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Access your favorite playlists directly from the PS Control Center.For the past year, Spotify was the only dedicated PS5 music app, but Sony and Apple finally gave us a second option in Apple Music. Downloading the app on the PS5 is straightforward, but using it seamlessly while gaming can be confusing if you don't know how. Here's what you need to know about using Apple Music on the PS5.How to download and use Apple Music on PS5From the main menu, scroll up and select the Media tab.Scroll left to the All Apps icon.Scroll down to Video and music apps, where the Apple Music app should be on the top. Select it and choose Download, then Start.Open the app. Follow the on-screen instructions on how to log into your Apple Music account; you can log in using your own device or the PS5 browser.Keep in mind that to use Apple Music on PS5, you'll need at least a paid Individual account. You can't use Apple Music Voice, and there isn't a free, ad-supported option.Once logged in...

OnePlus's latest limited edition phone is its most ambitious yet.OnePlus is known for creating some of the best limited edition phones in the industry; the Chinese manufacturer partnered with Disney for the OnePlus 5T Star Wars and OnePlus 6 Avengers Edition, and then switched gears to team up with Formula 1 outfit McLaren for the OnePlus 6T McLaren and OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren.For 2021, the brand is leveraging another beloved franchise for a limited-edition variant of the Nord 2. OnePlus is partnering with Bandai Namco to introduce the OnePlus Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition, which is one of its most ambitious efforts yet.The Nord 2 x PAC-MAN Edition is set to launch soon, and ahead of its debut, I had an email interaction with Oliver Zhang — who oversees OnePlus's product portfolio — to talk about what the company is doing to differentiate the limited edition model. Zhang noted that OnePlus's special edition products have to deliver in two areas: they should meet the "signature Fa...

NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)A compact redesign$150 at Amazon$150 at Best Buy$150 at WalmartProsClever and compact designUpdated remote is fantasticStill the best Android TV experienceImproved AI Upscaling is greatConsMight run into issues running some Android gamesNot novice-friendly out of the boxThe most striking change for the 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV refresh is its unique tube shape and the redesigned remote. This streamlined and portable stream box with upgraded processing power still delivers the best Android TV experience you can buy.NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019)Subtle upgrade$200 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 at B&H PhotoProsSleek Shield TV designMore RAM and double the onboard storageOffers USB ports for external storageThe one you'll want for Plex and gamingConsLess internal storage than older Pro modelMore expensive than the tubeNot enough new features to justify upgradingThe NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) looks and runs nearly...

It's been almost two years since the Disney Plus streaming service launched -- and its global rollout is ongoing! It's safe to say the platform has established itself as one of the premier streaming platforms, thanks to its exclusive family-friendly offerings from Disney itself and Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios.While the catalog size may not rival Netflix and the competition just yet, some awesome Disney+ originals are available, and there are plans for at least 10 Marvel and 10 Star Wars series to hit the platform over the next few years.Odds are you're interested, but still unsure how much a Disney+ subscription costs, right? Thankfully, Disney+ has several different plan options for Disney+, with fees ranging from $7.99 to $19.99 per month. You can also sign up for an annual plan to save a little extra. Let's take a second to break down the current offers and then get into the details about Disney+ -- including where it's available, ho...

Despite some early software wonk, Google's new handsets dominate at their respective price points.The Google phone has been a long time coming. Almost 15 years ago, the first rumors of the "gPhone" were swirling before the T-Mobile G1 emerged in 2008. Then, a year later, the Nexus program began, bringing a range of even Googlier Google phones to market. Then the original 2016 Pixel was plugged as the true "phone by Google."Even with that storied history, I'm here to tell you that the new Google Pixel 6 devices — and the larger Google Pixel 6 Pro in particular — feel like the first, honest-to-goodness Google flagships. The new Pixels are among the best phones on the market and make a strong statement about Google's future intentions as a smartphone maker.The unique Googliness of these devices starts on the outside, with the new Pixel design identity and camera bar. Google, thankfully, has moved on from the past generation of Pixel design language, which basically saw the com...

Facebook has changed their corporate name to 'Meta', and we have thoughts! The gang chat about this and its impact on Oculus.They also check out some Samsung rumors, One UI 4 beta, and some lingering issues with Pixel 6.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Facebook changes company name, is now called 'Meta' | Android CentralIs a Meta rebrand enough to heal the toxicity of the Oculus name? | Android CentralFacebook's Meta rebranding could start a trademark battle with a PC company | Android CentralOculus Quest to become Meta Quest, drop Facebook login requirement in 2022 | Android CentralGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas is coming to Oculus Quest 2 | Android CentralMeta acquires popular VR exercise app Supernatural, a sign of things to come | Android CentralBeat Saber surpasses $100 million in revenue on the Oculus Quest platform | Android CentralMeta says it's shutting down the Faceboo...

It's been eight years but now America's favorite serial killer is back in an all-new limited series and we have all the details on how you can watch Dexter: New Blood on TV or online.Starring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, Dexter first premiered back in 2006 and the original series ran until 2013 with a total of eight seasons. The original show tells the story of an orphan who was adopted by a Miami police officer who immediately recognized his trauma after witnessing his mother being brutally murdered with a chainsaw at age three. After watching Dexter develop sociopathic tendencies, officer Harry Morgan taught the boy to channel his bloodlust into vigilantism by killing criminals who managed to slip through the justice system.Without getting too far into spoilers, in the show's finale, Dexter is presumed dead after he went missing in the eye of Hurricane Laura. However, he actually survived and the last time viewers saw Dexter, he was hiding out and living under a fake name in...

Best answer: A Ring Protect Basic plan costs $3 per month per device and provides 60 days of video history. The Protect Plus plan covers all of your Ring cameras for $10 per month and extends your warranty on each product.Breaking down Ring Protect plansWhile the best Ring products, including Ring's Video Doorbells and Security Cams, work well independently, they work even better with a Ring Protect Plan. Free Ring accounts will let you connect all your Ring products, but you'll be forced to rely on your fast reflexes to view live footage since these devices require a cloud account to save recordings. So to get the most out of your cameras — like the excellent Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 — you'll want to consider a Ring Protect plan. If you only have a couple of Ring cameras, Ring Protect Basic offers plenty.If you have fewer than four Ring cameras, you'll probably be best suited with the Ring Protect Basic plan, which costs $3 per month per device (or $30 per device wit...

Having already inflicted a 17-10 defeat on San Francisco back in Week 5, Arizona will be hoping this tie can get them back to winning ways.Read on for full details on how to watch Cardinals vs 49ers, no matter where you are in the world.The Cardinals saw their unbeaten record go up in smoke last weekend against the Packers, and their hopes of getting back on a positive footing here have taken a blow thanks to a pair of bombshell injuries.A shoulder injury definitely rules out defensive end J.J. Watt for this game, while there's set to be an anxious wait for Arizona over the fitness of quarterback Kyler Murray who is currently nursing a sprained ankle.The last meeting between these two teams was a relatively close affair, and those injuries, plus the fact that Jimmy Garoppolo will be available at quarterback for the 49ers after missing the game in Arizona four weeks ago, should give San Francisco plenty of confidence going into this fixture.Read on as we explain below how to ...

While what should have been a QB match-up for the ages has been denied by the joy-killer that is the pandemic, this intriguing clash at Arrowhead Stadium should still deliver the goods to gridiron fans.Read on for full details on how to watch Chiefs vs Packers, no matter where you are in the world.Make no mistake, the absence of the Packers MVP Aaron Rodgers swings the pendulum firmly in the favour of the Patrick Mahomes led Chiefs.Coronavirus-ravaged Green Bay nevertheless showed last weekend that when their numbers are low and the chips are down, they can still pull a result out of the bag, with their win over the unbeaten Cardinals coming without key men Davante Adams, Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.The Chiefs may be facing rookie quarterback Jordan Love on his first ever career start, but their recent defensive displays suggest they may offer him an easy ride.Kansas City's backline is one of the worst in the league and their fortuitous 2-6 win over the Giants o...

Next-gen immersion in a hands-on fashion.The PS5 doesn't just bring in better graphics and higher framerates — it also gives players a new controller, the DualSense. This successor to the DualShock 4 features a higher-quality built-in microphone, a refined touchpad, an improved battery, and most importantly, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.Those latter two features can be used by game developers in unique ways. For example, haptic feedback can give unique sensations, like the pattering of rain or a blast of energy, in a way that is more focused and accurate than rumble motors. Meanwhile, adaptive triggers can provide a variety of functions with different weapons due to the special physical functions that were implemented.To provide a couple of examples, adaptive triggers are being used in Arkane Studios' Deathloop so that if a gun jams, the trigger physically locks. Meanwhile, in Insomniac Games' Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, you can pull a trigger partially to fire on...

GET ENERGIZED! Literally. It's a game mechanic.October has officially ended and I suppose it's finally time to exit the haunted forest and venture back out into the wide world of non-spooky mobile games. I've been sitting on this one for a little while now, so I'm very excited to get to talk about Nova Island this week.Fast-paced and absolutely gorgeous, Nova Island will whisk you away to a colorful world of deck building and 1v1 card battling. It can be challenging to bring new ideas into the card gaming space, especially up against titanic competitors like Slay the Spire, but Nova Island makes a noble effort to breathe some fresh air into the genre with its stunning graphics, peppy soundtrack, and unique mechanics. This one's going on the list of best card games for sure.The first things that most players will notice about Nova Island are its lovely graphics and art direction. The UI has a sleek, simple interface and the characters and cards are, frankly, adorable. Almost...

Manners are important.For those who use smart assistants or own smart speakers and displays, you know they can be very handy to have around the house. They perform various tasks such as controlling the lights, answering the door, securing your home, and so much more. It seems like virtual assistants gain new abilities every day, especially if you own devices powered by Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.While we know these smart assistants aren't sentient (yet), we understand that some people like to practice their manners when asking them to perform an action or answer a question. Some Android Central staff even say "Please" and "Thank You" to their assistants, so that got us wondering just how many of our readers practice good manners with theirs.Do you say 'please' and 'thank you' to your smart home assistant?Saying "Please" is easy enough on smart assistants, but saying "Thank You" requires an extra step. Usually, once a virtual assistant performs an action, they stop list...

Following the promotion's return to Fight Island last weekend, UFC is back with another numbered event featuring a highly anticipated rematch between two of its best welterweight fighters and we have all the details on how you can watch Usman vs Covington 2 on TV or online at UFC 268.At UFC 245 in December of 2019, Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman and Colby "Chaos" Covington met in the Octagon for the first time. Despite suffering a broken jaw in round three of the fight, Covington kept fighting until the referee declared Usman the winner by technical knockout (TKO) in round five. In the years since, the rivalry between Usman and Covington has only gotten worse but the two fighters will settle things once and for all tonight.Going into their welterweight championship fight, Usman has an 18 fight win streak after defeating Jorge Masvidal by TKO in round two back at UFC 261 in August while Covington won his last match in September of 2020 after defeating Tryon Woodley by TKO i...

The regular Pixel 6 was the only one to get actual color options and not just metallic shades, and we deserve to flaunt those fun colors and bold accents around that eye-catching camera bar stretching across the back. This is one of the best Android phones with half a decade of updates ahead of it, and if you want your new phone to last that long, you need to grab one of the best Pixel 6 cases you can.Come to the dark sideCaseology Parallax for Google Pixel 6Staff PickWhile not many cases yet highlight that pop of red at the top of the Kinda Coral Pixel 6, Caseology leaped right in. So whether you're tracking rebel scum across the galaxy or lording over your domain, the Parallax will help you keep an iron grip upon your Pixel 6, thanks to the new diamond grip pads along the bumper.$15 at AmazonKickstands kick buttPoetic RevolutionThe Revolution is already a heavy-duty case with heavy-duty thickness, but Poetic makes excellent use of it by adding a kickstand that w...

Will history be made tonight as four-weight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez looks to become the first ever Super-Middleweight fighter to hold all four belts at once in the 168lbs division?Read on for your full guide to watching a Canelo Alvarez vs Caleb Plant live stream.The Mexican ring king currently holds the WBA, WBC and WBO super-middleweight belts and is a strong favorite to complete his haul tonight.Standing in his way is American IBF champ Caleb Plant who has his own aspirations on making his own piece of boxing history.The 29-year-old from Tennessee has an unbeaten record to protect and underlined how much of a threat he poses to Canelo during his impressive win over Caleb Truax back in January.Fireworks are expected, with the pair's acrimonious pre-fight press conference descending into chaos after Canelo landed a blow on his opponent's face after Plant said something that drew that appeared to offend the Mexican.Read on to find out how to watch Canelo Alvar...

The Fairphone 4 is 100% e-waste neutral, includes a full, no-B.S., five-year warranty, and its goal is to provide six years of software support. It's also the only phone that ships with a screwdriver.The past few phone launches from almost every manufacturer spent a reasonable amount of time explaining how each company was working toward smartphone sustainability. We heard things like "X-% of our phones are made from recycled materials" and "you don't need a charger because you already have one" to show that these companies are getting serious about the environment. But it still felt like more could be done. These are giant corporations with seemingly unlimited resources, after all.Meanwhile, another small phone maker from the Netherlands seems to place sustainability at the same level as profits. Fairphone has been making products with meaningful commitments toward sustainability and eco-friendliness with little fanfare. Though the company isn't selling phones in North America, ...

Aloy is back in action for the next generation.One of the biggest games revealed at the June 2020 PS5 showcase was Horizon Forbidden West. Developed by Guerrilla Games, this PlayStation title brings the custom Decima engine and everything it's capable of to next-generation hardware.Aloy returns as a protagonist, heading into the former western U.S. There are new threats, new machines, and new lush lands to explore. It's currently set to release on Feb. 18, 2022. Here's everything we know about Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 so far.Jump to:What is Horizon Forbidden West?Check out its trailersStory, gameplay, and featuresDoes it have multiplayer?Is it coming to PS4?Is it coming to PC?What we'd like to seeWhen does it release?What is Horizon Forbidden West?Horizon Forbidden West is a sequel to Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn, released in 2017. It's an action role-playing game in the 31st century, in a world where humanity now exists in tribes and gigantic me...

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 documentary films.The best movies on HBO MaxJust added on HBO MaxBest action filmsBest comedy filmsKids & family filmsBest documentary filmsMovies and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 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.Just Added on HBO MaxWarnerMedia announced at the end of 20...

What you need to knowJerryRigEverything puts the Pixel 6 Pro through a durability test.The Pixel 6 Pro is made with aluminum on the edges and glass on the front and back, with plastic used in some parts.The phone manages to stay structurally sound throughout the video, despite some damages.The time has come to watch one of the latest smartphones get put to the ultimate test as JerryRigEverything handles the Google Pixel 6 Pro to see just how durable it is.While the software has been the main focus on the phone, thanks to the Tensor chip and the latest Android 12 additions, the hardware remains just as important. Our Nick Sutrich states in his review of the Pixel 6 Pro that it's "probably the most unique-looking phone of the year and certainly the most unique design Google has ever made for a Pixel."But how does that unique design hold up? Especially when there's a protruding camera bump to take into account?Surprisingly well, actually. The phone is constructed with Gori...

It's a feature Samsung is familiar with.What you need to knowGoogle Messages may tap into Google Photos for MMS.This is likely to send the recipient a link that will open to higher-resolution video.This method may be similar to how Samsung shares high-resolution media with its Messages app.Anyone who sends a video over MMS would know that the result can be hit or miss, and it's not great even when it's a hit. However, according to code found in the latest beta version, Google seems to be preparing to fix that by integrating Google Photos into its Messages app.9to5Google dove into Google Messages version 10.4 APK and found a new setting that would allow users to "share sharper clarity video in text (SMS/MMS)." The setting is marked under Google Photos, meaning the apps would somehow integrate to share high-quality videos.It's unclear how this feature would work whenever Google rolls it out, but it could potentially create a link for the video file that's shared to the ...

The Meta Quest 2 is coming to a Star Wars Disneyland exhibition in 2021.What you need to knowMeta has begun to call its VR headset the Meta Quest 2 in advertisements, removing the Oculus brand ahead of schedule.We first spotted the Meta Quest 2 name in an ad for an upcoming Star Wars VR installation at Downtown Disney.Meta previously announced it would ditch the Oculus brand in 2022. The headset is still listed as the Oculus Quest 2 on storefronts.All Meta VR products will eventually follow the same naming conventions.Following last week's announcement that Facebook was changing its name to Meta, the social media and data collection conglomerate has begun rebranding some of its products and services. The Oculus Quest 2 is one of the first products to see an initial change.In an Oculus blog post, the company announced that Downtown Disney would have a free demo of Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge in VR, outside of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Specifi...

A fun take on a viral throwback feature.What you need to knowThe Google Arts & Culture app adds a new Pet Portrait feature.The new feature matches an image of your pet with museum art.It's similar to the Art Selfie feature that went viral in 2018.Google recently updated its Arts & Culture feature with a new feature specifically for animal lovers dubbed Pet Portraits, which takes an image of your pen and matches it to artwork.The latest update, which started rolling out on some of the best Android phones this week, opens directly to the new Pet Portraits mode when selecting the camera icon. When selecting "Take a photo," you can either capture a picture of your pet with the viewfinder or upload one using your phone's gallery.The feature will analyze the image and compare it and compare it to various museum artworks, listed based on the percentage of likeness. From there, you can either retake, save, or share the image. You can even enter a slideshow to display al...

If your budget for a pair of headphones allows, then something under $100 is within reach. They range from over-ear headphones to true wireless earbuds, giving you some variety to select from. For the best of the bunch, you'd have to start with the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 because of their excellent sound quality, comfort, and consistency.Best overall: Anker Soundcore Life Q30Need long battery life? With the Anker Soundcore Life Q30, you get up to 40 hours of playback while ANC is enabled, with that number going up to a ridiculous 60 hours when ANC is off. That's an impressive figure for a pair of budget headphones, and adding USB-C now makes fast charging possible. Plug in for five minutes and get four hours of play time.That kind of long battery life makes comfort a more significant factor, and thankfully, Anker delivers there. It improved the design and materials from the previous iteration, with a nice headband with deep and wide ear cups to accommodate even the biggest e...

The best cases for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra need to balance protection and profile, style and substance — and do it all without breaking the bank. The Note 20 Ultra is one of the most cutting-edge phones on the market, but it's also one of the largest and heaviest phones released in 2020. Combine that with the luxury price tag Samsung demands, and you have a recipe for disaster if you dare take your new phone out into the world naked. So skip the public smartphone indecency and get yourself a great case. Here are the best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases to keep it like new for years to come.Slim and sublimeRingke Air-SStaff PickIf you don't want to bulk up your Note 20 Ultra but need to add some grip, the Air-S is a minimalist, thin and flexible case that offers sufficient protection and guards against scratches. There are even lanyard holes if you want to wear it around your neck or over your shoulder or strap it to your hand for safekeeping.$9 at AmazonRough and tumble...

Google Assistant is one of the most useful features for some of the best Android phones. But, one of the most exciting and useful features is limited to the Google Pixel lineup is Call Screening, which uses automated prompts and Google Assistant to ask unknown callers why they're calling, without you ever having to pick up the phone. Instead, you get a real-time transcription of the conversation and choose from a handful of follow-up questions to get more information from the caller before answering or hanging up. Luckily, using it is dead simple.What devices support Call Screen?Call Screening is a great feature, but it's only available on a limited selection of devices, including all Google Pixel phones and select Android phones that support Google's Phone app.No matter what device you use Call Screening on, all audio transcriptions happen locally on the device, rather than being uploaded to Google. Your phone also automatically offers to block spam numbers after you reject a ...

While it's inevitable that plenty of great Black Friday tablet deals are forthcoming in the next few weeks, lots of retailers are already offering up early Black Friday sales.In many cases, the deals are for older-model tablets, and not just for the best Android tablets either. So if you have been looking for a budget tablet you can use to knock around with at home, a premium one to use for work or bring on vacation, or one you can comfortably hand over to the kids, now is the time to save. A tablet is a great gift under the tree, ideal for playing games, watching videos, or, with some models, even for doing work when you attach a keyboard or use a stylus pen.Major online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are already giving a sneak peek into the kinds of deals they will be offering and even starting to discount items.Have a look through this list to see some deals you can get right now, and check back as we'll be updating it as new deals become available.Best tab...

Google's "fast" charging barely lives up to the word.What you need to knowA charging test showed that Google's 30W charger hit just 22W at maximum with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.Other third-party 30W+ or 45W chargers hit the same 22W max output.Android Authority found that the average charging speed was just 13W, with dramatically reduced speeds after reaching 50% charge.When Google announced it was selling a 30W Fast Charger for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro that could juice up your phone to 50% capacity in just 30 minutes, you might naturally assume the Pixel 6 can actually charge at 30W speeds, or that it would fill up the remaining 50% capacity almost as fast. In both cases, you would be mistaken.Android Authority got their hands on Google's official 30W charger — which it didn't provide for our review — and tested its maximum power output. It found that both phones could only reach 22W, never taking full advantage of Google's official charger.Overall, it took t...

Repeat after me, my friends: No matter your taste, your phone needs a case. Whether you just dropped hundreds on a Samsung Galaxy S10+ or you've had it since launch day, carrying it around without a case is just begging for Murphy's Law to visit that phone. We've got the best Galaxy S10+ cases — thin cases, clear cases, fun cases, leather cases, and even more.New look on a classic winnerSpigen Neo Hybrid for Galaxy S10+Staff Pick$14 at AmazonGone is the Herringbone on this award-winning case series, and in its place is a new pattern that is grippier than ever.Ruggedly handsomeArmadilloTek Urban Ranger$11 at AmazonThis is one of my favorite TPU cases around, offering a grippy, rugged look without any bulk and four excellent colors.A little sparkleOtterBox Symmetry Series Slim Case$15 at AmazonGive your S10 Plus a beautiful look with this glittery OtterBox case. It's slim and comes in various colors.High class carry-allSnakehive Vintage Leath...

Christmas decorations are going up and Chromebook prices are going down, which can only mean one thing: Black Friday is almost here! While last year's Chromebook shortage didn't give us quite as many deals as we'd like, this year, you can already get hundreds off many of the best Chromebooks around. There are tons of choicese to consider such as the bright and beautiful Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (both generations are on sale), to the compact and kid-friendly Lenovo Flex 3 and Flex 5. There's a Chromebook deal for everyone this Black Friday, and we're here to help you find the best one for you or your little munchkins.Jump to Black Friday Chromebook deals:AcerASUSHPLenovoPremiumStudentWhere to find the best Black Friday Chromebook dealsChromebook deals are found everywhere, from retail giants like Amazon and Best Buy to your local electronic stores and mega-marts (I miss you, HEB), but they come more reliably from a few outlets. The stores below are known for their C...

The feature was quietly added to the profile's privacy settings.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia players can now join friends' multiplayer games without first needing an invite.The new option can be found in the privacy settings and was enabled by default, despite Google saying otherwise.The feature is currently available in select games like Far Cry 6.Google Stadia finally allows players to join friends' multiplayer games without requiring an invite, two years since the streaming gaming platform launched.The basic feature can be found in the Stadia user's privacy settings under Your activity, then Current game, and as Join your current game. The option is turned off by default, according to the official support page, but was already enabled for my Stadia account and confirmed to 9to5Google and The Verge.Stadia users can change whether just friends, friends and their friends, or all players can join their game without needing an invite. It can also be set to private...

Philips Hue smart lights are some of the coolest on the market, and they're definitely some of the most popular, but they can be quite expensive, especially once you get into colored bulbs. So if you're looking for a less expensive option, or just something other than what's popular (maybe something without a hub?), then check out these other best Philips Hue alternatives.Best alternativePhilips WiZ Connected A19 BulbStaff PickYou might be surprised to know that Philips Hue isn't the only smart bulb brand from the company. Unlike Hue bulbs, Philips WiZ Connected bulbs require no hub, connecting directly to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth via the WiZ app. Despite being less expensive, these bulbs aren't any less capable. They can be dimmed and color-tuned to your liking. These bulbs shine in millions of colors thanks to the powerful WiZ Connected app and support your favorite virtual assistant.$35 at Amazon (3-pack white-only) $13 at Best Buy $25 at Best Buy (2-pack white and color)A...

Google Assistant appears to be "misinterpreting" call commands on Pixel phones even in quiet environments.What you need to knowGoogle's Pixel 6 series phones appear to have a weird bug.Some Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners have noticed that their phones are ghost dialing random contacts. Google hasn't acknowledged the bug yet. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are two of the best Android phones that Google has launched so far. Both phones pack impressive specs and offer great value too. Like previous Pixel phones, however, they aren't completely free from issues.Some Pixel 6 series owners have taken to Reddit to report a weird bug related to the Google Assistant (via Android Authority). According to some owners, the Pixel 6 series phones ghost dial random contacts even when they aren't anywhere near the phones.The issue has been reported on the Pixel Phone Help page as well, with owners claiming the Google Assistant "butt dials" specific contacts when the phone was inside their pockets wit...

Google's vision for the future of gaming is here.The world of gaming is changing, thanks in part to new cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia. Rather than coming to market with another console or PC competitor, Google employed its powerful cloud-streaming tech to allow anyone with a fast internet connection to play AAA games on their phones, tablets, Chromebooks, Macbooks, and other underpowered devices. While we're big fans of Stadia, it's undeniable that the service is going through some serious issues lately.Ready to learn more? Let's dive in.Everything you needPlay and Watch with Google TV Package$100 at GoogleA good way to startPlay and Watch with Google TV Package is the latest bundle that contains the Chromecast with Google TV and a Stadia controller to easily start playing Stadia games on the television.Stadia:How it worksPlans and global availabilityReviews and recent newsIs Stadia shutting down?Supported devicesStadia controllers and acce...

Most who have Android 12 love it, but plenty are still without it.What you need to knowMost poll responses are in favor of the latest major Android update.The second highest response shows that many people still don't have Android 12.Some users aren't too fond of the new design changes.After a couple of weeks since Android 12 rolled out to older Pixel smartphones, we wanted to know what our readers thought of Google's latest major OS update.From our poll results, most of our readers seem to love Android 12. Over 37% of responses favor the update, while a combined 32% of respondents either weren't too excited or just don't like the new design changes.Many people that like Android 12 seem to still have a problem or two with some of the features. Many comments criticized the changes to the quick settings tiles, likely due to their increased size, as well as the loss of the smart home power settings.I like the design but I'm still really frustrated that they binned the ...

This GPS smartwatch lets runners track their workouts with confidence.If you want to get serious about tracking your runs and other workouts, you're going to need a specific kind of Android smartwatch for the job. When it comes to finding a lightweight design, excellent battery life, superior fitness tracking, and advanced running features, you might find yourself looking at the Garmin Forerunner 55. It's definitely an upgrade from the Garmin Forerunner 45, and it's fairly priced for all the improvements you get.Anyone familiar with Garmin smartwatches knows that the lineup varies quite a bit, so it's important to understand where the Forerunner 55 stands. There are some premium options out there, like the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE, which is mostly geared toward more experienced users and professional runners who need detailed metrics and cellular access for emergencies. If you consider yourself an elite athlete such as a distance runner, cyclist, or triathlete, the Garmin Foreru...

Black Friday 2021 could prove a great time to find a deal on fitness tech. Last year, many of the best Fitbit trackers and watches saw cuts ranging from $20 to $70 off, including the Fitbit Ionic, Inspire 2, Ace 2, and Charge 4.Keeping that in mind, you can judge early Black Friday deals and decide if you want to snag them on sale now or gamble on a deeper discount later. They were slim pickings in October, but we've already seen major discounts on the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Inspire 2 in early November, up to 40% off. Given how good these deals are, as well as recent supply chain issues, you really should consider taking an early deal instead of hoping for something better.Still, we expect to see much better deals in the weeks ahead and will keep this post updated when new early Black Friday Fitbit deals arise. For now, check out the best of what's available now.Best Black Friday Fitbit deals:Fitbit InspireFitbit ChargeFitbit VersaFitbit SenseFitbit AceWhere to f...

Best answer: Titan is Google's branding for hardware-based security products, and with the Pixel 6 series, it's now a two-part setup. The Titan M2 is a discrete RISC-V security chip fully designed and developed by Google. It communicates with the new Google Tensor security core, which is a custom-designed security subsystem. Together they are dedicated to the preservation of user privacy.What is the Titan M2?The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro use a newly designed security chip named the Titan M2. They aren't the first Pixel phones to ship with hardware-backed Titan security, but the chip was fully redesigned.The Titan M2 is developed and designed completely in-house by Google. It's a RISC-V processor combined with its own memory to bridge security functions between multiple CPU cores and threads. Its architecture alone has proven to be very resilient against attack.The Titan M2 also supports Android Strongbox, which securely generates and stores keys used to safeguard user passwor...

Because USB-C Power Delivery allows for higher charging speeds, when you're using the best USB-C charger, you should trust your devices to only the best USB-C cables because when they break, they can fry your device or start a fire. Back in the early days, you had to be extra sure your cables were adequately made, but these days USB-C cables have reached a safe, stable standard (for the most part). So whether you need a USB-A port on the other end or you've gone full USB-C to USB-C, there are great, safe USB-C cables to be had out there without spending an arm and a leg!Best USB-C to USB-C cablesTop speedsAnker Powerline II CableStaff PickIf you want the latest spec and the highest data speeds, you want USB 3.1 Gen 2, which can support up to 10Gbps data speeds and up to 100W charging speeds.$25 at Amazon4K readyUSB-IF Certified Cable Matters 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C CableThis unassuming black or white cable boasts the 3.2 Gen 2 spec, so it too can support 10...

The images are claimed to be of a final Galaxy S22 Ultra prototype.What you need to knowThe first real-world images of the Galaxy S22 Ultra have surfaced.As suggested by previously leaked renders, the Galaxy S22 Ultra will have a Note 20 Ultra-like design with a built-in S Pen slot.Samsung is rumored to unveil the S22 Ultra alongside other Galaxy S22 series phones in February 2022. Back in September, reliable leaker @OnLeaks joined hands with Digit to post the first CAD renders of Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra. The first real-world images of the phone have now appeared online, courtesy of tipster Jon Prosser.The real-life images of the Galaxy S22 Ultra largely corroborate the design revealed by the CAD renders of the phone. Unlike the current Galaxy S21 Ultra, the S22 Ultra will look a lot more like a Galaxy Note series device. It appears to have a more rectangular frame, instead of the curved edges on its predecessor. The images also confirm the phone will have a curved...

Even before the Xbox Game Pass launch, having the best mobile gaming controller was pretty important for mobile gamers. There are a slew of great Android games out there that can be enhanced with the help of a controller, and honestly, who really enjoys using the on-screen controls? Nevertheless, if you're in the market for a new controller to enhance your mobile gaming experience and take it to the next level, we've got you covered with the best Android controllers.Best Android controller overall: Razer KishiMany game developers took over the Play Store with phones that feature better specs than many computers. Call of Duty and Fortnite are great examples, for starters. You shouldn't have to deal with a third-party plastic clip, though, if you want to play your phone like a real controller. With the Razer Kishi, you can turn just about any smartphone into a Nintendo Switch, and you don't have to worry about Bluetooth connectivity slowing you down.In our review of the Razer K...

Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, is fast approaching, and it's expected that some of the most widely discounted products during this time are going to be smart home gadgets. One of the greatest things about all these sales is that it doesn't matter if you're looking for some of the best Alexa devices, awesome Google Home-related tech, or even more futuristic smart lights to build out the smart home of your dreams — it's all going to be on sale. We'll keep an eye out for the best Black Friday smart home deals as the season progresses and update this list accordingly, so be sure to check back for the latest.Black Friday is a fantastic time to pick up smart home devices. So whether you're just getting started and need an excellent smart speaker to manage your devices, like a Nest Hub Max, or you could use a super helpful smart plug in your automated home — you'll be in luck.While it can be time-consuming and frustrating to keep up with all the different stores...

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

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

We all want a better way to do messaging and calls on our Androids, and RCS is the best way to make it happen.RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is the latest supposed savior of the disjointed and frustrating world of cross-device messaging. RCS is being pushed heavily by Google and adopted by carriers around the world. In 2021, if you buy one of the best Android phones, you're probably using RCS if you text.But like all things, it helps to have a basic understanding of what people are talking about. There's plenty of information about RCS out there on the internet, but let's try to sort it all out in one place and talk about what RCS is and why it matters to everyone.What is RCS?In a nutshell, RCS is a set of communication standards for SMS, MMS, and calling that make text messages look and feel more like dedicated messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, and so many others. Basically, it aims to bring "texting" up to the modern standa...

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

Motorola could also introduce a new Snapdragon 898-powered flagship before the end of the year.What you need to knowAn alleged image of a Snapdragon 898-powered smartphone has leaked online.The image reveals the next-gen Snapdragon chipset will have a Cortex-X2 prime core, three Cortex-A710 cores, and four Cortex-A510 cores. Xiaomi 12 is tipped to be the first phone to be powered by the new chip. Qualcomm is soon expected to unveil its next flagship mobile chipset, which will be a direct successor to the Snapdragon 888 that powers the best Android phones of 2021. A leaked image of an upcoming phone featuring the Snapdragon 898 chipset has now surfaced online, courtesy of tipster Digital Chat Station (via SparrowsNews).As you can see above, the phone has the Device Info HW app running in the image. Going by the leaked image, the Snapdragon 898 will have a tri-cluster configuration featuring a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, three Cortex-A710 based cores running ...

2020 was an off-year for Google, with no traditional flagship phone launch. But in the end, that wasn't such a bad thing.The Google Pixel 4 hadn't exactly been a runaway success. Sales figures are said to have disappointed — a reported 2 million units in six months — and by early 2020, Pixel General Manager Mario Queiroz and camera lead Marc Levoy had parted company with Google. Even Google hardware boss Rick Osterloh was reportedly unhappy with parts of the phones, including the Pixel 4's dismal battery life.The stage was set for a soft reset of the Pixel series, and that's sort of what followed throughout the rest of that year.Even before Covid-19 brought considerable social and economic upheaval, 2020 was already shaping up to be an "off" year for Pixel phones. The earliest Pixel 5 rumors pointed to a very different class of device compared to the eventual retail product. In January, Jon Prosser of FrontPageTech unveiled CAD renders of a supposed Pixel 5 XL, which sporte...

Best answer: The Android Open Source Project is the core of the Android software that runs on your phone. It's free and anyone can modify it but it isn't enough to power a device on its own.Open and freeAndroid is a free open-source operating system. The AOSP (Android Open Source Project) is free to download, free to alter, free to build into a product that can power just about anything. But it's not something you've ever used when you picked up a phone or other gizmo that runs "Android" because it's not really a complete operating system. The AOSP isn't everything you need to power a device but it's a huge chunk of it.At its heart, Android is nothing more than a platform that anyone can use to run applications plus the bits and pieces needed for it to talk to standard hardware. We tend to think of Android as an operating system for a phone or tablet (or even a watch or television), but it's just a part of the software needed to get any device to turn on and do things. T...

The metaverse's most promising and ominous traits, and its biggest hurdles to success, all stem from Meta itself.Can either VR or AR scale to make the metaverse anything more than a Second Life clone with better graphics? VR/AR experts generally agree that virtual reality tech is a better bet to launch the metaverse than augmented reality tech. The technology is more mature, more affordable to mass-produce, and lacks the privacy issues inherent in AR tech that, by design, constantly monitors its surroundings without standing out.Virtual reality also has a dedicated following of millions of gamers, while augmented reality has a niche as an enterprise device. This is why Meta or any other company looking to get into the metaverse has a lot to think about. Can they turn VR into a common enterprise device for office workers, or something older generations and non-gamers will want to use? More importantly, can they reduce the AR creep factor enough that everyday folks (not just tech b...