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Microsoft doesn't sell phones anymore, but it has a vested interest in Android's future.One of the more interesting announcements around Windows 11 is the fact that the operating system can run Android apps. Microsoft has teamed up with Amazon to bring the Amazon Appstore to Windows 11 using Intel Bridge, a run-time post compiler that allows Android apps built for Arm devices to function on the x86 platform.What's particularly interesting is that you can even sideload Android apps on Windows 11, opening the doors for the best Android apps on the desktop platform. Although Microsoft doesn't sell phones anymore — the Surface Duo is more a technical showcase than a mainstream consumer device like the best Android phones — it cares deeply about Android.Microsoft pivoted to a cloud-first strategy under Satya Nadella's leadership, ensuring its core services are available on all platforms. It also entered into a "long term commitment" with Samsung to pre-install the Office product...

The latest version of DiskStation Manager is here, and you should install it right now.Synology makes the best NAS enclosures you can buy today, and the brand's main differentiator is the software. DiskStation Manager (DSM) has powerful features that let you easily back up data, host your own mail, office, and VPN server, and so much more.DiskStation Manager 6.0 launched back in 2016, and while the software picked up a lot of updates in the last four years, the core features have remained unchanged for the most part. That's why it's exciting to see that Synology is now rolling out the stable version of DiskStation Manager 7.0. DSM 7.0 brings a ton of new features, including a unified photo management service, fresh user interface, better system monitoring tools, new sharing and collaboration features, and more.Here's everything you need to know about all the new features in DiskStation Manager 7.0, what NAS enclosures are eligible for the beta, and how you can install DSM 7.0 o...

Alongside the Galaxy Watch 4 Active, Samsung might be releasing a Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.What you need to knowNew leaks purport to show the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.The phone is rumored to be launching alongside the Galaxy Watch 4 Active. Both are to make an appearance at Unpacked later this summer. Samsung has been working on the new Galaxy Watch 4, as it's presumed to be called, and leaked renders from Android Headlines give us a look at one of the models.Aside from the Galaxy Watch 4 Active, which might actually just be the regular Galaxy Watch 4, the company is launching a more conventional Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Both will run the new One UI-based Wear experience co-developed by Google, but the Classic model would be aimed at a more mainstream audience than the fitness-focused Active model.Android Headlines reports that the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will come in three sizes and three colors. A 42mm size, a 44mm size, and a 46mm size will offer ...

Google chalks up another win for RCS adoption thanks to AT&T.What you need to knowGoogle Messages will be the default messaging app on AT&T Android smartphones.This is likely to fuel the use of RCS messaging on Android after a slow initial rollout.The announcement comes months after T-Mobile pledged to make Google Messages the default.Google's push for RCS continues as AT&T commits to making Google Messages the default messaging app on its Android smartphones.David Christopher, the executive vice president and general manager of AT&T Mobility, says that the company looks forward to "working closely with Google to extend these benefits to even more of our customers as they enjoy richer conversations with others around the world."The announcement comes months after T-Mobile announced its own partnership with Google, including offering more of the best Android phones on its network and making Google Messages the default.Samsung also pushes for RCS on its...

5G phones are still rare in the sub-$200 markets, but phones like this will help encourage uptake.What you need to knowT-Mobile today launched the REVVL V 5G+, its cheapest 5G phone under its homegrown REVVL band.The company bills it as the cheapest 5G phone in the U.S.It's available for $199.99 outright or $8.34 for a 24-month plan.T-Mobile is launching a cheap Android phone under its REVVL brand with the new REVVL V 5G +. Billed as "the most affordable 5G smartphone ever in the U.S.", this phone is a T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile exclusive, launching on July 12.You're not going to confuse this for one of the best smartphones, but the specs aren't terrible for the price you pay. The phone has a 6.82-inch HD+ LCD with face unlock and fingerprint sensor for biometrics. There's a triple camera setup with the standard 16MP main and a pair of 5MP and 2MP secondary cameras. For selfies and video calls, you'll find a 16MP front-facing camera. You'll find 64GB of storage paired...

That'll make it harder for third-party app stores to attract content.What you need to knowGoogle seems to want to move away from Android app formatted as APKs in the Play Store.It's now started mandating that new apps entering the store from August should use its new AAB format.The move is likely to harm third-party app stores as Google remains the only store that uses the AAB format. Google this week announced that it would be mandating the adoption of the Android App Bundle (AAB) over Android Packages (APKs) for new apps submitted from August 2021. The company had previously introduced the Android App Bundle as a new way of formatting apps for publication to the Play Store in 2018. It had seen adoption from developers as high-profile as Netflix and Adobe.Android App Bundles offered benefits for users in the form of smaller downloads. To put it simply, an APK install would have to be compatible with all supported device configurations and languages, while an AAB-packaged...

When your PlayStation or peripherals do things you've never seen before, it's understandable to get worried. The DualShock controller light doesn't usually flash white. There are two main reasons you might see the flashing white light on your DualShock controller: either the battery is dying, or the controller failed to connect to your PlayStation console. Both these things are fixable. We just need to troubleshoot the problems so you can get back to enjoying your games with the best PS4 controllers available. Here's how to get started.Jump to:Check your USB cableReset your consoleReset the controllerStart in Safe ModeUsing a DualShock 4 on PS5Products used in this guideAmazonBasics PlayStation 4 Controller Charging CableDualShock 4 Wireless ControllerCheck your USB cableUSB cables can be fragile. One of the most straightforward problems to fix is replacing your old USB charging cord and replacing it with shiny new ones. Just some basic USB charging cables wo...

Best answer: A fair amount. Although the core gameplay will be very familiar to PUBG fans, a new map, graphical enhancements, and fresh mechanics differentiate New State's experience enough from its predecessor. A key difference is that New State is being developed by PUBG Studios, the original team behind the first iteration of the game and the first mobile game to be developed by them. While PUBG Mobile was a port by Tencent games, New State represents a true evolution of the popular battle royale and is expected to release this year.PUBG differences:Which game should I play?Graphical improvementsNew mechanicsControl changesMinimum requirementsNew state vs mobileWhich game should I play?Despite New State being touted as the next big thing for the multiplayer phenomenon, players still have a reason to play PUBG Mobile. The free-to-play nature of the title represents a low barrier to entry, as does the option of a lite version for players with less powerful devic...

You'll be able to show your COVID status with ease if your local healthcare provider supports this new API.What you need to knowGoogle Pay will now support COVID-19 status cards with an update to the Passes API.Only approved developers from recognized health organizations will be able to take advantage of this.It's also being limited to the U.S. first, though Google notes that it'll be coming to other countries later. Google today announced support for digital COVID-19 vaccination cards in the U.S. in Google Pay. Today, developers who are affiliated with healthcare organizations or public health authorities will be able to use Google's Passes API to create a digital card that will enable Android users to demonstrate vaccination status or test results.Accessing a card or pass created with this method is easy, as users will be able to create a home screen shortcut for it and access it in areas with weak internet access.Google is working on making this secure and private...

Using one of the best robot vacuums to help you keep your house clean may be one of the best decisions you can make. Over the past few years, robot vacuums have become much smarter; they last longer and clean better. Options like the Roborock S5 Max, which happens to top the list of our best robot vacuums, lets you control it with just your voice. It can be set to run on a schedule, always vacuums in tidy, back and forth lines, and its sensors help prevent it from bumping into everything.What are the best robot vacuums you can buy today?There are a LOT of great robot vacuum models available right now, and picking the right one can be a difficult task. We've done the research, though, and narrowed down all the picks into a concise list of only the top robot vacuum picks.Our full list is below, but we believe that when you look for a single best overall pick, the Roborock S5 Max is the best robot vacuum on the market today for most people. It offers all the standard features you'd ...

What you need to knowAT&T will move its 5G mobile network to the Microsoft cloud.This is a path for Microsoft Azure to manage all of AT&T's 5G traffic.Microsoft will acquire AT&T's Network Cloud technology as well as its engineering team.Microsoft announced that AT&T will run its mobility network on Microsoft's Azure for Operators cloud. Starting with the 5G core, AT&T will bring its current and future workloads to the Azure cloud. The 5G core is responsible for linking connected devices to the internet and other services on the network. The press release claims that AT&T will be able to increase productivity and cost-efficiency so it can focus on delivering new services to meet the evolving needs of its customers.Andre Fuetsch, executive vice president and chief technology officer at AT&T said: AT&T has one of the world's most powerful global backbone networks serving hundreds of millions of subscribers. Our Network Cloud team has proved...

Microsoft and Google have been cordial for nearly six years, but that may be coming to an end.What you need to knowGoogle and Microsoft's truce came to an end in April after a failure to renew it.The truce brought closer cooperation between the companies, who also agreed to handle matters internally without litigation.The end of the truce could spell conflict between the two companies.Google and Microsoft have reportedly ended a nearly six-year-long truce between the two companies, Financial Times reports. The end of the agreement could signal the return of very public drama between the two companies as pressure from regulators rises.The 2015 agreement between the two companies put an end to ongoing legal battles and public bickering, with the companies instead handling any conflicts internally, according to Financial Times. The pact also led to increased cooperation between the two companies, which can be seen in the deep integration between Windows computers and the bes...

The main perk of VR workouts is that you don't need to buy gym equipment or even go outside to burn calories. All you need is your headset! Yet without the right tools, you're liable to turn your Oculus Quest 2 into a sweaty, germy mess, or even potentially damage your equipment or injure yourself. Here are the best VR workout accessories that'll make your daily indoor fitness routine that much cleaner, safer, and more fun.Stylish non-slip sweat-catcherTreadBands All Terrain Tieback Non Slip HeadbandStaff PickThe default Quest 2 facial interface is a sweat sponge, while replacement covers repel sweat, so it drips down your face. You need a headband for prolonged workouts, and this moisture-wicking TreadBands accessory is especially great for VR because it has a soft rubber strip on the inside that helps it stay in place, where others would likely slip onto your face. There are over 30 stylish and silly designs to choose from, but all of them are comfortable and a must-hav...

What you need to knowCalls originating on the T-Mobile network are 100% STIR/SHAKEN compliant.T-Mobile has implemented STIR/SHAKEN with 15 other carriers.STIR/SHAKEN works with T-Mobile's Caller ID to make sure the displayed number is accurate.T-Mobile announced that it has filed a certification of completion of STIR/SHAKEN implementation in the FCC's Robocall Mitigation Database. With this, alls originating on the T-Mobile network are 100% STIR/SHAKEN compliant. Scam and spam calls can often come from a number that looks familiar or spoofs another trusted number so a traditional caller ID may not be effective against these calls. STIR/SHAKEN works to verify that a call is coming from the claimed source.John Freier, Executive Vice President of T-Mobile Consumer Group said: Number Verification, along with Caller ID, and the scam identification and blocking tools in Scam Shield, gives our customers the industry's most comprehensive free scam and spam protection. We were f...

I started researching the best smart doorbells compatible with Alexa because I'm an introvert by nature. Indeed, one of the things I love most about smart doorbells is the ability not to have to get off of my keister and answer every knock or ring at the front door. We've compiled a few great picks here, but my favorite is the Ring Video Doorbell 3. There are plenty of good devices on this list, so be sure to check them out and see what might be the best fit for your situation.Best overall for Alexa: Ring Video Doorbell 3It may seem a cop-out to pick a Ring product as my top choice, but the fact is that since Amazon purchased the smart home products company, it has been churning out quality products that work well with Alexa. Once again, the company took what was popular and successful from the previous generation device (the Ring Video Doorbell 2) and made some tweaks to make it even better.The Ring Video Doorbell 3 brings 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi support, advanced motion detection, an...

It remains to be seen if Samsung will include a charger in the box with the phone.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy S21 FE may have passed through the FCC.The FCC documents reveal the phone will support 45W fast charging. Samsung introduced 45W fast charging in 2019 with the Galaxy Note 10+. Last week, a report out of South Korea suggested Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy S21 FE only in the U.S. and Europe due to a shortage of Snapdragon 888 chipsets. The same report also claimed that the phone will debut sometime in October.It now looks like the upcoming value flagship has received certification from the U.S. FCC (via MyFixGuide). The FCC documents suggest the SM-G990U and SM-G990U1 variants of the Galaxy S21 FE will have 45W fast charging. This means the phone will have an advantage over other Galaxy S21 series phones in terms of fast charging capabilities. Samsung's best Android phones of 2021 only support 25W wired fast charging.The Galaxy Note 10+, whic...

All the best movies streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all of HBO's exclusive content. It features a rotating lineup of hundreds of television series and movies from Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and more. HBO Max will also launch brand new films from WarnerMedia in 2021 without waiting for them to play in theaters first. Here are the best movies on HBO Max right now, from new drama and comedy films to the best in action franchises and classic films.The best movies on HBO MaxPopular moviesBest action filmsBest comedy filmsBest documentary filmsBest classic filmsMovies and moreHBO Max$15 at HBO MaxFind new releases and old favorites on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC, among other studios. Subscribe now to check out new blockbusters or your longtime faves.Popular Movies on HBO MaxWarnerMedia announced at the end of 2020 that it would ...

Creators will have tools to understand and grow their audience.What you need to knowFacebook is launching a subscription-based newsletter that is very similar to Substack.Creators will be able to keep all of their subscription revenue for the time of their partnership.Creators will also have ways to connect with users more with tools to help understand their audience.Facebook wants to take on Substack by launching its version of a subscription newsletter called "Bulletin."The company announced the new product on June 29, which will allow writers to publish free and paid newsletters that can be posted on the internet and also sent to subscribers. These newsletters can also be shared on Facebook, the company said in a blog post.Facebook says that it will allow writers to keep all of their subscription revenue for the time "of these partnerships, and will have the ability to take their subscriber lists and content with them."It noted that payments will be handled by Face...

The newest Halo feature aims to help improve your movement health.Update, June 30 (12:00 pm ET): The Movement Health feature is now rolling out.What you need to knowMovement Health is the latest feature addition to Amazon's Halo experience.The new feature will analyze your movement health and suggest corrective exercises to help you improve. Movement Health will be available via Amazon's Halo app in the coming weeks. Amazon has added a new feature to Halo to help improve the way you move. The feature, which is dubbed Movement Health, will be available to Halo members within the Halo app in the coming weeks.The new Movement Health feature lets you easily assess your functional fitness, which is defined as the body's readiness to perform everyday movements like bending, reaching, lifting, pulling, pushing, and walking. Maintaining good movement health is essential to perform basic movements such as picking something up from the floor, lifting up your child or pet, carryin...

Best overallSamsung Galaxy S21$700 at Amazon$800 at Samsung$800 at Best BuyProsGaming-optimized Snapdragon 888Aggressive trade-in dealsSmaller, trimmer designNewer One UI 3.1 softwareConsNo microSD slotNo charger in the boxThe Galaxy S21 is a compact, affordable flagship with three great cameras and the latest One UI 3.1 software. The screen is better than ever, and with Samsung's current trade-in offers, you can grab the S21 for an unbeatable price.Even better valueSamsung Galaxy S20 FE$600 at Amazon$600 at Best Buy$600 at B&HProsExpandable microSD storageOptical 3x telephoto cameraRetails for $100 lessLarger batteryConsOlder specs and softwareLess generous trade-in The S20 FE is a terrific phone at a great price, with many features as the newer S21. It's the most affordable option in the Galaxy S series, with a larger screen and plenty of great colors to choose from.When the Galaxy S20 FE launched last fall, ...

If you're planning on getting the best 144Hz monitor for your PC, there are several options you can choose from. These monitors can update their visual content up to 144 times a second, more than twice what you get with regular 60Hz monitors. As a result, applications with fast-moving graphics (e.g., games) look a lot more fluid. They are also ideal for creative professionals like digital illustrators, who require color-accurate displays for their work. Our top choice is the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q. This monitor has a 23.8-inch display, and it even works with consoles such as PS5 and Xbox Series X.Best overall: ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QArguably the best 144Hz monitor out there, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q boasts a laundry list of features. Its 23.8-inch FHD display comes with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and provides 100% coverage of the sRGB color gamut. The IPS panel delivers accurate colors and bright pictures, even when viewed from the sides. In addition to the 144Hz refresh...

Game streamingGoogle StadiaFree w/ Stadia Base or $10/mo. at GoogleProsFree tier allows access to free-to-play gamesPro tier gives away games each month and discountsAdditional hardware not necessarily requiredAvailable in more regionsConsMust buy or rebuy most gamesCatalog not as big as other gaming platformsGoogle Stadia is its own gaming platform that streams games to a variety of devices from the cloud. It works with a keyboard and mouse, touch controls, and Xbox and PlayStation controllers with a catalog of free-to-play and buyable games.Full PC in the cloudShadow$30/mo. at ShadowProsWorks with owned games on Steam and other PC launchersCan use Photoshop and other high-end PC programsConsNot available in all states and is limited internationallyExpensiveShadow gives you a virtual desktop computer with its own specs to use for games or other PC programs at a flat fee each month. The play/workspace can be used on your computer,...

Fitness trackers (also known as activity trackers) are popular with adults who exercise regularly and those who simply want to get an idea of how many steps they take each day. While most fitness trackers are designed for grown-ups, a few are made specifically for kids. The idea isn't necessarily for fitness but more to help motivate kids to get active and have fun doing it. Many activity trackers for kids include even more fun features. But the best kids fitness tracker is definitely the Fitbit Ace 3, which also happens to be the newest on the market. It strips things down to the basics with a simple design, reliable tracking of data, and intuitive app experience, making it the best option you can get for young ones.Best overall: Fitbit Ace 3Ideal for kids aged 6-12, the Fitbit Ace 3 boasts two main upgrades over the previous-generation Ace 2: longer battery life at a rated eight days per charge and a greater selection of animated clock faces that change and do different thing...

Slack joins the audio-only club with its new Huddles feature.What you need to knowSlack is introducing several new features to the communication platform.Huddles is an audio-only chat feature integrated into the UI for quick access to group chats.Media such as audio recordings and videos can be captured and shared within Slack with transcriptions and live captioning.Slack is rolling out several new tools to the telecommunication platform to help keep the work-from-home momentum going. The company hopes that its new features will help make working from home a more casual experience and even get rid of unnecessary scheduled meetings that maybe could have just been an email or a quick chat.Slack Huddles is Clubhouse for workThe biggest addition to Slack is the new audio-group chat feature, Huddles. It allows users to start quick group chats with the press of a button, allowing anyone in a channel or DM to join. Slack says it designed Huddles to simulate informal conversati...

Charging your true wireless earbuds usually involves placing them inside their included charging case, but how do you charge the case itself? Usually, it's via microUSB or USB-C cable, but wireless charging is often another option. As for charging your Android smartwatch, some models can be charged wirelessly. It's easy to place your wireless earbuds or smartwatch atop the charging surface, and you'll be ready to charge without wires. We've rounded up some of the best small wireless chargers for earbuds and smartwatches.Extra-long cableVentev Wireless Charger Qi Chargepad+Staff PickThis small, circular-shaped wireless charger offers rapid charging for most Qi-enabled devices. Place your wireless earbuds or smartwatch in the center, and it will charge up in no time. You'll love the stylish design that allows you to place it anywhere in the home, and it won't stick out like a sore thumb. It's MFi certified to work with Apple (7.5W) and Samsung (10W) devices. One of the best...

You'll need to have the latest WhatsApp beta installed on your phone to try it out.What you need to knowThe latest WhatsApp beta adds a new 'View Once' feature.It allows users to send photos and videos that automatically disappear after the recipient views them. The feature is currently available only on Android. WhatsApp has rolled out a useful new feature called "View Once" with the latest beta version of its Android app. The feature was first revealed by Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg in an "unexpected" group chat with WABetaInfo earlier this month.WhatsApp's View Once works similarly to Snapchat, one of the best messaging apps for Android. When you send a photo or video using the feature, it will be automatically deleted after the recipient views them once. You'll even be notified as soon as the recipient opens the file, as long as you have read receipts turned on. It is worth noting that the recipient can still save the photo or video by taking a screenshot or r...

Activity trackers are popular these days, and there's no bigger brand in the space than Fitbit. While activity trackers are mainly used by adults, a growing number of them are designed just for kids, along with models that are suitable for older kids to wear. The newest model for young ones is the Fitbit Ace 3, which offers some simple yet meaningful updates over the previous-generation Ace 2, making it the best kids Fitbit you can get. But depending on how it will be used, there are other Fitbits worth considering, too.Best overall: Fitbit Ace 3Fitbit's latest device, this one, is designed specifically for kids aged 6 and older. As an update to the previous-generation Ace 2, the main upgrades include longer battery life at up to eight days versus five, more animated clock face characters that change and grow as the child works toward reaching their daily goals, new modes like do not disturb, sleep (which halts notifications and dims the screen), and water lock, which deactivat...

Not all Android app experiences are equal, and Microsoft knows it.Windows 11 will be coming soon(ish) to millions of desktops and laptops, and it has a really cool feature that we're kind of excited to see: it can run Android apps.Awesome, right? You can install all the best Android apps that you use on the best Android phones right on your laptop, and it's some sort of concoction that has the best of both worlds in it. I'm sorry to burst your bubble. Really, I am. But that's not the experience you'll have because Android apps on Windows 11 are missing one very important ingredient: Google (and the Google Play Store).Microsoft is making it super easy to use Amazon's Appstore, and you'll be able to sideload a lot of other Android apps, but neither option will give you what you really wanted, which is to have apps that work just like they do on your phone. Instead, you have an experience that's more like the one available on a Huawei phone, where all of Google's services and extr...

If you use one of the best Android phones around, you're probably also aware that much of what you do is being monitored. It's no secret that Google harvests your information to provide you with a variety of services. Things like Smart Replies and writing suggestions are handy, for sure. But they come at the cost of Google essentially reading your emails. It's for that reason that you might want to disable those features for the sake of more privacy. We've already shown you how to disable Smart compose on a Pixel keyboard. Now you can disable smart features in Gmail. It's simple to do, and we'll show you how.How to disable Gmail smart featuresThe best way to disable those smart features is by opening Gmail in your browser.Click the Settings cog in the upper right corner of Gmail.Click See all settings.Scroll down until you see Smart Compose.You will want to turn off the following settings: Writing suggestions off, Personalization off, Suggest emails to reply to, Suggest ema...

The Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning were the winners of this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs which means the two teams will meet on the ice for a best-of-five series to determine who will win this year's NHL championship and we have all the details on how you can watch the Stanley Cup Finals on TV or online.The Stanley Cup Finals will take place over the next two weeks from June 28 through July 11 and a possible seven games will be played across the U.S. and Canada. Play will be split between the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida and the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada so that no team has an unfair home-ice advantage as is the tradition.While both the Canadiens and the Lightning have held the Stanley Cup in the past, the Canadiens haven't won the NHL championship since 1993. The Lightning meanwhile is returning to the Stanley Cup Finals after facing off against and defeating the Dallas Stars 2-0 during Game 6 last year.As Tampa Bay looks to build a dynasty after las...

The latest renders give us an even better look at the phone's under-display selfie camera.What you need to knowMore press renders of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 have leaked online.The latest renders show the upcoming foldable flagship in three color options: Black, Green, and Pink. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 will be Samsung's first foldable phone to have S Pen support.Yesterday, we got our best look yet at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 3. A bunch of press renders showing the Galaxy Z Fold 3 from every angle have now leaked, courtesy of 91Mobiles.The renders suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is going to be offered in three color options at launch — Black, Green, and Pink. Interestingly, all three color variants of the phone appear to have a matte finish. As you can see in the renders above, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will come with an under-display selfie camera on the top-right corner. The phone's cover display, on the other hand, has a hole-punch camera similar to Samsung's bes...

Huawei's latest high-end tablet looks like an iPad and runs Android apps but is powered by its brand new HarmonyOS platform.Huawei's Android tablets have often been the poor cousins of the company's smartphones. In years past, its EMUI software just wasn't a great fit for the high-end tablet hardware Huawei was putting out.So the move to the new HarmonyOS platform represents an opportunity to start afresh, with new software that fits neatly into Huawei's new ecosystem. Despite the fact that it runs Android apps, Huawei is positioning HarmonyOS as very much its own operating system. And although at first glance (OK, maybe second glance and third glance too) it looks like an iPad, anyone buying the new 12.6-inch MatePad Pro will need to be content existing within Huawei's much smaller ecosystem.So we're left with a familiar conundrum: Huawei's tablet hardware is better than it's ever been, and HarmonyOS is indeed a better fit for a tablet than the old pairing of Android and EMUI....

For $700, this checks all the boxes I want in a laptop.Finding a worthwhile Windows laptop under $1,000 can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. I've yet to find a Windows laptop under $400 that was dependable or operated at tolerable speeds, but the $500-$700 range has been getting better and better with each passing year. Most new Windows laptops in this range have a USB-C port — though not all can use it for anything more than a USB-C hub — they finally charge at a decent speed, and thanks to more efficient chipsets, battery and performance are good enough to actually consider using them as full-time machines.I'll be loath to give up my berloved Chromebooks anytime soon — they just work better for my writing and editing style — but for podcasting, light gaming, and just chilling on the couch swapping Loki theories on Reddit, the Lenovo Flex 5 (14") has surprised me by just how good it is as an overall laptop.At a glanceLenovo Flex 5 (14") ...

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 gamesCall of Duty MobileGRID AutosportTesla vs Lovecraft Evoland 2 Horizon Chase World TourRiptide GP: RenegadeModern Combat 5: BlackoutGTA: San AndreasOceanhor...

HBO Max makes its way outside the U.S. for the first time.What you need to knowHBO Max has officially launched in Latin America and the Caribbean.The launch brings two region-specific streaming tiers; Standard and Mobile.New subscribers in these regions can receive 50% off their subscription before July 31.HBO Max will roll out in Europe later this year.HBO Max has finally made its way beyond U.S. shores with a launch in Latin America and the Caribbean.The streaming platform is launching in 39 territories in the region and expands access to the app between the U.S. and Latin America, so subscribers can continue enjoying content when traveling between the two regions.The expansion had been teased for some time and came more than a year after the app launched in the United States. The app is available on many of the best streaming devices, giving users many ways to watch HBO Max content. Since its launch, it has amassed a swathe of subscribers, likely due in part to the ...

Disney Plus offers popular MCU shows like Wandavision and Loki alongside classic Disney sitcoms and movies.What you need to knowAmazon is offering a free six-month trial of Disney+ to Music Unlimited customers.The deal excludes current Disney+ subscribers.Aside from that, current Music Unlimited subscribers can get only 3 months.Amazon and Disney are partnering to offer a deal to Music Unlimited customers that'll allow you to watch up to six months of Disney+ for free. The new promotion goes into effect starting today.As with promotions like these, there are conditions attached. If you're outside the U.S. and Canada, you won't be able to take advantage of it, likewise if you're a current subscriber to Disney+. If you're a new user of Amazon Music Unlimited, you get the full free 6 months. If you're a current subscriber or lapsed one, Amazon will offer you 3 months.Writing in a blog post, the Amazon explained: Amazon Music Unlimited already offers customers access to...

Smart home devices especially need robust privacy and security tools by their very nature.What you need to knowGoogle today shared new security commitments for Nest-branded devices.The company promised to continue investments in security research, as well as ship future Nest devices with adherence to third-party security standards.It also promised to roll out updates to Nest devices for up to 5 years from launch.Google today announced that it would be supporting Nest-branded devices like the Nest Mini, Nest Audio, and Nest Thermostat for up to 5 years after launch as the company commits to tightening up security for the smart home line. The move was accompanied by several additional commitments Google made to owners of Nest products as it attempted to shed light on how it was keeping users safe.Ryan Campbell, Product Manager at Google Nest, said in a blog post: Our new security commitments include standards Google has long held as well as updates that are specific to ...

A much-improved version of Zoom arrives for Chromebook usersWhat you need to knowZoom has released an updated PWA version of its app for Chromebooks.This PWA version is available for Chrome browsers and Chromebooks updated to version 91.Some of the included features are faster performance, a customizable Gallery View, live transcription, and more.Zoom plans to roll out additional features in the coming months.Although more and more people are starting to go back to the office, Zoom remains one of the best teleconferencing apps. While the experience on most devices is seamless (for the most part), using Zoom on a Chromebook has been a mixed bag. Today, Zoom is fixing that as the company has released a new Progressive Web App (PWA) version.The app is available via the Play Store or through a dedicated web link. But the real power is in that this PWA offers much of the same functionality compared to what you may be accustomed to on the best laptops. This new release aimed t...

You might have a nice selection of USB-C cables along with microUSB, Lightning, and more creating an electrical rat's nest in your drawer. Getting one of the best 3-in-1 USB cables not only simplifies the act of charging multiple devices with different ports, but can also help you organize. Yet srangely, most people don't think of getting a 3-in-1 cable to take the place of three separate ones. Chances are that your various electronics rely on a mix of USB-C, microUSB, and (for Apple users) Lightning chargers to stay running. Because of that, you probably have to bring one cable per device on road trips, when you could just rely on one multi-pronged USB cable that can fuel up any device that needs recharging. Avoid tangled wires and missing cables during road trips with just one of these 3-in-1 cables.Trusted brandAnker Powerline II 3-in-1 CableStaff PickAnker is one of the biggest names in the charging business, so it makes sense that the company offers a 3-in-1 charging c...

Alexa can take over when your child gets stuck on a word.What you need to knowAmazon introduces Reading Sidekick for Alexa-enabled Echo speakers.Reading Sidekick will take turns reading books with your children to help them improve their reading skills.Children ages six to nine will be able to choose from hundreds of books available through Amazon Kids+.Reading Sidekick is available now, and kids can access the feature by saying, "Alexa, let's read."Amazon is introducing a new Alexa skill called Reading Sidekick that aims to help children improve their reading by taking turns reading books.With Reading Sidekick, Alexa will listen to your child as they read and offer words of encouragement as they complete sentences, paragraphs, or pages. Alexa will also help your kid if they get stuck on a word, either by moving onto the next word or having the kid repeat the word after Alexa says it first.Kids can choose from hundreds of available books in the Amazon Kids+ subscriptio...

When trying to figure out the best phone for kids, there are many factors to consider. Deciding at what age they should get a phone is entirely up to you, but you want to make sure you're getting something worthwhile when you go out and pick one up. Important things to consider are security, ease of use, and of course, budget. Lucky for you, there are tons of great handsets that your kid and wallet will equally love. We think the Pixel 4a is the best all-around choice, but if it's not catching your fancy, there are plenty of other stellar phones on this list.Best overall: Google Pixel 4aBuying a phone for your kid is a balancing act of getting something they'll want to use and having excellent security, all without spending a fortune. In our eyes, the Pixel 4a best fits that bill.The value proposition offered by the 4a is phenomenal due to the fantastic camera, good battery life, and regular security updates. Plus, there's no breaking the bank to both get the phone and a good...

2021's most pocketable flagship phone released so farWhat you need to knowThe ASUS ZenFone 8 is now available for purchase in the U.S.For a limited time, you can save $30 when ordering directly from ASUS.ASUS is positioning the ZenFone 8 as a "compact flagship" smartphone.In a world where the best Android phones are comprised of massive and unwieldy displays, the ASUS ZenFone 8 takes a different approach. After being announced in Europe back in May, ASUS has officially released the ZenFone 8 here in the U.S.Featuring a 5.9-inch FHD+ display, the ZenFone 8 might just be the most pocketable flagship device that we've seen released in 2021. Pair this with the 120Hz refresh rate and near-stock Android software experience, and you have a recipe for a device that is honestly refreshing.In the camera department, the ZenFone 8 sports the 64MP Sony IMX686 sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. If you want to snap some selfies, you won't be able to flip the camera around like with the...

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

A few more games will be free for Stadia Pro members starting July 1.What you need to knowStadia announced four games for Stadia Pro members to claim in July.The four games are Moonlighter, Street Power Football, Terraria, and The Darkside DetectiveRainbow Six Siege also comes to Stadia on June 30.Stadia revealed four games that Stadia Pro subscribers can claim starting the first week of July alongside other game announcements in its weekly blog post.The four games that can be claimed starting on July 1 are action RPG Moonlighter, arcade soccer game Street Power Football, 2D survival sandbox Terraria, and point-and-click adventure game The Darkside Detective. Meanwhile, Pro members have until Wednesday, June 30 to claim Steamworld Dig, Ary & Secret of Seasons, SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom, Pikuniku, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard for free.The company also said in its post that Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege will be available on the platform on June 3...

With everyone in the same boat, Android-powered watches can finally compete.When my son was born over 7 years ago, my "new daddy gift" was the original Samsung Galaxy Gear. I got the one with the hot orange band because I wanted to make a statement. But, unfortunately, the Galaxy Gear didn't last me long as I quickly upgraded to a Samsung Galaxy Live — one of the original two Android Wear-powered watches that were poised to show the world how a smartwatch was supposed to be. That cycle went on and on — as a new platform was released, a new update was unveiled. And yet, the experience seemed to get worse over time, not better.Fast forward to today and, despite all the incredible-looking smartwatches on the market, I haven't worn one daily since 2019. From sluggish performance, to terrible battery life, to the general malaise I experienced over the years with Google's flailing Wear OS, I just became even more frustrated. When you threw in Samsung's inability to provide proper...

When you live in a home with pets, it's not uncommon to find fur balls collecting in different areas of the house. Cats and dogs never seem to stop shedding, which makes cleaning up a bit of a hassle. The best way to keep your home clean is with a reliable robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba i7+ that takes care of the furry mess every day. We've done our research and gathered a list of the best robot vacuums for pets, which varies from our picks for best robot vacuums overall. See which one fits your needs.Best overall: iRobot Roomba i7+This is most definitely an expensive choice for your home, but it's also one of the only robot vacuums on the market that can dump its dustbin load and continue working. When you spring for the i7+, you get the vacuum and the Clean Base where dustbin loads are stored. You can also purchase a less expensive i7 vacuum on its own, but it won't be compatible with the Clean Base. iRobot designed the Clean Base's bags to hold up to 30 bins worth of de...

This is LinkedIn's second leak this year.Update, June 29 (3:45 p.m. ET): LinkedIn says this was not a breach, no private data exposedWhat you need to knowLinkedIn reportedly suffered a massive data leak.A hacker is selling the information of over 700 million LinkedIn accounts.Back in April, LinkedIn suffered a similar leak exposing more than 500 million accounts.LinkedIn has reportedly suffered a massive data leak, exposing the data of more than 700 million of its users, or roughly 92% of its user-base. The leak was first reported by Restore Privacy.The data was obtained by a hacker who exploited the official LinkedIn API. The hacker is currently selling the information online and posted a sample of the data on June 22, containing the information of 1 million users. The leaked user data includes the following information:Email AddressesFull namesPhone numbersPhysical addressesGeolocation recordsLinkedIn username and profile URLPersonal and professional experien...

Have you gone through all the motions to set up your Oculus Quest 2 and PC to use Oculus Air Link only to encounter a litany of performance or stability issues? Don't worry; there's probably nothing wrong with your Quest or your PC. The culprit's probably your internet connection. Before we get started, though, double check these steps to ensure you're actually all set up before we get to troubleshooting.Jump to:PC settingsGame settingsImproving your connection internetHow to get the best performance from Oculus Air LinkBefore you actually try to play any VR games on your PC, make sure your PC can handle VR gaming. Going through all the other steps to make sure Air Link works won't help if a game just can't run on your PC. Before you start, check your computer's processor, RAM, operating system, and graphics card.Go to your PC's settings.Click on System.Click on About. This will bring up information on your PC's processor.Check to see that your PC's processor is...

The best OnePlus Nord N200 5G cases will protect your new sleek device and keep its 90Hz Full HD+ display safe from any unnecessary bruises and bumps. This phone is bound to compete with some of the best cheap Android phones on the market and has an exclusive launch partnership with 5G giant T-Mobile, though it'll still be sold at other retailers. If you've already snagged this affordable 5G device, these are some of the best OnePlus Nord N200 5G cases you can get to protect it.Safety (and hygiene) firstTech21 Evo Check CaseStaff PickStaff PickThe Tech21 Evo case can withstand a 12ft drop, protecting your device and its camera without adding any bulk to your pocket. This case is made with three layers of protection and high-performance impact FlexShock material and a hygienic component that reduces microbes. It even comes in a unique check pattern that accentuates the OnePlus Nord N200 5G's design and aquamarine color.$30 at T-MobilePocket-friendlyOtterBox Com...

5G now covers most people in the U.S. on at least one carrier, but there are many reasons why 5G isn't worth it for many people. There is also a lot of potential for savings if you buy an LTE-only phone like the Pixel 4a, and you may not be willing to upgrade your old phone plan just for 5G. For many people, LTE is more than fast enough, and its coverage area is still bigger than 5G, especially on AT&T and Verizon.Ready for 5GSamsung Galaxy S21$700 at Amazon$800 at Best BuySub-6 and mmWave support for every carrierThe Galaxy S21 is the perfect companion to a 5G network with great support for sub-6 and mmWave 5G with timely security updates. Coverage on AT&T and VerizonIf you live in a suburban or urban area, there's a good chance you have 5G coverage from at least one carrier— probably T-Mobile. AT&T and Verizon are making big investments in 5G, but their heavy reliance on C-band and mmWave means they're a distant second and third in covera...