android phones?Last year was tremendous for Android phones in the budget space, and as we make our way through 2021, we expect more of the same. You're seeing features like multiple cameras, faster processors, and 5G hit price points that would have been unheard of just a couple of years ago. Even though it pushes the limits of what a "budget" device is, we recommend the Google Pixel 4a as the best cheap Android phone because it hits the right balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, with a clean build of Android that you're sure to love. Indeed, the Pixel 4a's camera is nearly identical to its much more expensive Pixel 5 counterpart, and performance and battery life don't disappoint, either.Further down the li...

Get that puzzle solved once and for all.Genshin Impact, the hit new open world, action RPG is one of the best free PS5 games and best Android games available, and with it, tons of challenging battles and puzzles to solve as you explore the world of Teyvat. Each of the major battles requires a different strategy, but most can be beaten with access to some of the best characters. The puzzles, however, cannot just be brute-forced. Fortunately, we here at Android Central know everything you need to know to get past each of these puzzles so you can continue your journey through Teyvat.The Chi Guyun Geo Statue puzzleAt the top of the highest mountain in the Qingce Village sit several Geo Statues you can light up. However, you can only light up four, and if you pick wrong, you have to start over. In the center of the statues is another bit of Incomplete Writing to offer you a clue on how to solve this puzzle. Unfortunately, the clue requires a pretty intimate knowledge of the region, ...

Nothing is set to take the wraps off the Ear 1 on July 27.What you need to knowNothing has partnered with StockX to release the first 100 units of the Ear 1 wireless earbuds.The Nothing Ear 1 DropX will go live on July 19 at 9 AM ET. The limited edition Ear 1 units will be engraved with the numbers 1-100. Nothing today announced that it has teamed up with online marketplace StockX to release the first 100 units of its first true wireless earbuds. Nothing says it will be the first consumer tech brand to launch via DropX, a direct-to-consumer product release method developed by StockX to "offer brands and creatives the opportunity to release new and exclusive products directly to their global audience."Akis Evangelidis, head of marketing and co-founder of Nothing, said in a statement sent to Android Central: Launching a tech product on StockX has never been done before, and we feel honoured that Nothing ear (1) will be the first. We're conducting an auction exclusively ...

New designer Echo Dots look great and support women leaders.What you need to knowAmazon is adding limited-edition Echo Dots to its innovative Build It program.The Echo Dots will feature custom styles by fashion designer and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg.The designer Dots are available now for $60, but customers must place their orders by August 13th, 2021.Today Amazon announced the newest additions to its Build It concepts line in the form of one its most iconic devices, the Echo Dot. The company is partnering with noted fashion designer and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg to offer three new looks for its popular smart speaker. The new Echo Dot x designs include Midnight Kiss, Ikat, and Twigs, and customers can preorder them starting today. As part of this offering, Amazon is also donating towards Vital Voices, a non-profit chosen by von Furstenberg that invests in women leaders who are working to solve the world's biggest challenges.Amazon's Build It initiati...

Elegant fashionFitbit LuxeFrom $150 at Amazon$150 at Best Buy$150 at WalmartProsAbsolutely stunning designDecent battery lifeDoesn't stand out on your wristPlenty of fitness tracking featuresAffordableConsVery small screenNo app supportLimited watch face optionsSp02 tracking not available yetThe obvious reason for choosing the Fitbit Luxe over any activity tracker, not just the Apple Watch, is its sleek, unobtrusive, and elegant design. It's the activity tracker for those who want something simple that won't stand out on their wrist. Yet, it also tracks many of the most important fitness and sports data, making it a viable workout companion for someone serious about their fitness.For die-hard Apple fansApple Watch Series 3$199 at Best BuyFrom $169 at WalmartFrom $200 at TargetProsAffordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystemYou can listen to Apple Music and download playlistsComes with 3 months of Apple Fitness+You can access app...

Looking to sign up for one of the best VPN for Canada but don't exactly know where to begin? Canada is known for having many of the world's strictest security and privacy laws, such as being able to keep personal information for several months and send data to foreign governments through the Five Eyes Alliance.Although the Canadian government's aim may be to clamp down on issues such as cybercrime and terrorism, some could argue that such laws violate people's fundamental right to privacy. By using a virtual private network (VPN), Canadians are able to browse the web anonymously and securely.But privacy aside, there are many other benefits of using a VPN. You can unblock geo-restricted content and platforms, stop internet service providers (ISPs) from intentionally slowing your Wi-Fi connection, shop around for the best deals and improve gaming performance among many other benefits.The vast majority of premium VPN providers have set up server networks across Canada, but given tha...

Do you roam far from Chrome?We have a ton of apps (and app stores) to choose from when performing tasks on our smartphones, but undoubtedly one of the most popular apps on your Android phone is the web browser. This is because so much of our everyday life, both personal and professional, takes place over the web, and it makes sense that it carries over to our mobile devices.Today, when diving through the AC forums, we noticed an interesting thread asking about which browser folks use on their devices. It initially started out as a conversation about which version of Google's Chrome browser (developer, Canary, regular) used, and why, but it evolved into a discussion about more private browsers like Brave and DuckDuckGo.I would suspect that most people just use the default browser on their phones, whether that be Google Chrome or Samsung Internet, but there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the best option. Namely, syncing history, bookmarks, and "read later" content, am...

One of the most intriguing and best cheap Android phones is the OnePlus Nord, which has been available for a while, but it only launched in select markets. Now the Nord N10 has arrived for those in the U.S. This budget-friendly device stacks up quite nicely when comparing the standard Nord vs. Nord N10, but you're going to want to grab one of the best OnePlus Nord N10 cases to keep this fancy new smartphone protected.Show it offFoluu Clear CaseStaff PickThere are clear cases, and then there's the Foluu Clear case, which not only lets you show off the OnePlus Nord N10, but also has some added protection. All four corners are reinforced, acting as cushions if your phone ends up falling out of your hands.$8 at AmazonClassic designDzxouui Shockproof CoverThe Dzxouui Shockproof TPU Case may be tough to pronounce, but the case works perfectly for protecting your Nord N10. The case gives you precise cutouts for all of your ports, including the rear-mounted fingerpr...

For several years, I have been on the smartwatch bandwagon. From the Fitbit Versa to the Versa 2, Apple Watch, Garmin Forerunner, and Fitbit Sense, with models I have reviewed and my personal smartwatch, I have become used to the big screen and tons of data on my wrist. I didn't think I could ever go back. That is until I tried the Fitbit Luxe.One would think that if any activity tracker could convince someone that they didn't need a fancy smartwatch, it would be a fitness-focused model like the Fitbit Inspire 2 or Samsung Galaxy Fit2. But alas, this fashion-forward beauty has opened my eyes to the fact that all of the bells and whistles that come with a smartwatch might not be necessary.Why an activity tracker like the Luxe is enough for fitnessFrom the perspective of someone who focuses on physical fitness, going for walks/runs/jogs several times a week, and exercises daily, I make sure to put any activity tracker or smartwatch I wear through its paces. I want it to track e...

The Ring Doorbell and Amazon's Echo Show are a match made in heaven. The Ring Doorbell offers a smart doorbell experience that'll let you know exactly who's at the door without actually having to answer it. You can then use that cross-functionality to manage visitors by viewing them through the Ring Doorbell's camera and communicating with them using the Show's microphone. Thanks to Amazon Alexa, you don't even have to use your hands.Products used in this guideAmazon Echo Show 8Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2How to connect your Ring Doorbell with Amazon Echo ShowConnecting your Ring Doorbell with your Amazon Echo Show is easy. It'll just involve adding the Ring Alexa skill through the Amazon Alexa smartphone app. Here's how:Open the Amazon Alexa app.Tap the three lines in the bottom right-hand corner of the app to open the settings menu.Tap Skills & Games.On this screen, tap the search button in the upper right-hand corner.Type "Ring" and hit the search button.Ri...

Until now, YouTube Shorts beta was only available in 26 countries.What you need to knowYouTube Shorts beta is finally going global.It is now rolling out across more than 100 countries, including Sub-Saharan Africa.YouTube Shorts launched first in India in September 2020.YouTube Shorts, which is YouTube's answer to TikTok, is now available in over 100 countries around the world. The short-form video platform was launched in September last year. While it was initially limited to India, Shorts expanded to 26 countries earlier this year, including the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the UK.Along with the global expansion, YouTube is also introducing a bunch of new features that will be available in both existing and new markets. These include the ability to record up to 60 seconds with the Shorts camera, add text to specific points in your video, add clips from your phone's gallery to add to recordings made with the Shorts camera, basic filters to correct your Shorts, and au...

Everything from before, plus a few new things.It almost feels like Anker released headphones that look exactly like the Soundcore Life Q35 only some weeks ago, but it was actually in December 2020 when the Life Q30 came out. Those headphones punched above their weight in many ways that counted, though these are less their successors and more their counterparts.Anker didn't reinvent or really re-engineer anything here, sticking to the fundamentals that made the Q30 so good. Instead, it just added some extras to make the Q35 feel more premium.Anker Soundcore Life Q35 review:Price and availabilityWhat I like What needs workThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceAnker Soundcore Life Q35 Bottom line: Anker comes back with a similar pair of headphones that add to an existing model rather than replace it entirely...

Elite runners and triathletes will be unstoppable with this advanced smartwatch.While we all value certain features and capabilities when shopping for the best Android smartwatch, a difference of opinion on some matters is inevitable. This is especially true if you're an elite runner or triathlete with a specific set of needs, which is exactly who the Garmin Forerunner 945 was made for.Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, it's important to understand where this smartwatch stands in the Garmin lineup. When it comes to the Forerunner models, you'll have your pick of beginner, intermediate, and advanced watches. The Forerunner 945 sits on the high end of that scale. Some of the lower-tier options don't offer full-color maps or such advanced training metrics. If these are features you simply cannot live without, this may be the best Garmin smartwatch for your needs.Keep in mind that this watch is not to be confused with the company's latest release, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE...

Here's what Google has in store for its sixth Pixel.It's become a tradition that every year brings us a new Pixel, and for 2021, we're expecting Google to deliver the Pixel 6. It seems like yesterday that Google was unveiling the series for the first time, but somehow, we're already looking ahead to the sixth generation of the phone.We still have a long way to go before we can get our hands on the Pixel 6, but that doesn't mean we can't start speculating and making informed guesses as to what it'll offer. From price, specs, availability, and more, here's everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 6.Current flagshipGoogle Pixel 5$679 at AmazonThe best Pixel you can buy right nowWe expect the Pixel 6 to be a darn good phone, but if you need something right now, the Pixel 5 has a ton to offer. Whether you're searching for amazing cameras, a quality display, snappy performance, or reliable battery life, you get all of that with the Pixel 5. And thanks to its mid-t...

Protect all of the data and information on your Android phoneMost people use the terms privacy app and VPN (a virtual private network) interchangeably. While these programs give you a wide range of tools like data encryption, secure browsing, and location shields, there are other programs out there that also give you ways to secure your Android phone.The top 3 apps1. Bitdefender Mobile Security2. ExpressVPN3. Tor BrowserMore options1PasswordBlokadaFolder LockGoogle Find My DeviceGlasswireThese are the best privacy apps for AndroidBitdefender Mobile Security is the best privacy app for Android because it has most of the privacy tools you need in one app, including a VPN, safe browsing, and remote locating and locking of your device.Our favorite VPN service is also one of the best privacy apps for Android in ExpressVPN. With this installed, you'll be able to access streaming service libraries in other countries while protecting your browsing history.If y...

It's not Cyberpunk, but games have arrived on Android AutoWhat you need to knowGearSnacks is a new Android Auto app that provides access to HTML5 games.The games cannot be played unless your car is parked.GearSnacks is available in the latest beta version of the Android Auto app.Android Auto is designed to help you keep your eyes on the road instead of fiddling around with your phone. But it appears that the Android Auto developers want to give you something to do when you're parked, and that's playing games. Instead of these being fully-fledged games like Cyberpunk 2077 in a Tesla, GearSnacks is an app that is home to a bunch of HTML5 games for Android Auto.GearSnacks was first discovered in a Reddit thread and then further explored by XDA thanks to an APK teardown. Now, SmartDroid (via Android Police) has found the new GearSnacks app in the latest beta update for Android Auto.Google didn't have much to say about GearSnacks but told us that it's part of their beta pr...

To make the most out of PS5's network connection, you want to be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi. Many new routers have a single Wi-Fi name and automatically assign your console to the band that makes the most sense. Unfortunately, these routers don't always get it right and may assign your PS5 to a 2.4GHz band. Fortunately, Sony allows you to choose which Wi-FI band to use so you can make the right choice for yourself. In this guide, we'll show you how to force your PS5 to connect to 5ghz Wi-Fi. Let's get started.How to force your PS5 to connect to 5GHz Wi-FiTake a second to consider what's most important for your PS5 before you change your settings. 2.4GHz bands have greater coverage due to the lower frequency allowing for better wall penetration. With 5GHz bands, you give up some coverage but can connect at a much higher speed.The PS5 can connect at up to 1.2Gbps with a 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 connection and around 867Mbps on a Wi-Fi 5 connection. A 2.4GHz connection will struggle to pass 150M...

Seriously, protect your social media accounts before they get hackedWhat you need to knowSecurity Checkup is a new tool from Instagram to help keep your account secure.The app will show the Security Checkup prompt if there is suspicion of an account being hacked.Instagram is also enabling two-factor authentication through WhatsApp.Today, Facebook announced a new Security Checkup feature for Instagram that will walk you through some necessary steps to take if your account has been compromised. Some of the steps include verifying login activity and updating your contact information, such as your phone number or alternate email address.There seems to be an uptick in the number of compromised accounts, which is just one reason why Instagram finally rolled this feature out. In addition to providing the Security Checkup, Instagram has also detailed a few different steps that you can take to avoid worrying about your account being hacked.Surprisingly, setting up two-factor a...

Best answer: Yes, you can play Stadia games on Google TV. There is a small list of hardware that officially supports Stadia through Google TV, but any device that can run Google TV will be able to play Stadia games in some capacity.Official Google TV devicesWhen Google Stadia first launched in November 2019, users could stream games directly to their PC, television, and some mobile devices through the cloud. At the time, the only way to play Stadia games through the television was through the company's own Chromecast Ultra device with a Stadia controller.That changed in mid-2021 when Google announced it was extending Stadia support to more existing hardware. The list of officially supported devices includes the following:Chromecast with Google TVHisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV ProOnn FHD Streaming Stick and UHD Streaming DevicePhilips 8215, 8505, and OLED 935/805 Series Android TVsXiaomi Mi Box 3 and Mi Box 4 The addition of ne...

The BBC is famed for producing critically acclaimed television content loved by millions. And you can watch many of the British broadcaster's greatest TV shows, movies, and more on its official streaming platform: iPlayer.BBC iPlayer has content for pretty much everyone, from dramas to documentaries. Some of its best shows include Doctor Who, Fleabag, Rupaul's Drag Race UK, Our Girl, Eastenders, Line of Duty, Call the Midwife, Killing Eve, Gavin & Stacey, Louis Theroux, Merlin, and lots more.Best BBC iPlayer VPNs 20211. NordVPN (From $3.30/mo)2. ExpressVPN (From $6.67/mo)3. Surfshark VPN (From $2.49/mo)4. Hotspot Shield VPN (From $2.49/mo)5. VyprVPN (From $1.67/mo)6. ProtonVPN (From $6.63/mo)1. NordVPN: The best BBC iPlayer VPNFrom $3.30/mo at NordVPNNordVPN is one of the most common and biggest names in the VPN space, and it also happens to be one of the best — especially for BBC iPlayer with its variety of UK servers.2. ExpressVPN: A very reli...