Latest from Android Central

Uninstalling a game to save storage space will no longer delete your progress.What you need to knowOculus announced a new cloud save system coming to the Oculus Quest and Quest 2 "later this year" at Connect 2021.All games will now support Cloud Backup unless the developer opts out, including older titles. Previously, game developers had to use their own cloud save system, which most didn't.For years, whenever you deleted a game from the Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2, it would remove your save files and progress permanently. Uninstall Beat Saber, and all of your high scores would vanish like the wind.Oculus technically had a Cloud Storage (v2) feature that developers could opt into, but it broke earlier this year. Oculus eventually warned developers that cloud saves were "causing some applications to not launch" and told them to disable the feature, promising a new version in the near future.Finally, a proper cloud save system in on the horizon. Announced during Connec...

It isn't clear if the issues are widespread or affect only a small number of units.What you need to knowA few Pixel 6 users are experiencing weird screen flickering issues.The flickering happens when the power button is pressed while the phone is off. Some owners are also complaining about a green tint on the screen. Some customers who received their Pixel 6 and 6 Pro phones earlier this week have noticed a weird screen flicker problem on their phones.According to complaints from owners on Reddit, the display flicker issue appears when pressing the power button while the phones are switched off. For now, It doesn't look like Google's best Android phones of 2021 exhibit the same behavior when they are turned on.A few Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners are also reporting a green tint on the display. While the flickering issue hasn't been reported on previous Pixel phones, some Pixel 5a and Pixel 4 XL devices were also affected by the green tint issue. Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra and...

Your home room is about to get a little more crowded.What you need to knowOculus Home is becoming Horizon Home in the next Quest update.Horizon Home uses existing Oculus Home locations but allows you to bring your friends along for some quality virtual hang out time.Oculus is improving how parties work, making it easier for players to invite their friends to Horizon Home and then quickly jump into parties within games from there.Oculus Avatars should be making an appearance in more games soon, as they're being added to Unity and Unreal engines for developers to use.If you've ever turned on your Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 and wondered why you're all alone in an empty virtual room, don't worry, Facebook has been thinking the same thing. That's why Horizon Home will be replacing the existing Oculus Home, giving you a fresh new home location to spend time with friends or by yourself, if you so choose.Horizon Home is the next extension of Horizon Worlds and Horizon Workro...

Released on Oct. 28, the new Google Pixel 6 is already being praised as the best Android phone under $600. Among other cool perks, Google's latest Pixel smartphone boasts Tensor's AI optimization, voice typing abilities, and the best camera yet. But all of that is moot if you can't keep your Google Pixel 6 charged while you're on the go. So with that in mind, we've rounded up a list of the best car chargers for Google Pixel 6 available right now.The premium car chargerAnker 36W PowerDrive III DuoStaff PickFeaturing 18W of charging power, the Anker 36W PowerDrive III Duo plugs into your car's accessory socket and can charge two devices simultaneously at speeds up to 1.5 hours faster than standard chargers. In addition to being compatible with the Google Pixel 6, the Anker 36W charger also works with other USB-C and legacy USB phones, tablets, and other devices. It also comes with two USB-C cables.$40 at Amazon $40 at Best Buy $23 at TargetBelkin's bestBelkin Boos...

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 leapt 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 wor...

Free TV series and movies you can watch on VuduVudu recently announced it's launching its movie and TV store in conjunction on Oculus devices. While the Vudu movie and TV store offers a ton of content for sale and for rent, the platform also offers a variety of ad-supported free content. In celebration of Vudu finally coming to Oculus devices, we've compiled a list of some of the best free content streaming right now.Free content on VuduFree movies on VuduFree series on VuduMore on VuduFree Movies on VuduIn addition to the various movies you can buy or rent in the Vudu movie and TV store, the on-demand platform boasts an impressive library of movies that are available for free with ads. Here are some of the best free movies available on Vudu right now.Big Eyes (2014)Directed by Tim Burton, Big Eyes follows the early '60s artist Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), who rises to fame for his unique portraits of big-eyed characters. It's soon revealed, however, that K...

We've researched, tested, and reviewed dozens, if not hundreds of devices and compiled the following list of what we consider the best Alexa devices. With so many options to choose from, starting with the little Echo Dot up to the recently announced Echo 15 with a 15-inch display — it can be tough to sort through it all. If you don't already have an Echo smart speaker, we recommend you pick up the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) to get started. It sounds great and comes in at a reasonable price. But, if you already have an Echo and want to see what else is available, well, we've got you covered there too.Best Amazon Alexa smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)The original Amazon Echo that debuted in late 2014 gave us our first introduction to Alexa, and we've been hooked ever since. What started as a stark, black tube has evolved over three generations to a softer, gentler-looking Alexa vessel and has spawned an entire line of other Echo devices.This "regular" Echo (4th Gen) is the be...

Get ready for some bigger, tastier snax.What you need to knowBugsnax first launched alongside the PS5 back in November 2020.During the October 2021 State of Play, developer Young Horses announced a free DLC update.This update adds, among other things, massive new Bugsnax.The Isle of Bigsnax is slated to arrive in early 2022.There's a big new update coming to Bugsnax, as announced during Sony's Oct. 2021 PlayStation State of Play. PS4 and PS5 players will be heading to a new region filled with Bugsnax megafauna. You can check out the trailer for The Isle of Bigsnax below:This mysterious island came up from the bottom of the ocean, giving the Grumpuses reason to start exploring. Part of this update's improvements will also be found back on Snaktooth island, bringing customization options for players so they can deck out their huts how they see fit."We're beyond excited to be working with our beloved voice cast again! Yuri Lowenthal, Casey Mongillo, Debra Wilson, and ...

Putting the focus on third-party developers this time around.After a packed September showcase that revealed a Knights of the Old Republic Remake alongside Insomniac's Spider-Man and Wolverine games, PlayStation held a smaller State of Play to show some love to third-party developers. This one ran around 20 minutes in length, as is the norm for showcases like this. New and previously announced titles made appearances, though none were jaw-dropping. We'll run through everything that's been announced in one convenient place.Deathverse Let It DieState of Play kicked off with the announcement of Deathverse: Let It Die, a multiplayer melee survival action game set to release for PS5 and PS4 in Spring 2022.We Are OFKWe Are OFK follows the indie pop band as they "attempt to break into the music business, fall in and out of love, and figure out how to pay rent and make art in Los Angeles," according to PlayStation. It is set to release in 2022 for PS5.Bugsnax: The Isle of...

The holiday of candy, costumes, crazily scaring people — and best of all, PUMPKINS!!! is upon us — and you should be celebrating! Not all of us get to dress up to the nines and beg for candy anymore, but that doesn't mean your phone can't get a cute costume, too! There are lots of ways to theme dress up a phone without getting tacky cases, and that's why we're bringing you a variety of sweet and simple wallpapers that remind us that not only is Halloween here, but it's for more than just horror shows. Here are the sweetest and spookiest Halloween wallpapers for your Android phone to dress up with.Get festive, not garishWallCandyWallCandy isn't as sweet as the name suggests; some of the best wallpapers in here are wonderfully macabre, like this grinning grim reaper taking a new spin on a classic phrase.Free (w/ ads) at Google PlayOminous timesSupermoon over the Washington MonumentNormally, I'd try to select something more ominous from the vast astrophotography se...

The update should be ready for users that pick up their Pixel 6 on release day.What you need to knowGoogle is issuing a day-one update for Pixel 6 devices.The update will be necessary in order to get all the device features.It should automatically install after completing setup, although it may take some time to complete.Google wants to make sure that you're getting the most out of your brand new Pixel 6, so it's pushing out a day-one update that will be available out-of-the-box.9to5Google spotted a community support post detailing the update, which is apparently necessary in order to get all of the features, although the post doesn't specify exactly what the update brings.According to the post, the update should automatically download once the setup process is complete, although it can take up to 50 minutes, depending on your connection. That should give you plenty of time to futz around with the device before having to reboot it.If it doesn't automatically download ...

By now, you've probably seen iOS users tweeting and posting about Clubhouse, an audio-based social network that, for the moment, is limited to iPhones only. No need to feel too left out, though. Twitter has developed its own version of the platform called Spaces, which integrates directly into the Twitter app you likely already have on your phone. The whole layout may seem a bit confusing at first, but it's addictingly simple to use once you get the hang of it. Let's take a look at how to use Twitter Spaces for Android.How to use Twitter SpacesAlong with the Clubhouse service that inspired it, Twitter Spaces essentially acts at an interactive conference call that connects listeners with their friends, favorite creators, and public figures. So whether you've set out to pick up on small bits of insider secrets or you just want to have a casual group conversation, Spaces offers a quick and direct way to converse with others. These are the steps you need to take to use Twitter Spaces...

Have a carrier in mind, or just looking for a cheap plan? Here are the most affordable data plans you can get.If you want to save money on your cell phone plan, there are more options than ever with new ways to save on major carriers and even smaller, prepaid carriers. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) or alternative carriers lease coverage from the larger networks and resell it for less. That being said, depending on your average usage and needs, a plan from one of the Big Three could still be your least expensive option. Here are the best cheap cell phone plans in the U.S. right now.Before choosing a planBefore choosing a carrier and/or a wireless plan, determine your needs and usage habits. If this is your first smartphone, I'd like to firstly welcome you to the 21st century and secondly encourage you to try out your options without getting yourself into any yearly or multi-year contracts. There are a ton of cheap Android phones to choose from that will give you the f...

Galaxy S21The familiar choice$820 at AmazonProsSublime 120Hz AMOLED panelFast internal hardware with global 5GGreat camerasFast wired and wireless chargingThree guaranteed Android version updatesConsPlastic backNo microSD slotNo charger in the boxThe Galaxy S21 delivers the best features of the S21 Ultra at a more affordable price point. You get a stunning 120Hz AMOLED screen backed by the latest high-end hardware from Qualcomm, fast wired and wireless charging, amazing cameras, and three guaranteed Android version updates. Sure, it has a few rough edges, but as an overall value, you are getting a lot here.iPhone 13A worthy alternative$829 at AmazonProsFastest internal hardware on a phoneHigh-quality OLED panelStandout camerasFive years of software updatesGlobal 5G with mmWave as standardConsScreen still at 60HzNotch is unsightlyNo always-on modeStill uses a Lightning connectorThe iPhone 13 doesn't change too much from its predec...

Google gives app developers access to Material You.What you need to knowGoogle is bringing Material You design to third-party app developers.Dynamic colors will soon be available outside of Google's first-party apps.Google is also making it easy to design apps for larger displays.With Android 12 available on Pixel smartphones, Google is hammering down on app support for its new Material You design language.During the Android Developer Summit, Google announced Material Design 3 availability in Jetpack Compose, which will enable third-party app developers to implement Material You design into their apps.This will bring support for dynamic color theming on Android 12 to more apps outside of Google's own apps. Google has already been updated plenty of its first-party apps with Material You support, but going forward, you may start seeing these changes appearing on your favorite apps as well.To help developers, Google is introducing a Material You Theme Builder, which will...

Google's latest phones are powered by its custom silicon, and there is a lot to like here.Google makes some of the best Android phones money can buy, and a large part of what makes its phones stand out is the cameras. Although Google hasn't changed the hardware sensor itself in over three years, it was able to leverage its software prowess to deliver truly outstanding photos from Pixel phones, including the Pixel 5a.While Google likes to focus on software as a differentiator for its phones, the company is now turning to custom silicon to give Pixels an added edge. With the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Google delivers huge advancements for its camera tech, and at the foundation of that change is the Tensor SoC, a custom silicon platform that Google built in collaboration with Samsung.The custom chipset could end up eventually powering all of Google's phones and even make its way to Chromebooks. For now, the Pixel 6 series gives us a good look at what the search giant is aiming to achieve ...

World War Z: Aftermath on Stadia comes with cross-platform play.What you need to knowWorld War Z: Aftermath and Fire Commander will be coming to Stadia.World War Z: Aftermath is an upgraded version of co-op shooter World War Z coming this winter.Fire Commander is an isometric RTS about fighting fires and managing a fire station coming sometime in 2022.Google announced two more games coming to the Stadia store over the next year with World War Z: Aftermath and Fire Commander.World War Z: Aftermath is an upgraded version of the 2019 third-person cooperative zombie shooter and adds all of the content from the Game of the Year edition, three new locations, new characters, a revised melee system, and a first-person mode. The Stadia version will also receive the Horde Mode XL game mode, where players fight endless waves of zombies, in a post-launch update.The game originally launched last September for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and will be c...

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 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 Tablet Deals A...

It's no secret that Android tablets have waned in popularity over the past few years. Despite that, Samsung regularly releases new tablet options, channeling its Android know-how into respectable software hosted on killer hardware. So whether you choose our top overall pick — the Galaxy Tab S7 — or any other option in this roundup, the best Samsung tablets all have plenty to recommend compared to iPads, Fires, and other popular brands.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7You have a large number of Galaxy Tabs to choose from, but above everything that's on offer, the Galaxy Tab S7 stands out as our go-to recommendation. It's one of the newest tablets in Samsung's lineup, and for most folks, it'll be the best one you can buy.The most important aspect of any tablet is its display, and in this regard, the Tab S7 has a lot going for it. You're treated to an 11-inch LCD panel with a 2560x1600 resolution and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. So whether you play a lot of games o...

What you need to knowAT&T's current nationwide 5G network uses low-band spectrum to cover 250M people.AT&T has 80MHz of C-band spectrum that it plans to begin lighting up later this year with a planned December launch.By the end of 2022, AT&T expects to cover 70-75 million people with C-band 5G. Up to 200 million by the end of 2023.AT&T has unveiled its plans for the next phase of its 5G+ expansion. The moniker refers to the carrier's mmWave 5G, but the company announced that its upcoming C-band spectrum would fall under 5G+ as well.C-band spectrum sits between mmWave and low-band 5G and provides much better coverage and speeds than mmWave and low-band spectrum, respectively.Back in February of 2021, AT&T purchased 80MHz of C-band spectrum in an FCC auction to be used for 5G. Since then, AT&T has been aggressively testing C-band deployment so it could be ready to go as soon as the spectrum became available for deployment.This spectrum, also known...

Any child, teen, parent, or guardian can request to have search results for image URLs removed — though there are exceptions.What you need to knowGoogle has implemented a policy to "give young people more control over their digital footprint and where their images can be found on Search."You can remove any photo search result "with the exception of cases of compelling public interest or newsworthiness."This removal only affects Google Search, not the site where the photo is posted.Google already allows adults to remove personal information as well, specifically related to personal info, doxxing, or sexually explicit content.Google will allow anyone under the age of 18 to remove any photos of themselves from Google Search thumbnails and Google Images. Parents, guardians, or an "authorized representative" can make the request as well, though they'll need to explain their relationship to the minor in question.To remove the offending images, you'll go to this Google suppor...

Free trials are currently limited to 30 minutes but that could change.What you need to knowStadia now allows games to offer free trials so players can try a game before purchasing or subscribing to Stadia Pro if it is available on the service.Multiplayer construction game Hello Engineer is the first Stadia title to offer a 30-minute free trial.Google says it is experimenting with the feature and game trials could change time allotted or what players can access them.Google Stadia is now offering free game trials for players to try a game before buying it, starting with one game and potentially expanding over the next couple months.The company quietly added the feature, as 9to5Google reports, with multiplayer construction game Hello Engineer being the first title. Stadia players can sign in and click on the free trial option from the game's store page to begin a 30-minute trial. It is important to note that pausing within the game does not pause the trial, so the 30-minute ...

The latest Google Camera update currently doesn't work on older Pixel phones.What you need to knowGoogle Camera v8.4.167 is now rolling out to Pixel phones.The update finally brings support for Bluetooth microphones, along with new toggles for white balance and exposure. You can download the update from the Google Play Store.Google has released an updated version of its Camera app with some new features and improvements, just a day before the Pixel 6 series phones finally go on sale. Along with new features, the latest Google Camera update (v8.4.167) also brings performance improvements and other enhancements.For now, however, the update appears to be limited to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. While you can sideload the app on older Pixels, the app crashes just a few seconds after being launched.As you can see in the screenshots shared by Mishaal Rahman on Twitter, the update brings toggles for manual white balance and exposure controls. There is also a new Timer light feature t...

The latest Feature Drop isn't just for pixels.What you need to knowAndroid 12L is a feature update to Android 12 specifically built for foldables and Android tablets.With this new update, Android will better scale UI elements, make notifications and other information denser, and enhance multitasking in significant ways for devices with big screens.Android 12L will debut early in 2022 to coincide with "a new wave of foldables and tablets."Android 12L, a special version of Android 12 made just for tablets and foldable devices, aims to create a better UI for these large screen devices when it launches early in 2022. If you're using one of the best Android tablets or a foldable device like the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Android 12L could be the very thing you've been wishing for.On devices with large displays, Android 12L will automatically scale information to better fit the display. The notification shade, for instance, will be split into two panels to show more toggles and denser no...

If you were waiting to get in on the One UI 4 beta, you might be out of luck.What you need to knowSamsung has ended One UI 4 beta enrollments for the Galaxy S21.This comes just as the company prepares to launch the beta for its foldables.Samsung is expected to launch the stable One UI 4 before the end of the year.There are more signs that Samsung is gearing up for the full stable One UI 4 (Android 12) launch on its best Android phones as the company puts an end to the beta program.TizenHelp spotted a Samsung community post where a Beta Operator states that "the recruitment of S21 beta participants has ended."While current Galaxy S21 beta users shouldn't be affected by this, it does mean that anyone who has held off on installing One UI 4 beta has more or less lost their opportunity to enroll.This may only apply to those in South Korea, although it's likely that this will affect other regions as well, especially given how closely beta updates appear in other regions ...

The best Verizon MVNOs all have great coverage on the Verizon network, with plans that work for most people. Instead of going through the expense of spending billions developing and maintaining a mobile network, these carriers use Verizon's network to deliver outstanding service and coverage without the cost of Verizon's plans. With these carriers, you can even use most of the best Android phones. When it comes to carriers powered by Verizon's network, Visible stands out as the best overall choice with unlimited data and great savings opportunities. Here are some of the best Verizon MVNOs.Best overall: VisibleVisible is the first and most unique prepaid carrier on this list. Rather than going into a store to get started with your new phone service, everything with Visible is handled through its mobile app. This includes creating an account and paying your bill.There's just one plan to choose from at Visible, and it costs $40 a month. For that price, you get unlimited talk, te...

The Oculus Quest 2 might ship with everything you need to use it but, to get the very best experience, there are a few extra accessories that you've definitely got to have. Thankfully, Black Friday is making the quest to get a better Quest 2 experience cost less than ever. Whether you're looking to get a more comfortable head strap, some great in-ear headphones, controller grips, or even just a charging dock, these are the best deals you'll find.Oculus Quest 2From $299 at AmazonFrom $299 at Best BuyFrom $299 at WalmartThe Oculus Quest 2 is the latest standalone VR headset from Facebook, and it offers a compelling way to get into VR gaming and apps without all the hassle and expense of a PC. This year, Facebook replaced the old 64GB SKU with a new 128GB model, doubling the storage capacity without changing the price.The Oculus Quest 2 is an excellent standalone headset, but you can make it even better with the right accessories. From keeping your controllers charged up t...

If you're like me, your Kindle Paperwhite is practically attached to your hand. My library is on one of these little babies that last forever, so a little extra protection never hurt. But, of course, protection doesn't mean a lack of style or versatility. Want a thin, rugged, leather, or artistic case? There's an option available for every budget and style wish. Here are some of our favorite choices for your next best Kindle Paperwhite case.Leather loverAmazon Genuine Leather CaseStaff PickIf money is no object and you prefer all-natural materials, you'll want the Amazon Genuine Leather Case. The exterior is 100% genuine leather, and it's sharp as can be while also remaining light and thin. This leather case feels like an actual book has auto sleep/wake and comes with magnetic closures. It's a little pricey, but it makes a perfect gift for any refined reader who enjoys the good things in life.$40 at AmazonBrighten your worldFintie Slimshell CaseCrafted from durabl...

Google's latest phones are powered by its custom silicon, and there is a lot to like here.Google makes some of the best Android phones money can buy, and a large part of what makes its phones stand out is the cameras. Although Google hasn't changed the hardware sensor itself in over three years, it was able to leverage its software prowess to deliver truly outstanding photos from Pixel phones, including the Pixel 5a.While Google likes to focus on software as a differentiator for its phones, the company is now turning to custom silicon to give Pixels an added edge. With the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Google delivers huge advancements for its camera tech, and at the foundation of that change is the Tensor SoC, a custom silicon platform that Google built in collaboration with Samsung.The custom chipset could end up eventually powering all of Google's phones and even make its way to Chromebooks. For now, the Pixel 6 series gives us a good look at what the search giant is aiming to achieve ...

Along with the introduction of the new Portal Go back in September, Facebook also announced a new, redesigned Portal+. It's the top of the Portal line, and right now you can save $100 when you buy two. That means you can get two Portal+ devices for just $598 total instead of the $698 it would normally cost. You also get free shipping and the ability to ship to multiple addresses free if you want to send one to a family member or friend.This is a great deal that applies to every member of the Facebook Portal lineup. You can even mix and match and get a Portal+ for yourself and a Portal Go for your family. If saving money is the ultimate goal, go with the Portal TV. It only costs $149 to begin with, so saving $100 off two means you're essentially getting a second device for just an extra $50. You can also find this sale at Amazon.Facebook Portal+ smart display | $100 off 2The new and improved Portal+ is eligible for this sale and offers the best value considering it's the most ...

Superior display, better cams, AI-backedGoogle Pixel 6$599 at Amazon$599 at Best BuyProsLarger display with 90Hz refresh rateMore affordableTwice the RAMAI tools like Magic Eraser and Instant TranslationAmazing photography qualityAndroid 12 softwareConsSlower performanceExtra cost for mmWave 5GCan struggle in direct sunlightCamera bar will be polarizingThe Pixel 6 is a more traditional flagship than past Google phones. Its 6.4-inch, 90Hz display looks great, its 8GB of RAM and Google Tensor contribute to a performance that rivals the best Android phones, and the new Android 12 software looks fantastic.Faster performance, longer battery lifeiPhone 13$800 at Best Buy$800 at AppleProsOutperforms the Pixel 6 in benchmarksMore pixels per inchCinematic Mode produces great videoBattery life improvements over 12Bright display handles direct sunlightMore color optionsCons60Hz refresh rateA smaller notch is still a notchFewer MP tha...

Amazon Echo and Google Home/Nest are some of the best smart speakers that crossed over from the early adopter phase and took their rightful place within mainstream culture. Today you can build your smart home with the help of these devices, along with the best smart plugs for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. If you're like me, you might not be convinced which company's voice assistant is right for you, which is why I've got both Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible speakers in my home. If you're in the same boat, it's essential to buy smart home accessories that are compatible with both AI assistants, so we've rounded up the best smart plugs for Alexa and Google Assistant.No hub requiredKasa Smart Plug Ultra MiniStaff PickThe Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini is a super affordable smart plug for Google Assistant and Alexa. It's just as reliable as larger smart Wi-Fi plugs and lets you set schedules for any devices plugged into the plug, as well as operate your plugs even when y...

What you need to knowThe inaugural Disney Plus Day will be held on Nov. 12.The celebration commemorates the streaming service's second anniversary. Festivities include sweet deals and new content for Disney+ subscribers. The Walt Disney Company recently announced it would celebrate the inaugural Disney+ Day on Friday, Nov. 12. As part of the global celebration, Disney+ subscribers will gain access to a ton of new content across the streaming service's Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star brands. But what does that mean for current and new subscribers? Here's the rundown.What is Disney+ Day?The first-ever Disney+ Day will commemorate the second anniversary of the Disney+ streaming service. It will be celebrated both online and at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world. Among other things, the festivities will include the rollout of fan-favorite classics and brand-new original programming from Disney-owned brands on the platform. You can also e...

The Echo Frames are now available in 13 different color and lens combinations.What you need to knowAmazon has introduced new color options and features to make its Echo Frames smart glasses "more adaptive and stylish."Echo Frames are now available in two new modern colors: Quartz Grey and Pacific Blue. Echo Frames users can also now make a phone call by long-pressing the touchpad with the new "Top Contact" feature. Amazon on October 27 announced the addition of new colors and features to its Echo Frames smart glasses, making them "more adaptive and stylish." It is also rolling out a few new features that will make it easier for users to stay connected.You can now get the Echo Frames in two new colors — Quartz Grey and Pacific Blue with prescription-ready, sunglasses, or blue-light-filtering lenses. Along with the new colors, the Modern Tortoise Echo Frames are now available with sunglasses or blue-light-filtering lens options. Thanks to these new additions, the Echo Fra...

If there's anything I've learned in all my years of gaming, it's that headsets can make or break your gaming experience. Not only do you want good sound quality when searching for the best PS4 headsets, but you also want a comfortable fit and a microphone that won't make you want to rip your hair out. We did all the research for you to make sure you get the most out of your money without having to go through trial and error. Now, if you've upgraded to a PS5, we have a few more recommendations for the best PS5 headsets.Long battery lifeAstro A50 Wireless Gen 4Staff PickWith Dolby 7.1 surround sound and a built-in MixAmp DAC, the A50 produces some of the finest sounds you can find in a gaming headset. Featuring 15 hours of battery life, this headset charges back up in its magnetic cradle. As far as wireless is concerned, it connects to the PS4 through a base station using a 5GHz wireless transmitter.$274 at AmazonBest budget optionRazer Kraken X UltralightThis is ea...

The feature will soon be available on more Android devices.What you need to knowWhatsApp's cross-platform chat history migration feature is now available on all Pixel phones.Google has also confirmed that the feature will be available on all new phones launching with Android 12. Until now, the feature was limited to Samsung phones. Back in August this year, WhatsApp introduced the ability to transfer chats from iPhones to Android phones. While the feature was initially available only on the best Samsung phones, it is now expanding to all Pixel phones — including the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.If you have a Google Pixel phone, you can now easily transfer your WhatsApp chat history from your iPhone. To get started, you'll need a USB-C to Lightning cable. Once you have connected both phones, you'll be prompted to scan a QR code on your iPhone to begin the transfer process.After you are done scanning the QR code, all your conversations and media will be moved over to y...

At $150 extra, you get a whole lot more phone.Google's Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are the hot new Android phones of the moment and with good reason. These are the best handsets Google has ever put out, raising the bar for what we can expect out of a high-end Pixel. But these new Pixels will share shelf space — and plenty of key software features — with the recently-launched Pixel 5a. The 5a is currently available in the U.S. and Japan, with laser-focused upgrades over the 4a and a head-turning price tag of $449.But beware of false economy: Although the Pixel 5a is a great buy, the Pixel 6 is arguably even more competitive at its $599 base price. The new best Android phone under $600 is so good it's also the best under $800. And that means there are plenty of compelling reasons to take the plunge and get the slightly more expensive Pixel.1. Faster screenBoth the Pixel 6 and Pixel 5a feature Full HD+ screens with around 800 nits of peak brightness, meaning they're plenty sharp and b...

Thanks to the included microSD card slot, you can grab one of the best memory cards for the Amazon Fire Tablet quickly to expand the storage. Whether you picked up one of the best Amazon Fire Tablets for yourself or your kids, you've probably noticed that the internal storage doesn't go very far. Unfortunately, you can quickly fill it up with some games, a few apps, and media, which is a bit disappointing. So make sure to pair one of the best Android tablets with the best memory cards and bump up the storage.Simply the bestSanDisk 64GB Ultra MicroSD CardStaff PickA 64GB capacity is often the sweet spot for many folks when it comes to microSD cards. It has plenty of room for apps, music, and games without spending too much.$19 at Amazon $14 at Walmart $12 at B&H PhotoPlenty of spaceSilicon Power 256GB MicroSD CardSilicon Power may not be a household name for many, but the company makes some pretty great storage options, including microSD cards. This Silicon Pow...

You can get it for $99 with Palm's pre-order discount, if you don't mind the generic design.What you need to knowPalm is shifting its focus to audio with the Palm Buds Pro, featuring active noise cancellation and "studio grade audio".The wireless earbuds are designed by the people behind Beats by Dre and Samsung's headphones.Palm Buds Pro retails for $129, with shipping scheduled in November.Since launching the Palm Phone in 2019, the company that makes palm-sized smartphones has remained silent for the better part of the past two years, until today. Palm has made a comeback with a rather new product, the Palm Buds Pro.Palm claims that the new wireless earbuds are built by the same people behind Beats by Dre and Samsung's headphones, and the resulting product doesn't appear to disappoint, except for its generic design. The Palm Buds Pro's standout features are its active noise cancellation and dynamic 10mm drivers for bass-heavy audio. However, its battery life ma...

PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people. It doesn't help that stock levels remain really tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we here at Android Central have seen PS5s stay in stock is between 15 to 20 minutes (often just a few minutes, though). That's also at random times, so finding a PS5 is a truly challenging task. Sony warned it will be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, but retailers promise more are coming and that Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called the system a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. And after spending a few months with the PS5, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games to the DualSense haptic feedback. So you'll definitely want t...

This limited-edition smartwatch is an enticing collector's item, but it has the same flaws as the standard model.My family is obsessed with the world of Harry Potter. I went through the first four books in a week back when I was a teenager, and lined up at a local bookstore to pick up Order of the Phoenix on launch day. I was so eager to get started that I read the first 100 pages at the bookstore itself (I wasn't the only one), and I did the same for the following books in the series.So when OnePlus said it was launching a Harry Potter variant of the OnePlus Watch and asked if I'd be interested in taking a look, I immediately agreed. I did so knowing full well that the standard model of the OnePlus Watch is inherently flawed; it fails at basic tasks, doesn't integrate with services I actually use, and the interface is laughably amateurish.So if you're thinking that OnePlus somehow sorted out the issues for the Harry Potter version, you'd be mistaken. This smartwatch has the sa...

Pikmin Bloom, the latest collaboration between Nintendo and Niantic released just in time for spring in the Southern Hemisphere.What you need to knowPikmin Bloom is the second collaboration between Niantic and Nintendo following Pokemon Go.The project was initially announced earlier this year, but there wasn't a name or any other info.Its rollout is starting in Singapore and AustraliaTuesday evening, Nintendo and Niantic uploaded a brief video presentation to a new YouTube channel to detail more about their upcoming AR game, called Pikmin Bloom. In the brief, five-minute video, Niantic CEO John Hanke provides a quick introduction to the world of Pikmin and a tease at what the game entails with some help from Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto. This marks the first time Nintendo or Niantic have talked about the game since it was announced earlier this year.Pikmin Bloom marks the second collaboration between the two after the worldwide phenomenon, Pokemon Go. Unlike Pokemon Go...

Cross-platform play still disabled until the upcoming November update.What you need to knowOutriders on Stadia has been patched with updates that other platforms have received since its release last April.The game received a few updates after launch, but was seemingly ignored while other versions continued to get updates.Cross-platform play between Stadia and other platforms will be coming in the November update.Square Enix announced that the Stadia version of its third-person action RPG Outriders has been updated to be almost feature-parity with the PC and console versions.The looter shooter from developer People Can Fly had not received major updates on Google's streaming games service since its launch last April. The game initially launched on Stadia with an outdated version compared to other platforms, a giant list of bugs, and broken cross-platform play. Outriders on Stadia was eventually patched to match the PC and console counterparts, but did not continue to recei...

Google Pixel owners in more countries can now filter out robocalls, albeit manually.What you need to knowGoogle's Call Screen has finally arrived in new markets, coinciding with the release of the Pixel 6.The capability, which was unveiled in 2018, is now available in more countries such as the UK and Germany.However, only the manual version of the call screening feature is available in those territories.Google has finally begun rolling out its anti-spam call feature to countries other than the United States, Canada, and Japan. Call Screen is now available to Pixel owners in seven additional countries.The announcement came shortly after the Google Pixel 6 series was unveiled this week. It's now available in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Italy, and Spain (via 9to5Google). However, users in those countries can only access the manual version of the feature, not the automatic version.For the uninitiated, this feature allows you to screen phone calls from unkn...

Samsung's foldables will get a taste of One UI soon.What you need to knowSamsung is preparing to launch the One UI 4 beta for its foldable smartphones.The beta will allow Samsung to try out its new software on a new form factor before the stable release.Samsung is expected to launch the stable One UI 4 update before the end of the year.Owners of Samsung foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 can rejoice, as they'll soon have a chance to try out the One UI 4 beta.The announcement comes from a Samsung community manager, (via SammyFans), who says the "One UI beta program for Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 will start soon, so please be patient."Not much information is provided about the program, including when it'll kick-off. Given the announcement, it should be any moment now.Samsung has taken to the virtual stage on Tuesday to discuss its plans for foldable phones, highlighting ways that developers can take advantage of the experiences that they will offer, such as Flex Mode ...

Google's revenue grew only slightly from last quarter.What you need to knowAlphabet releases its Q3 2021 financial earnings report.The company made more than $65 billion in revenue, up 41% from the same quarter last year.Overall revenues grew only slightly from Q2, which brought in $61 billion in revenue.Alphabet, Google's parent company, announced its Q3 2021 financial earnings on Tuesday, reporting revenue of more than $65 billion.That represents a growth of 41% compared to the same quarter last year, which raked in just over $46 billion. As usual, those numbers were driven by ads, primarily with Google Search, while YouTube contributed more than $7 billion.Compared to last quarter, growth seems fairly stagnant, with much of Google's divisions growing in revenue only slightly. During the earnings call, there were questions about whether iOS 14's privacy shanges had a negative effect on Googe's revenue for its services. However, according to Google CFO, Ruth Porat, the...

PlayStation VR is increasingly becoming a larger platform, especially with the upcoming PS5 VR release. But no matter where you play your VR games, whether they be on PS4 or PS5, you're in for an incredible experience. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's easy to get overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games slated to hit PSVR in the coming months. We look forward to adding some new titles to our best PlayStation VR games list, and we hope some on this list catch your eye, too.Jump to:After the FallPuzzling PlacesStrideZenithWandererPuzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation OdysseyAfter the FallHave enough post-apocalyptic experiences? Well, you're in for another one. Developer Vertigo Games (creators of Arizona Sunshine) is bringing After the Fall to PlayStation VR. Set 20 years after a viral outbreak caused by designer drugs, Los Angeles is infested with these so-called Snowbreed. As a survivor who seems immune, you'...

Like most of Samsung's top-tier smartphones, the Galaxy S10 has aged quite well. So even if you buy one (new or refurbished) today, the 2019 flagship will most likely serve you well for the next year or two, provided you get one of the best Galaxy S10 cases to protect its gorgeous glass and aluminum body from getting damaged. In fact, we also suggest taking a look at the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors, as they'll help in keeping that 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen safe.Reliable everyday protectionSpigen Tough Armor caseStaff PickFeaturing a dual-layer construction, Spigen's Tough Armor case comes with a soft TPU shell and a hard polycarbonate exterior. It uses "Air Cushion" technology and conforms to the MIL-STD-810G standard, giving your Galaxy S10 maximum protection from hard falls and other kinds of damage.$16 at AmazonSlim yet durableOtterbox Commuter Series caseOtterbox's Commuter Series case sports a sleek yet rugged design that allows it to slip in...

Apparently, it's better at this than a GoPro.What you need to knowOne Twitter user attached his Pixel 6 Pro to his drone and flew it around for some extra testing.The results showed that Google's best camera ever doubles as an excellent action cam, delivering quality visuals and impressive stabilization.If you're going to try this yourself, you might want to drop a case on it before attempting the feat.Most of us would be content with a solid camera upgrade, but OriginaldoBo on Twitter decided his hands weren't a good enough test for Google's best camera ever. So, instead of just walking around to test the new stabilization features, he attached his Google Pixel 6 Pro to a drone and flew it around.Despite being a fairly weighty phone, the Pixel 6 Pro passed the test with flying colors and, per OriginaldoBo's own Tweet, the Pixel 6 Pro seems to have done a better job than his GoPro in several areas.Pixel 6 Pro has better dynamic range and stabilisation than my GoPro lol ...

The DanYee Cat 7 Ethernet cable is the perfect Ethernet cable for your PlayStation 4. While the category doesn't make a huge difference, the braided cord means it's durable and should last you the life of your console.Our pickDanYee Cat 7 Ethernet cable$10 at AmazonGreat for any jobThe Braided cord and premium connectors make the DanYee Cat 7 cable a great choice for your PlayStation 4 needs. The price is right too.Who should buy this Ethernet cable?With so many products on your Wi-Fi network these days, you need a strong connection to your PlayStation 4, so you play multiplayer games without lag disrupting your seemingly perfect ambush. With this cable, you can get the speeds you need at a price that's right.Is it a good time to buy this cable?Right now, Cat 7 cables are the best you can purchase, so if you are going to have an Ethernet cable, it may as well be the best.Reasons to buyBraided cord for strengthPremium connectorsAvailable in varying lengths...