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But it's got all the trappings of a proper flagship phone.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has leaked once again, showing off all the colors it'll launch in.Samsung looks to offer multiple variants of the phone, but none appear to include a telephoto camera.Rumors have been pointing to a January 4th 2022 launch at CES for some time now.It seems that every week brings a new Galaxy S21 FE leak, and this week's is the most detailed yet. CoinBRS managed to get their hands on what appears are official marketing slides, as well as a spec sheet detailing the most important components inside the phone.While everything looks better than the regular Galaxy S21 at first, the lack of a proper telephoto camera is a bit surprising. Given the impressive Galaxy S21 Black Friday sales that have already started, losing out on the telephoto camera could be a huge bummer for would-be buyers.According to the leak, Samsung is changing out the 12MP main camera sensor on the Gala...

The Netgear Nighthawk RAX48 is a Wi-Fi 6 Nighthawk variant exclusive to Best Buy with an AX5200 connection including a 5GHz band capable of 4.8Gbps. Best of all, it's 50% off, or just $150 for Best Buy's month-long Black Friday sale.If you've been following WI-Fi 6 router news for a while the AX5200 speed may strike you as a bit odd but when you break it down, this router has plenty of speed right where you need it. The 5GHz band tops out at 4.8Gbps thanks to 160MHz band support and 1024-QAM. The 2.4GHz band is a bit slower than other Wi-Fi 6 routers at 460Mbps thanks to a lower 256-QAM. This slower 2.4GHz band will more than likely go unnoticed by most people since most of our devices use 5GHz primarily.The Nighthawk line of routers has always been top-notch when it comes to design and the RAX48 is no different with matte and glossy black plastics used on top with a vent towards the back to keep things cool. Around the back, there are four adjustable antennas making wall-mounting ...

Gaming is simply better with a controller in your hands.Gaming on Android typically requires you to settle for using touchscreen controls. However, some gracious game developers take the time and effort to add support for Bluetooth gamepads — and we love them for it. Since so few games provide this feature, we've taken the time to test as many as we could. Here is our list of the best games that let you play with the best Bluetooth controller in your hands.We'd also recommend getting a Style Ring or PopSocket, which can help prop your phone up at a good angle for gaming.You might recognize some of these games from the best Android games roundup, and for good reason. But you're here for the best games with controller support, after all, so here I present to you the best you can find on the Play Store.The gamesBombSquadBrawlhallaBridge Constructor PortalCall of Duty MobileCastlevania: Symphony of the NightDandaraDead CellsDoom & Doom IIEvoland 2 FortniteGRI...

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

OnePlus is ramping up its beta program.What you need to knowOnePlus has begun recruiting OnePlus 8 owners for the OxygenOS 12 beta.The closed beta will only accept 200 people with the OnePlus 8/8 Pro and 200 8T owners.The beta program will be short-term ahead of the stable Android 12 release for OnePlus 8 devices.OnePlus has begun recruiting more beta testers for its OxygenOS 12 update. This time, the company focuses on the OnePlus 8 series devices.The company announced the closed beta program on Friday, stating that it will be a short-term program as opposed to previous long-term beta programs that the company has conducted. This suggests that the company may plan to release the update sooner rather than later for anyone still rocking some of 2020's best Android phones.The closed beta is limited to only 400 OnePlus 8 owners; specifically, the company wants 200 OnePlus 8/OnePlus 8 Pro owners and 200 OnePlus 8T owners to participate.To participate, you obviously need a...

Choosing the right Wi-Fi router can be a challenge with a ton of options but most people will be very happy with a reasonable Wi-Fi 6 setup like the AX1800 TP-Link AX21 which is $75, 25% off. With 5GHz speeds of up to 1201Mbps, this router can keep up with the majority of internet connections with more than enough speed for 4K streaming and large game downloads. Not only that, but with Wi-Fi 6 support, it's a great companion to a PS5.The Archer AX21 is a simple router that stays focused on what matters most in a router. Besides its fast wireless connection, it also has four gigabit Ethernet ports around the back, flanked on either side by four adjustable antennas. You can also easily wall-mount your router thanks to some mounting holes on the bottom if you want your setup to be a bit cleaner.This router can be easily set up in a few minutes with the TP-Link Tether app. Even if you've never set up your own router before, you can follow along with the app on Android or iOS to be up a...

In October, Google announced a series of new features that allow users to make more sustainable choices while navigating Google Search and Maps tools. Revealed during the Sustainable with Google event as part of the tech giant's goal to operate carbon-free by 2030, the new features specifically allow users to plan "greener" travel. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of tools that will help you plan a more sustainable vacation with Google search.How to plan a more sustainable vacation with Google searchAs part of its rollout to help users plan more eco-friendly getaways, Google promotes a new set of features that allow users to search for flights, hotels, and activities that put their carbon footprint at the forefront. Here's a detailed breakdown of those tools.Finding sustainable flights with Google searchGoogle makes it easier to find more sustainable flights by displaying carbon emission estimates on your flight search results and booking pages. Here's what you need...

Mesh Wi-Fi systems are one of the best ways to make sure you have great WI-Fi coverage around the entire house. The TP-Link Deco X20 is a mega deal on a mesh system at just $200 for three nodes with a total of 5,800 square feet of coverage. This mesh kit comes with three dual-band nodes with AX1800 speeds and works great with Wi-Fi 6 devices as well as older Wi-Fi devices.The TP-Link Deco X20 can help keep your home connected even if you have a lot of ground to cover or just have a home layout with a lot of interference. The best mesh Wi-Fi 6 systems like the Deco X20 use multiple small nodes to fully blanket your home in Wi-Fi coverage rather than relying on a single router to do all the work. This also allows for smaller nodes that can be easily hidden around the home.The Deco X20 comes with TP-Link's HomeCare software which provides antivirus protection for your whole network. HomeCare is free and can be easily set up and managed via the Deco app on Android. Not only that, HomeC...

Your screenshots are now one click away on Google Photos.What you need to knowGoogle Photos' home page now includes a new shortcut to the screenshot folder.The new shortcut may appear only after you have taken new screenshots on your phone.Google is apparently rolling out the shortcut as part of a server-side update.Google Photos now makes it easier to access the local folder for screenshots. On the service's home page, there is now a large shortcut button that now takes you directly to the screenshot folder.The most recent update, discovered by the Google News Telegram group, provides quick access to screenshots saved on your device and synced to Google Photos. The shortcut is located directly at the top of the home page, making it much easier to notice.Previously, you had to go to the bottom of the screen, tap the Library tab, and then open the Screenshots folder to view this type of image. The process is by no means complicated, but the new update is much handier a...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to multi-gigabit 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds up to 2.4Gbps per device to provide a better experience and more extensive coverage at home. Not only that, but most of these routers come with great software, including parental controls, to make your life easier. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops. So now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The Asus RT-AX82U is an AX5400 dual-band WI-FI 6 router that will work for just about any family thanks to its fast speeds, great extra software, and easy expansion options. This router has plenty of speed to take care of a family's streaming needs as well as the option to optimize traffic for gaming. You also get free security with AiProtection Pro for the life of the router.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, ...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsT-Mobile LTE networkUnlimited talk and textFree calls to Canada and MexicoHotspot on every plan5G on all plansConsMinimum term is three monthsUnlimited plan is slowed at 35GB5GB hotspot cap on unlimited planSave money by buying in bulk. Plans come with unlimited talk, text and have no overages after you've used your data. Speeds are lowered, but you can upgrade your plan mid-cycle or easily add more data.One month at a timeCricket WirelessFrom $30/mo. at Cricket WirelessProsAT&T LTE networkService in Canada and Mexico (unlimited plans)Unlimited talk and textMulti-line discounts 15GB hotspot data (unlimited plan) ConsSD quality videos (unlimited plans)Speed limits5G is only on the most expensive planTake advantage of the massive AT&T network without the contracts. You can start as small as just talk, text, and 2GB of data, then go all the way up to unlimited data wi...

Curse of the Pixel was certainly due for another sequel.What you need to knowGoogle Photos version 5.67 removes the Magic Eraser feature on Pixel 6 phones.Reverting to version 5.66 or earlier fixes the problem.This isn't the first time Google has pushed a problematic update, although it's likely this update will be pulled in the near future if it wasn't already been removed from the Play Store.If you're the proud owner of a brand new Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, you might want to hold off on pressing that update button for the Google Photos app. The latest version of the app, version 5.67, seems to have been erroneously pushed out by Google and, according to some users on Reddit, has completely removed the beloved Magic Eraser feature.If you noticed the feature was missing and were worried that you might have done something wrong, don't worry, it's easily fixable. More than likely, this version was intended for Android phones that aren't a Pixel 6 but appears to have be...

Android Central alumni Russell Holly and Daniel Bader join Ara, Jerry, and Michael Fisher for an epic gab session! They chat about Google's Pixel 6 messaging, Meta and the changing shape of the open web, and some of their favorite new tech in 2021.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:The Pixel 6 is facing a lot of criticism, but that's good for Google | Android CentralMeta acquires popular VR exercise app Supernatural, a sign of things to come | Android CentralSponsors:Codecademy: Join the millions of people learning to code with Codecademy and see where coding can take you. Get 15% off your Codecademy Pro membership when you go to Codecademy.com and use promo code ANDROID....

The Pixel 6 is still a great phone; it just has early-adopter jitters.What you need to knowA majority of poll responses show that our readers did not cancel their Pixel 6 orders.A smaller percentage have either canceled or are thinking of returning the phone.More than 30% of respondents never ordered a Pixel 6.While the Google Pixel 6 series has had quite a bit of fanfare since launch, it's also faced its share of criticism, as our Shruti Shekar points out. A lot of that has to do with the number of bugs that early buyers have dealt with. So we asked whether or not our readers ended up canceling their orders, for whatever reason.Of more than 800 responses, 30% say that they already received their Pixels and love the device, which isn't too surprising. Despite the early-adopter bugs that even the best Android phones deal with, the Pixels are still fantastic devices. An additional 18% say that they did not cancel their orders, as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are still hard t...

Xbox Cloud Gaming channels Mexico in miniature to a 6-inch smartphone screen.Forza Horizon 5 barely needs any introduction. The open-world racer tightropes between exacting car realism for gear heads, zany arcade-style gameplay for casual fun, and endless side missions and multiplayer content for completionists. Our Windows Central colleagues have already waxed rhapsodic about the game's many virtues in their full Forza Horizon 5 review.What we're more curious about is how Xbox Cloud Gaming handles this next-gen title. Microsoft promises that players will be able to get Xbox Series X-level performance on Android phones or in web browsers without needing powerful (and expensive) hardware. But it's still in beta, and a gorgeously rendered, blistering-paced game like Forza Horizon 5 wouldp rovide the ultimate test for Microsoft's servers.Long story short, it's amazing how well Forza performs on even the smallest and weakest of phones. Input lag is noticeable but it's minute and ea...

The feature has been available on older Pixel phones since March.What you need to knowThe Pixel 6 series phones have received "early access" to Google Fit's heart and respiratory rate tracking features.The camera-based tracking features were first announced in February this year. Google warns that the features are "being fine-tuned and may be removed."Earlier this year, Google announced a new feature that makes it possible to measure your heart and respiratory rate using your smartphone camera. While the features weren't available on Pixel 6 series phones at launch, they are finally making their way to Google's best Android phones of 2021.As reported by 9to5Google, the heart and respiratory rate tracking features are now available in "early access" for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users. Google warns that both the camera-based features are being fine-tuned and may be removed. The cards for the new heart and respiratory tracking features show up at the bottom of the Home tab i...

Many great Chromebooks have come in the last two years, but Google's clamshell ultrabook remains one of the most premium and most comfortable to write on for long periods of time. It also remains one of the least-discounted Chromebooks on the market outside Black Friday Chromebook deals and it many weeks of deals. The dry spell has broken with discounts of the Pixelbook Go at Amazon and Best Buy.Debuting in 2019, the Google Pixelbook Go is the most recent Google-made Chromebook. Premium outside and well-configured inside, the Pixelbook Go remains among the cream of the crop because it has one of the best typing and in-lap experiences on a Chromebook to date.You can get $50 off the base m3 model, $100 off the i5/8GB model, and $150 off the i5/16GB model. The configuration with i7 and 4K display is sadly not part of this deal — but that's okay, there's another 4K Chromebook on sale you can buy instead, and we'll get to it in a minute.Save up to $150 on Pixelbook GoGoogle Pixelb...

Even with a Gorilla Glass Victus screen and a Gorilla Glass 5 rear panel, the Google Pixel 6 is a glass phone, which needs extra protection. To avoid scary spiderweb shatters, impact protection is crucial, but keeping out dust, sand, and dirt is essential. If rough particulate matter slips between the case and phone, it can lead to ghastly scratches once you take your phone out of this Fort Knox of a case. Balancing protection, style, price, and slimness, here are the best heavy-duty Pixel 6 cases.Technicolor toughnessPoetic RevolutionWhile many of these manufacturers are just sticking to basic black, Poetic gives us the color variety we deserve with the Poetic Revolution. With five colors, silicon flaps to guard your USB-C port, and a built-in screen protector, the Revolution is ready to go to war with you.From $15 at AmazonHigh diverIncipio GripWhile most cases are only drop-tested from 4-8 feet, Incipio goes above and beyond with the Grip's 14-foot drop protectio...

Last year, the best Black Friday Fitbit deals mostly topped out at about $50 off on the best brands. With these latest deals on the Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Sense, we're already matching that number in the weeks leading up to the main deals event.If you've been thinking of buying one of the best fitness trackers as a holiday gift or to get a jump-start on your 2022 fitness goals, our number one pick across all exercise brands is the Fitbit Charge 5. At full price it's a bit expensive, but it's currently $50 off on all major storefronts.Fitbit Charge 5$129 at Amazon$129 at Best BuyFitbit didn't leave anything out of the Charge 5. It has 5ATM water resistance, a week of battery life, NFC for tap-to-pay, onboard GPS, HRM, ECG and EDA health sensors, and all the Fitbit software features you love. It's perfect if you want a device that you'll barely feel on your wrist while running, but still looks readable in direct sunlight.Currently, the largest price cut is on the Fit...

The app will now notify you when a movie or show you saved in the watchlist goes free.What you need to knowThe Google TV app now includes a new feature that notifies you when a previously bookmarked movie or show becomes available for free.The new feature is hidden deep in the app's settings, though it is enabled by default.You'll also be notified when content from a third-party streaming service linked to the app becomes available for free viewing.Google has quietly pushed a new update to the Google TV app, formerly known as the Google Play Movies & TV app, that sends you a notification when a TV show or movie on your watchlist becomes free to watch.The app's watchlist tab functions as a bookmark, allowing you to save movies and TV shows to watch later on many of the best Android phones or laptops. According to 9to5Google, the new feature is enabled by default on the Google TV app, as well as the Play Movies & TV app if you're still using it.You can also turn o...

Amazon's smart plug brings a new meaning to the term "plug and play."I've been using the Amazon Smart Plug for a few days, and I'm convinced it's the best hardware product Amazon has ever made.I'm no stranger to smart plugs. I have an assortment of them in my house, ranging from hard-wired old-school Wemo and Insteon plugs to inexpensive iHome socket adapters to "green" models like Edimax's offerings. They're a great way to transform any dumb device into one smart enough to turn on or off on command. They work because they're simple: it's hard to build something that only does one thing which doesn't work.What's usually not simple is setting things up. Some plugs are harder than others to get working well, especially with something like a voice assistant, and every one I've tried has needed some tech literacy to install and get working properly. Until now.Amazon Smart Plug review:Price and availabilityWhat is a smart plug?What's good What you won't likeThe competitio...

Whether you're looking to become the next big streamer or need to look professional for an online meeting, a clear webcam is a must. Aluratek's 4K Ultra HD Live Broadcast Webcam is just $60 at Best Buy, $120 off. This webcam not only has a crisp high-resolution image, but also dual stereo microphones with noise canceling.This Aluratek webcam is compatible with just about every operating system including Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS so you can even use it with one of the best Chromebooks. For example, if you have a home office setup powered by a laptop, you can leave the laptop closed and keep your desk clear for meetings. You can also take it with you and clip it to your monitor if you're working from the road.Aluratek makes mounting easy with a grippy clip that can hold on to the top of a monitor or sit on a flat surface. It also comes with mounting for a tripod so you can make sure you get the perfect angle with any desk layout. This webcam also comes with a physical privacy cover...

If you are looking for a smart speaker that offers more than playing your favorite audio, answering your questions, and helping you to control all the gadgets you picked up during the Black Friday smart home sales, then you should take advantage of this deal on the Lenovo Smart Clock 2 from Best BuyLenovo released the Smart Clock 2 this year, and when I got the chance to review it, I was pretty impressed. I have used the original Smart Clock for a couple of years, and it has been nice, but the improvements that Lenovo made for the second generation were great! While the updates to the smart speaker itself were minor, primarily the improved audio — it's the new dock that really steals the show.The Smart Clock 2 is a perfect bedside or office desk companion because the new dock brings so much additional functionality to the already helpful speaker. This dock brings a wireless charging pad to keep your phone topped off, a soft glowing night light when you need it, and a USB port for...

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a foldable phone with many promises. S Pen support makes it a natural choice for creators on the go who want to sketch out ideas wherever the muse strikes them. The improved durability and water resistance mean that you don't quite have to baby the Fold 3 the way you did the Fold 2 (just don't take it to the beach or the desert). Of course, you can bolster that protection with a great case, and these are the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases we've been able to find so far.Protect everythingSpigen Tough Armor Designed for Galaxy Z Fold 3 5GStaff PickMost Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases leave the phone's hinge totally exposed, but Spigen provides a couple of options with that extra bit of protection. The Tough Armor's version should still sit flat on a desk in tablet mode. It also offers a nice lip around the outer screen and the camera.$50 at AmazonGet the Note experienceSamsung S Pen Folio CoverWhile the Galaxy Z Fold 3 supports the S Pen, it...

Though Black Friday hasn't made it here just yet, that isn't stopping retailers from cranking out some pretty great deals right now. One such deal is this one from Best Buy that is knocking $25 off the Nest Mini (2nd gen) smart speaker. This is the latest iteration of the smallest Google Assistant speaker in Google's lineup. While it may be small in stature, we found it to be far better than expected in our review of Nest MiniThe Nest Mini is a fantastic option for anyone starting to get into smart home products or those who want to expand theirs. Thanks to its small footprint, the Nest Mini can fit into more spaces without being an eyesore. But if you want to incorporate the speaker into your decor, it is so much easier with the design choices Google offers on one of the best smart speakers you can buy.Google covered nearly the entire speaker in a beautiful fabric that is available in three color options — Charcoal, Sky, and Coral. The speaker's underside is a color-matched, rub...

As winter approaches, there's some fun in the snow for those exploring Teyvat.What you need to knowGenshin Impact Update 2.3 now has a release date of Nov. 24, 2021.New characters Arataki Itto and Gorou are joining the roster. There's also new winter activities, including the ability to build some snowmen.Genshin Impact Update 2.3 is on the way, bringing some new quests, events and characters for players to enjoy in one of the best PS5 games available. The update has an official release date of Nov. 24, per PlayStation Blog, meaning players won't be waiting too long before exploring what this winter-themed outing has to offer. Headling the update are the new characters Arataki Itto and Gorou. You can check out the trailer for the update below:The update is bringing a new training event to the mountain of Dragonspine, meaning players will need to make sure they're equipped for the freezing cold. In addition to some challenging training, which is broken up into three pa...

If you want to go all-in with smart home gadgets, there's a lot to consider, from smart speakers to smart lighting. Smart locks for Google Home are also worth the investment. Not only do they keep your home safe and secure, but they can also be controlled remotely and give you access to other family members or friends easily. Here are the best smart locks for Google Home controlled using Google Assistant.Google Assistant's best friendGoogle Nest x Yale Smart LockStaff PickYou can control this smart lock from anywhere through Google Assistant, and it ties in beautifully with other Google Nest products with automated features like disabling your Nest Secure alarm when you come home. It can unlock automatically with your phone and has a backup number pad.$279 at Amazon $280 at Best Buy $279 at Home DepotBudget choiceAugust Smart Lock - Keyless Home EntryAugust's third-generation smart lock is a real treat. It unlocks automatically with your phone and has a deadbolt t...

Along with LG and Sony, Samsung makes some of the best TVs for PS5. Its QN85A QLED model is $500 off ahead of Black Friday, making for an excellent deal shortly before the holiday shopping season. Going from originally $1,600 down to just $1,100, the QN85A delivers stunning 4K resolution and Quantum HDR at a fraction of its price.If you're concerned about whether QLED or OLED is better for gaming, it's all a matter of personal preference. While OLED delivers deeper blacks for higher contrast, QLED images tend to be brighter overall. PS5 games will look amazing regardless, so don't feel like you need to break the bank on a more expensive model.Save $500 on this Samsung televisionSamsung Neo QLED 55" TV $1,100$1,100 at SamsungThis is one of the best early Black Friday PS5 TV deals we've seen thanks to this outrageous discount. The Samsung QN85A is a fantastic fit for your PS5 and of course comes with a 120hz display. Mini LED technology allows super detailed brightness and ...

Whether you're just starting with your smart home or have been building it up for a while, a smart display (or two) can be the perfect addition. A smart display is essentially a Google Assistant or Alexa speaker with a screen attached to it, allowing you to perform your usual array of voice commands while watching YouTube videos, following recipes, and more. The Nest Hub isn't just an incredible smart display. It's also one of the best Google Assistant speakers around — but if that doesn't catch your fancy, we have five other options that are also worth a look.Best overall: Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)If you want the very best smart display that money can buy, you'll want to check out the Nest Hub. We still love the original model that launched back in 2019. Still, its successor is available for pre-order now, featuring the same Soli sensor initially found on the Pixel 4, which is being used for sleep tracking by monitoring motion and sound at night.Right off the bat, the Nest...

Google has a strong fanbase that expects a lot from it.A heightened level of public and media scrutiny towards a new flagship phone isn't unusual, experts say. But some agree that there has been an extra level of criticism towards some of the hardware and software features on Google's Pixel 6 lineup, and that's because of how much the company has created hype for these new phones.Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were announced about a month ago, and many people have had some time to test and play around with the phones. The phones use Google's first-ever in-house developed chip, Tensor, and Android Central's Ara Wagoner and Nick Sutrich (in their reviews) have expressed that the phones are compelling. In fact, the Pixel 6 is even considered one of the best Android phones currently available.But more recently, a multitude of reports have indicated a slew of hardware and software issues with the phones. Some users have reported that the Pixel 6's fingerprint sensor has not been v...

Samsung's top-of-the-line earbuds required me to get medical intervention to heal the infections they caused.Wireless earbuds have become such commonplace in society that you can get a great pair of cheap wireless earbuds that come with some helpful features without spending much money. However, the best wireless earbuds that offer excellent sound quality, impressive ANC, and amazing battery life will cost quite a bit more. One of the options leading that category is the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro.But what happens when the excitement of finally picking up a set of these high-end wireless earbuds comes crashing down because they cause you to get an ear infection? This is exactly what happened to a lot of buyers, myself included.I anxiously awaited picking up a pair of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro to replace my aging Galaxy Buds that I had been using regularly for the last two years. The original Galaxy Buds were the first pair of earbuds that I could rely on for good sound and rel...

It's that time of year when we start getting ready for the Black Friday PS5 deals, and you certainly shouldn't be waiting until the day itself if you haven't bagged Sony's new console yet. Since launch, last November, the PS5 has never lasted more than a few minutes when it comes into stock, and we expect the feeding frenzy to be no different well into next year.Jump to Black Friday PS5 dealsSee PS5 stockInternal SSDHeadsetsControllersTVPlayStation PlusWe're here to help point you in the right direction of the stores most likely to get the PS5 in next. There won't be any discounts on the console, though, and Black Friday PlayStation 5 bundles that appear will likely feature a range of items all added at full price because people will pay it. Sad, but true. So, if you see a sensibly priced PS5 at any moment from now, just bag it while you can.It's not all bad news, as the genuine stars of the Black Friday PS5 deals will be found on some of the very best PS5 headsets, ...

It isn't clear if the stable One UI 4 update for the Galaxy S21 series will be released before the end of the month.What you need to knowSamsung has ended the One UI 4 beta program for the Galaxy S21 series.The next major update for the Galaxy S21 series will be the stable Android 12-based One UI 4 release. There's no word yet on exactly when the stable One UI 4 update will start rolling out. Samsung's Android 12-based One UI 4 beta program for the Galaxy S21 series phones has finally come to an end.In a post on Samsung's Community forums, the company's beta operations manager has confirmed that a fifth One UI 4 beta won't be released for the Galaxy S21 series (via 9to5Google).The bugs included in the fourth beta will apparently be fixed in the first stable One UI 4 release. Sadly, the beta operations manager hasn't provided a timeline for the stable rollout. Last year, Samsung began rolling out the stable Android 11 update to the Galaxy S20 series phones in early Decem...

Matter will help make buying smart home products more accessible than ever.When it comes to buying smart home products, it's not always cut and dry. Support for certain items can often be limited to one ecosystem, meaning you can't just pick up a smart appliance and trust that it'll just work with whatever you're using. But that's about to change, thanks to Matter. Formerly called Project CHIP, Matter is set to change things in a way that will make it easier than ever to establish the ultimate smart home.But what exactly is Matter? Also, what is Thread, and how does that fit into everything? Will current devices work with the new standard, or will we have to buy entirely new products?Jump to:What is Matter?What is Thread?Who is involved?When will Matter be available?What is Matter?Matter generally refers to the new smart home connectivity standard created by a working group of over 200 companies and founded by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), formerly Z...

The phone could have a vertical rear camera alignment and a textured back panel.What you need to knowNew renders and specs of Motorola's successor to the Moto G Power (2021) have leaked online.Like the rest of the Moto G lineup, the upcoming device's standout feature is its massive battery at a low price.The phone's design may also differ significantly from that of its predecessor.Motorola's next budget smartphone has been leaked in a new set of renders, revealing almost everything we need to know about the upcoming Moto G Power (2021) successor including its design and specs.Like some of the best Motorola phones such as the 2020 and 2021 models of the Moto G Power, the upcoming device could boast an enormous battery at 5,000mAh with 10W charging, per GizNext. The device may also be powered by a MediaTek Helio G37 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. With a microSD card, you could expand that storage to 512GB.The Moto G Power (2022) may also ...

There's one company noticeably absent from the list.What you need to knowA new commit suggests that Material You dynamic theming will arrive on more devices.Each manufacturer may implement dynamic colors in their own way.Samsung is notably not on the list and will likely stick to its own system.Love it or hate it, Material You in Android 12 brings a major visual overhaul to Android thanks in part to its dynamic color system. Now there appears to be evidence that the color system will arrive on more Android devices.Mishaal Rahman noticed a code commit listed as "Add supporting manufacturer list of dynamic colors" that lists many Android OEMs that will support dynamic colors on some of the best Android phones. Among these manufacturers are OnePlus, Xiaomi, Nokia (by way of HMD Global), Sony, Oppo, and several more.This is interesting. The source code for Monet (Android 12's wallpaper-based theme system) will be released with Android 12L, but based on this code change for ...

PlayStation owners can soon look forward to another hero.What you need to knowSpider-Man was first announced to be coming to Marvel's Avengers back before the game launched in 2020.Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics recently confirmed that Spider-Man would be added on Nov. 30, 2021. There's a new trailer, giving a glimpse of what this version of Spidey looks like in action. Spider-Man is exclusive to the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game. Spider-Man is finally on the way to Marvel's Avengers and ahead of his inclusion, Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics shared a new trailer, introducing this version of the iconic web-slinger to this particular world of heroes and villains. You can check out the reveal trailer below:As previously announced, Spider-Man is coming exclusively to the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game on Nov. 30, 2021 as part of a larger update, bringing quality of life improvements and a huge Raid for all players. The Power Level cap is also being raised from 1...

This is one way to avoid people you don't like.What you need to knowA new WhatsApp beta update is rolling out with a new privacy option.The update adds the ability to hide your profile photo, About information, and "Last seen" status from only certain contacts.Previously, users could choose to show these to everyone, all of their contacts, or no one.A new WhatsApp beta update is rolling out, with a new privacy feature that will make it easier to avoid certain contacts or hide your information from specific users.Spotted by WABetaInfo, the update adds a new option to the Last seen privacy setting. Previously, this gave users the option to show their status to Everyone, their contacts, or no one. The additional "My contacts except…" option lets users specify certain contacts that they don't want to see their Last seen status.This will give users more control over who can see when they were last online, and maybe a good way to avoid certain contacts, giving you the appea...

Like call screening, Direct My Call is a new Pixel 6 exclusive feature that really makes Google Assistant fell like an assistant. Direct My Call will listen to a phone tree (Press 1 for yadda yadda, press 2 for more yaddas) and print out the options for you on the screen. Then you can just tap the option you want and the phone will enter the number for you. This is handy for two reasons. First, you get the options literally spelled out for you on the screen. Second, you don't have to try to remember what each option was. Here's how to use that feature.How to enable Direct My CallDirect My Call is not on by default, so the first thing you'll have to do is enable it.Open the Phone app.Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.Tap Settings.Tap the Direct My Call to turn the feature on.How to use Direct My CallFrom there Direct My Call will automatically turn on when the proper conditions are met. Direct My Call only works on Pixel 6 series phones, on toll-free calls ...

Best answer: No, PUBG: New State doesn't support cross-play with other games in the series such as PUBG Mobile. This is a new game, with new features that aren't compatible with other games.Does PUBG: New State support cross-play?PUBG: New State is the latest iteration of the formula started by the original PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, or PUBG. After the success of PUBG Mobile, the developers at Krafton have been working on a mobile successor title, one that might join the ranks of the best Android games available.PUBG: New State does not support cross-play with PUBG: Mobile. This is because it's an entirely new game. While there are many similarities to PUBG: Mobile, there's also different changes, meaning it's not possible for players on one game to interact with players on another. This launch is a clean slate for everybody who plays it, with nothing carrying forward from past games.What is new in PUBG: New State?PUBG: New State is set several years in the future, in t...

The best Kindle e-reader is often the best e-reader money can buy. Like Xerox and Velcro, the Kindle brand name is now synonymous with e-readers, and Amazon dominates the category. The new Kindle Paperwhite (11th Gen) is a fantastic starting point if you're looking to get started, and there are plenty of other great picks available at various price points. Here are some of our top choices when it comes to the best e-readers on the market.1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (11th Gen): Best overallThe Kindle Paperwhite set the benchmark for affordable e-readers for a long time now, and the latest model adds even more compelling features to the mix. The highlight is the IPX8 water resistance, which lets you take your e-reader to the pool. The Paperwhite can survive in up to two meters of water for an hour, giving you much more flexibility to use the e-reader.Like the previous edition, the Kindle Paperwhite (11th Gen) has 8GB of internal storage, giving you the option of adding even mor...

It's only available on iOS for now.What you need to knowAmazon introduces a new sharing feature for the Prime Video app.It lets users edit and share clips from Amazon Original movies and shows.The took is only available on iOS at the moment, with no word on Android availability.Amazon announced a new feature for its Prime Video app that allows users to share moments from their favorite movies and TV shows.The new sharing tool is only available on select Amazon Originals and takes a 30-second clip that users can share on social media or via a message.When viewing an eligible movie or show, you will notice a share button. Clicking it will pause the content and bring you to an editor with 30 seconds of a clip that can be trimmed down to your liking and previewed before sharing.It's a handy way of showing off your favorite clip from a show, especially if it's a particular part you might not be able to find elsewhere, like on YouTube. It's also a pretty uncommon feature ...

Android 12 added some impressive new features to Pixel phones that other Android skins have had for years, including scrolling screenshots. Before Android 12, you could edit screenshots but were restricted to whatever your phone screen could fit. Now, you can choose to "Capture more" and grab more than double the screen space that you could in the past. Here's how to take scrollable screenshots with Android 12.How to take scrollable screenshots in Android 12Take a screenshot in any app using your Android phone's screenshot shortcut. To take a screenshot on Pixel phones (and most other Android phones), press and hold the power and volume down buttons simultaneously until the screen flashes to capture your screen.Three buttons should appear: Share, Edit, and Capture more. Tap "Capture more" to proceed. Note: Some apps currently don't support scrollable screenshots. If "Capture more" doesn't appear, you won't be able to take one. Once you tap this option, you'll zoom out so you ...

New areas to explore and new machines to discover.One of the biggest, most beautiful games revealed during Sony's PS5 showcase The Future of Gaming was Horizon Forbidden West. This ambitious sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn is being developed by Guerrilla Games, who are using the Decima engine and the newfound power of the PS5 to great lengths. It will no doubt become one of the best PS5 games when it releases.The world of Horizon Forbidden West is one of mystery and one of the highlights is the different kinds of machines that roam, fly, or swim through the world. As Aloy travels into what was the Western USA, she's going to discover plentiful machines, both new types and returning forms. Here's the full list of machines in Horizon Forbidden West that we know so far.Horzion Forbidden West Machines:Machine ClassesBristlebacksClawstridersChargersShellsnappersSnapmawsSunwingsTremortusksUnidentifiedMachine classesIn the original Horizon Zero Dawn game, machines were...

There are many different touchscreen control schemes you can choose, but which is best?The release of the much-anticipated battle royale PUBG: New State will have garnered interest from new and experienced players alike. With a surprising lack of a tutorial, many new players will be wondering which control set up to go with, while PUBG veterans will be keen to compare how the game controls when compared to PUBG mobile.In PUBG: New state, there are three main control schemes whilst on foot, with three more to choose from when in vehicles. The option to move on-screen buttons and customize your controls are detailed and allow for a tailored control scheme, yet it can be overwhelming. Here are the best touchscreen controls for PUBG: New State.Which touchscreen controls are best in PUBG: New State?Unless you're a PUBG expert, the default first option is definitely the one to use, the setup giving you more freedom in terms of where to place your thumbs on a screen more cluttered...

Characters in higher tiers tend to be more powerful.Genshin Impact, the latest action RPG from miHoYo, has two dozen characters, along with many more coming soon. As with any gacha game, the best Genshin Impact characters require a fair bit of luck and/or money to add to your team. Characters each have different rarity levels and belong to different tiers. Typically, the higher up the tier they are, the more powerful they are. So, which characters should you be hoping for and investing your resources in leveling up? We're here to help and when you finish, be sure to check out our best Android games for even more mobile fun.Genshin Impact Tier ListHow many playable characters are there?S Rank CharactersA Rank CharactersB Rank CharactersC Rank CharactersD Rank CharactersComing soonHow many playable characters are there?There are over 30 different playable characters in Genshin Impact. A handful are rewards for completing certain portions of the story, including...

Google and Samsung's combined might is still not on par with Apple.The Apple Watch occupies a cult-like status among iPhone users, and I didn't understand why this was the case until I started using the Apple Watch Series 6 last year. But once I did, it was immediately clear why the smartwatch was so popular; it had features I actually wanted to use, the hardware was gorgeous, and watchOS was cohesive in a way that Wear OS and Tizen never were.Simply put, the Apple Watch is in a league of its own. Because of its dominant lead in this segment, Apple hasn't changed much with this year's Apple Watch Series 7: the screen is larger and has thinner bezels, there's IP6X dust resistance, and faster charging. You still get ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, all the workout modes you need, a bright OLED panel, and all-day battery life with wireless charging.Samsung and Google redoubled their efforts with Wear OS 3, combining their strengths to create a unified smartwatch platform. While th...

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 has been a little difficult to find this summer and fall amidst the global shipping crisis, understandably so as it is one of the best Android phones on the market today. We were actually a little worried that there might not be any deals for the S21 because of these supply issues, but Samsung has happily proved us wrong.Samsung's Galaxy S21 deal gives you $200 off every model S21 — bringing the S21 to $600, S21+ to $850, and S21 Ultra to $1000 — and then throwing in Samsung.com credit so you can buy a case, charger, or maybe a new pair of earbuds to go with your sweet new phone. The S21 gets $25 instant credit, while the S21+ and Ultra get $50.While you get a bigger gift card with the larger models, the deal on the regular Galaxy S21 is the best one of the bunch — because it saves you any money on a phone that's been sold out for weeks and weeks, a phone which hasn't seen a significant sale since the doldrums of summer. And I wouldn't wait a single sec...

Revenge of the Flip is in full swing.Turns out, the third time really is a charm when it comes to Samsung's foldable clamshell design. What may have initially seemed to be an homage to a relic of another time is actually the ideal form factor for the devices we have come to love and use every single day. Samsung is making sure that the idea of flip phones isn't just relegated to a few overly nostalgic, wealthy customers either, as it has dropped the MSRP to $999 and is even trying to woo younger demographics with attractive accessories that make the Galaxy Z Flip 3 hip to be square.But it's not just the style that Samsung is nailing down for its third-generation clamshell foldable. Important features that people have come to expect from a modern smartphone are finally available on foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3. That includes major milestones like water resistance, stereo speakers, a screen that doesn't scratch easily, and more durable materials than e...