Latest from Android Central

You can now download the unlocked Oculus Go OS build and install any apps on your headset.What you need to knowOculus Go's unlocked operating system is now available to download as previously promised.The new OS build allows developers and hobbyists to install anything on the headset.Unlocking the device is irreversible and will put a stop to future OTA updates from Oculus.Oculus has released an unlocked operating system for the Oculus Go headset, allowing modders and developers to repurpose their hardware for other cool applications that Facebook would otherwise not allow.If you own an Oculus Go, you now have full root access and the ability to install anything on the Android-powered device. The release isn't surprising, as Oculus Consulting CTO John Carmack promised last month that an unlocked OS build for the Oculus Go would be available.The unlocked OS also allows people to make full use of the old headset even after it has stopped receiving official updates from Fa...

The upper-tier Motorola Edge (2021) boasts impressive hardware in an unimpressive plastic shell. You may want to rock your affordable flagship in the nude but that's pretty unsafe and likely to end badly. Revamp your phone's generic look by getting one of the best Motorola Edge cases from our selection.A dash of colorNTZW Heavy Duty Shockproof Case for Motorola Edge 2021Staff PickNTZW's protective case offers heavy-duty protection and its textured rubber back offers good grip. You can get this practical number in one of five shades but we're fans of the burgundy option in particular.$13 at AmazonSensible choiceSpigen Rugged Armor Designed for Motorola Edge (2021)There's no going wrong with big-name brands like Spigen. Encase your Motorola Edge in the reliable Spigen Rugged Armor with a no-nonsense matte black finish.$15 at Amazon$25 at SpigenClear as dayOsophter Clear Case for Moto Edge 2021Osophter makes some fantastic clear covers, including...

Pixel Pass could've been amazing, but it just doesn't add up.There was a veritable fountain of new Pixel features and offerings during the Pixle 6 and 6 Pro launch, from the most significant camera upgrade the Pixel line has ever seen to lightning-fast dictation and AI skills. While all of the fawning over Real Tone, Direct My Call, Magic Eraser, and all the dynamic wonder of Material You, there was one announcement that wasn't presented during the launch event, but rather relegated to a press release and a new page on the Google Store titled: Pixel Pass.Pixel Pass is a subscription that bundles your monthly phone payment in with payments for Google One storage, Google Play Pass, YouTube Premium, and extended warranty and accidental damage protection. In theory, the service sounds great, and it saves you hundreds over the two years of service, but there are more than a few catches.You can't add Pixel Pass to a Pixel 6 you buy from a carrier or retailer: You have to subscribe t...

Currently propping up the NFC West at 2-4, it's make or break for Pete Carroll's men as they face a refreshed New Orleans who come into this clash off the back of a bye week.Read on for full details on how to watch Saints vs Seahawks, no matter where you are in the world.A marked contrast to last season, where at this point they were 5-0 to the good, they find themselves bottom of the heap in their division with injuries to key stars Russell Wilson and Chris Carson arguably the main source of their woes.They now face a Saints team currently on 3-2 and looking like genuine playoff contenders.New Orleans have the second-best rushing defense in the NFL, but look less assured when the ball is in the air.That inevitably means all eyes will likely be on Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. But after his fumble in overtime last weekend led to his side's last gasp defeat to the Steelers, much will depend on how badly his confidence has been shot by that agonising moment.Read on as we ...

It's been two years but Formula 1 drivers and teams are finally back in Austin, Texas this weekend for the U.S. Grand Prix and we have all the details on how you can watch the race on TV or online.Just like with the Red Bull Ring in Austria, the Intercity Istanbul Park which held the Turkish Grand Prix earlier this month and many other popular F1 circuits, the Circuit of The Americas was designed by German engineer and former racing driver Hermann Tilke. Formula 1 held its first race in Austin back in 2012 and in addition to packing 100,000 spectators into the venue, the race also marked Lewis Hamilton's last win in a McLaren before switching to Mercedes in 2013.The Circuit of The Americas features 20 turns, a counterclockwise track with a circuit length of 3.42 miles (5.5km) and drivers will complete 56 laps before finishing the 191 mile (308km) race. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc currently holds the best lap record with a time of one minute and thirty six seconds which he set back ...

It's a fixture that's been previously dominated by Baltimore in recent seasons, but can Cincinnati turn the tide against the in-form home side today?Read on for full details on how to watch Bengals vs Ravens, no matter where you are in the world.The Bengals have lost their last five encounters with the Ravens, the most recent match up being a 38-3 humbling at home to close out the regular season.Currently on a roll at 6-1, Baltimore once again looked unstoppable last weekend as they ripped the Chargers to shreds in a 34-6 victory.That match was a relatively quiet affair for Lamar Jackson, with an incredible performance by the Ravens defense the game's major talking point.The Bengal's put on a similar dominant display with a great all-round performance against the Detroit Lions that saw them notch up a 34-11 win.Now standing at 4-2, last weekend's win allowed Cincinnati to keep pace with the leaders in the AFC ahead of this big showdown this afternoon.Read on as we explain...

Issa Rae and the rest of the cast from HBO's Emmy award-winning comedy series are returning for the show's fifth and final season and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes of Insecure on TV or online.All the way back in 2013, Rae first began working on a pilot for a comedy series with co-creator Larry Wilmore showcasing the awkward experiences of a contemporary African-American woman before the pair settled on the show's current title Insecure. HBO picked up the pilot in 2015 and the show's first season aired the following year.At its heart, Insecure tells the story of Issa Dee (Issae Rae) and her best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji) who first met during their college days at Stanford. While Issa works at a non-profit for middle-school students of color called "We Got Y'all", Molly is a corporate attorney who has succeeded in her career but has difficulties dating.However, Issa and Molly's relationship took a turn for the worse last season after Issa asked Molly'...

Whether you want to go the spooky or fun route for Halloween, preparing the front porch is a delightful affair that all the neighborhood kids will appreciate. Every year, we go all out with several Halloween-themed inflatables, decorations, lighting, and more. We even set up a projector and screen in the window with a companion speaker on Halloween night to provide the kids with a fun and immersive experience. While you don't have to create a full-on scary set-up, there are some handy ways to simplify a frightening front porch display for trick-or-treaters before curling up with some of the best spooky movies to watch once the kids go to bed.Control everything with a smart speaker and appGet everything Halloween-themed outside, from lighting to inflatables and music, set on a schedule and remotely controllable using a smart speaker and complementary apps, like a Google Nest Mini and Google Home. This will come in particularly handy for the days leading up to Halloween. For exampl...

Smart doorbells and cameras are a great way to add a sense of security to your home and keep an extra eye on things, even when you're away. But when accessed by the wrong person, cameras and doorbells can also be deeply troubling. Even though Ring makes some of the best security cameras and doorbells, you can never be too careful. You've probably read articles about online intruders hacking into people's connected cameras and even using the two-way audio to terrorize residents on the other end. Far too often, the "hacker" simply takes advantage of a weak password. As a result, Ring began requiring users to enable two-factor authentication from February 2020 onward. So let's not delay any further. We'll show you how to enable two-factor authentication on your Ring account to fully secure your devices.How to enable 2FA from your phoneTwo-factor authentication is an absolute must these days, especially with something as private as a live camera feed. Enabling it from the Ring app on...

Black Friday is a month away, but there are great deals now.Halloween is nearly upon us, which means people will be gearing up for holiday shopping in November, particularly once Black Friday comes around. We still have a month to go before the biggest shopping event of the season, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of deals for early birds to take advantage of now.At Android Central, we want to know when you usually start your holiday shopping. Do you like to get a jump start on things or do you wait until the last minute?When do you start your holiday tech shopping?Most major smartphone launches have already happened for the year, with Google causing a stir with its impressive price tags for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. These phones already come with some pretty great deals attached to them, depending on where you buy.Many other great Android devices have some pretty good offers and discounts going on as well. Of course, going into November, we'll be keeping an ey...

Google nailed its pricing strategy with its latest flagship phones, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, according to industry analysts. They add that the tech giant has a unique opportunity to undercut some of the best Android phones in the market, but that it still has a ways to go to "improve distribution compared to the Pixels of the past."The tech giant announced on October 19 that the new phones would be powered by its first-ever in-house system-on-a-chip, Google Tensor. The Pixel 6 starts at $599, while the 6 Pro starts at $899. Both phones can be purchased unlocked at physical or online Google stores and major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. Both phones are also available through all carriers in the U.S., where prices may differ.By comparison, Samsung's latest Galaxy Fold 3 and Flip 3 cost $1,799 and $999, respectively, and the Galaxy S21 starts at $799. Meanwhile, Apple's iPhone 13 starts at $799 and the 13 Pro at $999.In their brief Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro hands-on with b...

Better hardware and a new focus on the software experience make the Galaxy Watch 4 the breakthrough device Google desperately needed.We've seen a slew of cool new products the past few months, but I find myself fixated on the Galaxy Watch 4 more often than not. It doesn't flip, nor does it fold, and it doesn't use some crazy Google-configured chip. But it is pretty unique and important, which is tough to say about any other Android-powered wearable. The Galaxy Watch 4 had to be good, or Wear OS would be dead.I think I find myself fascinated with the Galaxy Watch 4 not because of what it is, but what it had to be. I'll explain: It's a pretty good wearable with pretty good software. But it's also the Hail Mary pass that either saves Wear OS or dooms it entirely. I totally think it does the former.Admittedly, I was very skeptical when I bought my Galaxy Watch 4. It had been years since I used an Android wearable every day because they didn't offer me enough to put up with all...

This isn't the first time Google's ad business has been under scrutiny.What you need to knowCanada's Competition Bureau has opened an investigation into Google's ad business.The agency is concerned about the search giant's harmful effect on ad competition in Canada.Google is required to present the bureau records related to the investigation.Google's online advertising business is under scrutiny from the Canadian Competition Bureau, which announced on Friday that it has received a court order to investigate the search giant's ad business.The concern is that Google's online advertising business practices may harm Canada's online display advertising industry, making it hard for other advertisers and publishers to compete.Android Central reached out to the Bureau for more details on the practices under investigation, but it could not provide any specifics. However, the investigation includes YouTube ad inventory and the market for Demand Side Platform (DSP) services.As p...

T-Mobile is begrudgingly throwing Dish a bone.What you need to knowT-Mobile announced that it's delaying its 3G CDMA shutdown by three months.The carrier says it's to give its partners time to transition their customers off of the aging network.The shutdown is now scheduled for March 31, 2022.Just as T-Mobile's impending 3G CDMA shutdown neared, the carrier has announced that it's delaying the shutdown by a few months.On Friday, T-Mobile explained that it hoped to sunset the aging network as soon as possible to improve its 5G network for the best Android phones while giving its partners "plenty of time and resources to take care of their customers as well."However, T-Mobile says its partners "haven't followed through on their responsibility to help their customers through this shift," and it's become clear that the original January 1, 2022 deadline would need to be pushed back.Even though T-Mobile does not directly name Dish, it's clear that the new carrier is among t...

Best answer: Yes. Although the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition were displayed vertically during their initial announcement, both can lie horizontally. However, you'll need to use the included base to position your console.Can the PS5 lie on its side?Just like its predecessor, the PS5 can lie flat on its side. However, consumers were confused, thinking the PS5 could only stand vertically because it was shown in that position during its initial announcement. Nonetheless, the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition can be positioned horizontally.Does the PS5 need a base to lie horizontally?Yes, you'll need to use the base to lie the PS5 horizontally. This is likely due to the PS5's outer shell's natural curve. Sony states that the base is included with the console, so you won't need to purchase it separately. When lying the PS5 horizontally or positioning it vertically, you'll need to use the base, which can be adjusted by unscrewing it seen in the official PS5 breakdown.If you're not exactly...

Roku continues to claim that Google asks for special treatment, and that might have some merit.What you need to knowA 2019 email allegedly shows Google requesting special treatment for YouTube on Roku's platform.The email reportedly says that Roku must include a dedicated results shelf for YouTube.Sen. Amy Klobuchar weighs in on the matter amid her push for new legislation to prohibit this conduct.A new component has been added to the ongoing spat between Google and Roku. A two-year-old email has allegedly surfaced that shows a Google executive asking to give YouTube special treatment on Roku's streaming platform.The email, which was viewed by CNBC and dated back to September 2019, reads: "YouTube Position: A dedicated shelf for YT search results is a must."This would throw Google's defense against Roku's claims out the window, as the company has maintained that it has not asked the streaming platform for any special treatment for YouTube on the best Roku devices.This...

The Tab S8 is slated for upgrades, but not in terms of design or display.What you need to knowZouton has revealed potential specs for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, including an 11-inch LCD display, Snapdragon 888 chipset, and 8,000mAh battery.Leaker OnLeaks produced renders of the Galaxy Tab S8, showing a similar design to its predecessor, the S7.They revealed no renders of the Galaxy Tab S8+ and S8 Ultra, which are expected to have more premium designs and displays.The tablet is currently expected to ship in early 2022, possibly alongside the Galaxy S22 series.The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series is on the way, and we have our first potential glimpse at how the tablet will look when it arrives early next year. @OnLeaks has created renders of the standard Tab S8, showing a fairly similar design to last year's model. Compared to the Galaxy Tab S7, you'll note @OnLeaks shows the S Pen magnetic strip ending before the rear camera module, while the S7 had no gap. Sam...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the biggest and most powerful Galaxys ever and the first to work with the S Pen, traditionally reserved for the Note line. Given its size and heft, you need to protect your investment with a secure case that adds grip and style. The best Galaxy S21 Ultra cases are right here, whether you're after a clear case to show off the Ultra's design or a durable tank to keep it safe and secure.Colorful and durableCaseology Nano PopStaff PickAfter two years of the Nano Pop being exclusive to iPhones, it's finally coming to Samsung devices with the S21 series. The Blueberry Navy with its yellow accents is striking and classic, and the impact-absorbing pattern embedded in the back gives you slim protection. I wish the Ultra also had the Violet shade the smaller S21s have, but these colors are still fun.From $16 at Amazon $17 at WalmartReady to work hardArmadilloTek Vanguard Series for S21 UltraThe S21 Ultra is made for productivity, so it should ...

You can never be too careful on the internet, so it's best you take the necessary precautions. Learn how to enable the enhanced safe browsing mode in Google Chrome to tighten your security. With this feature turned on, you will have an added layer of protection from the dangers that lurk in the murky corners of the web.How to enable enhanced safe browsing mode in Google ChromeOpen Google Chrome on desktop.Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner to open Settings OR go to chrome://settings.Click on Privacy and security.Click on Security.Select Enhanced protection to toggle it on.And that's it! After enabling the enhanced safe browsing mode in Google Chrome, your browser will take the following measures.Predict and warn you about dangerous events before they happenKeep you safe on Chrome and may improve your security in other Google apps when you are signed inImprove security for you and everyone on the webWarn you if passwords are exposed in a data bre...

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...

Pretty important for longer play sessions.What you need to knowA new update for RPG dungeon crawler Demeo adds saving mid-campaign and the ability to load previous saves.Players can store three multiplayer saves and three saves for the single-player skirmish mode.The update also adds new cards, notifications, and fixes.Demeo, a dungeon crawling RPG playable entirely in virtual reality on Oculus Quest 2 and other headsets, has finally added a save feature via the latest update.The game originally launched last May with one campaign and added another, Realm of the Rat King, a month later. While each campaign was broken down into a series of separate dungeons, a complete playthrough could take at least an hour. Getting together four friends and playing non-stop, without breaks or someone needing to leave mid-campaign, could be a challenge.Players can now save their progress mid-campaign and load it up anytime with the new update. Creating checkpoints works with both multip...

Black Friday is swiftly approaching, and it's time to figure out which deals will save you the most money this holiday season. With big money-saving opportunities expected both online and in retail stores, and reports suggesting shipping times this holiday season could get messy, now is the time to learn more about the best deals being offered on cases for top Samsung tablets this year. Similar to our roundup of the Best early Black Friday Android phone deals, we'll be updating this list of best Black Friday Samsung tablet case deals regularly through Friday Nov. 26, so be sure to check back.If you need to track down a tablet prior to browsing our list of Samsung tablet cases, you might want to start with Amazon's "Epic Daily Deals," which is already live and boasts an impressive lineup of Bose, Sony, Samsung, and Apple products at discounted rates. You're also sure to find early Black Friday deals on sites like Best Buy, Target, and Newegg, among other retailers starting this week...

The Pixel 6 Pro is it.What you need to knowMost of our readers are interested in buying the Google Pixel 6 Pro.A third of our poll responses voted for the standard Pixel 6 as the phone they want.Some readers are undecided, while a smaller percent are not interested.The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are up for preorder, and they seem to be selling like hotcakes with Google already sold out of many models and putting buyers on waitlists. However, there are still plenty of places where you can purchase one of the new smartphones, and we asked whether or not our readers were interested in buying either model.While both phones share much of the same internals, the Pixel 6 Pro does have a higher refresh rate display, additional telephoto lens, and more RAM. That's why it may come as no surprise that the Pixel 6 Pro was the most popular device in our latest poll, with more than 54% saying they'll buy it. The standard Pixel 6 came in with less than 30% of votes, with a smaller p...

This is probably why we stopped using analog radios...One of the things that I love about horror is the heavy use of tropes. Some folks might consider this to be stale or boring, but when done right, you can take a painfully overused trope and still manage to make something fun and new out of it. Oxenfree accomplishes this with aplomb, taking the teen-holiday-weekend-gone-wrong trope and building an unsesttling, and sometimes genuinely scary, experience out of it.Oxenfree is a mystery adventure game featuring full voice acting, expansive dialogue options, and simple point-and-click controls that just about anyone can pick up and play. This is the best game I've played so far this month that fits the spooky season, and it's definitely going on that list o' best Android games.Oxenfree opens with a classic setup: a group of high schoolers take the last ferry to a small island off the coast of their town for a weekend of typical teen shenanigans. It's already getting dark and t...

Despite being a little dated at this point, Samsung's Galaxy Note 10+ still holds its own against some of the best Android smartphones currently available. The 2019 flagship packs power, precision, and productivity into a device that's large, but still relatively manageable. While its reflective gradient back begs to be shown off, there's no denying this is an expensive all-glass smartphone. So we advise getting one of the best Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ cases to give your smartphone the protection it deserves.Legendary protectionOtterbox Defender Series - BlackStaff PickWith a polycarbonate shell and a synthetic rubber slipcover, Otterbox's Defender Series case also comes with a clip-on holster for added convenience and its swiveling belt clip doubles as a kickstand.$30 at AmazonGet a gripSpeck Presidio Grip - BlackAffordable yet rugged, Speck's Presidio Grip case comes with a dual-layer construction. It can protect the Galaxy Note 10+ from up to 13 feet-high drops ...

Black Friday SSD deals will be in hot demand this year now that Sony has finally unlocked the storage expansion bay of the PlayStation 5. Users can upgrade the console's internal storage capacity beyond the measly amount the PS5 launched with.Picking up one of the best PS5 SSD options around on Black Friday may save you a bit of cash compared to the normal MSRP, but at the same time, the 'deals' might actually just be managing to find stock in the first place as many of our favorite models have been selling out. Don't worry, though; we're constantly testing new PS5-compatible SSDs, so we'll let you know which ones are available too beyond the old favorites likes the Samsung 980 Pro, WD SN 850 Black, and the Firecuda 530.If you're going to have a look around yourself, we've listed some retailers below that we'll be checking for Black Friday PS5 SSD options for the next few weeks. Be careful, though; you'll want to make sure the specs of the SSD meet Sony's particular requirements....

Your phone carrier can put you into a Galaxy Z Flip and save you a bunch of money. Let them.If I were buying a Galaxy Z Flip 3 today, I would totally want a Bespoke "panda" Edition with the black hinge and black/white inserts. I dunno why, but that look called out to me while I watched Samsung's weird Unpacked 2 event. But I know it's not the Z Flip that I would actually buy.Instead, I'd choose the basic color I liked from a phone carrier on an installment plan. Normally, I hate the idea of a phone carrier also being an equipment seller. The carrier should only exist to take your money every month and offer you quality access to the internet and cellular service in return. But in the real world, sometimes you have to take advantage of the system when you can.This is one of those cases. I could buy a Bespoke Edition Flip from Samsung. I wouldn't have to pay the full $1,000 because of a trade-in, but the cheapest I could get it would be $500, and that's because I have another ver...

Look no further, for we have the definitive listing of the best Amazon Fire Tablets to help you make your purchase decision. Can you believe that Fire Tablets have been around for almost a decade? When the original Kindle Fire was released way back in 2011, many thought Amazon was onto something with a low-cost, easy-to-use tablet experience. You know what? They were right! Today, there are no fewer than six Fire Tablet devices on offer from Amazon if you count the Kids Editions. Out of them all, we think the Fire HD 8 (2020) is the best overall value thanks to its size, improved processor, charging, storage capabilities, and ability to hit an affordable price point still. Here is a list of some of the best Fire Tablets out on the market right now.Best overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020)The Fire HD 8 sits in between the Fire 7 and Fire HD 10 in more ways than one. It's roughly in the middle of the two sizes, of course, but it's also priced in the middle. Those t...

Whenever you're setting up WhatsApp on a new phone, you'll have to verify the phone number with a one-time password. WhatsApp also lets you add an extra layer of security in the form of a PIN. This way, you will have to enter the one-time password sent to your registered phone number on top of a six-digit PIN before you can install WhatsApp on your phone. This ensures you have dual protective layers, which is why it's called two-factor authentication. Here's how you can enable two-factor authentication in WhatsApp for Android.How to enable two-factor authentication in WhatsApp for AndroidIt may be pointedly obvious, but please make sure you have WhatsApp Messenger installed on your phone before starting.Open WhatsApp on your Android phone. Tap the three dots on the top right corner.Tap Settings.Tap Account. Select Two-step verification. Hit Enable to set up a PIN.Enter your six-digit PIN. Add an email address that will be used to reset your PIN should you forget it....

Black Friday isn't too far off, and anyone in the market for a Chromebook should pay close attention. Last year, we saw major price drops on several of the best Chromebooks, including $50 off the Acer Spin 311, $250 off the HP Chromebook x360 14c, and $200 off the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook.This year, some impressive Black Friday deals have already begun, mostly at Best Buy — where the retailer is promising to refund you the difference if the price drops lower after you buy it between now and Black Friday. If you want to relax and eat leftover turkey over Thanksgiving weekend instead of hunched over a keyboard, now seems like a great time to snag a deal.We are rounding up all of the best Chromebook Black Friday deals that we can find from around the web, and we will update this page as more deals come in over the next month. We expect some amazing deals on the actual holiday, but for now, here are the best deals we've found.Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 2-in-1 Laptop | $100 off...

The rollout is set to kick off in December this year.What you need to knowASUS has revealed its Android 12 update roadmap.The company's ZenFone 8 series phones will receive the Android 12 update in December. ROG Phone 5 and 5s owners will have to wait until the first quarter of 2022 to receive the update. ASUS on October 22 announced its Android 12 release schedule. The company will begin rolling out the Android 12 update to its phones by the end of the year.Disappointingly, however, the only ASUS phones to receive the Android 12 update this year will be the ZenFone 8 series. ASUS has promised that the ZenFone 8 series will be updated to the latest version of Android by December.The ROG Phone 5 and 5s, which are among the best gaming phones available right now, are slated to get Android 12 in the first quarter of 2022. The ROG Phone 3 and ZenFone 7 series phones, on the other hand, will make the jump to Android 12 sometime in the first half of 2022.ASUS says the updat...

If you're patiently waiting for your Google Pixel 6 Pro to arrive, you can keep busy by choosing some of the best accessories. You probably want to protect that beautiful display from damage, for starters. So we got you covered with plenty of reliable options. Check out our roundup of the best Google Pixel 6 Pro screen protectors.Endless coverageArmorSuit Google Pixel 6 Pro Full Body Skin Film + Screen ProtectorStaff PickMost screen protectors only protect certain areas, such as the display and the camera lens. However, ArmorSuit is taking things to the next level with this full-body skin film and screen protector for endless coverage. It's incredibly thin and contours perfectly to your phone's curves. It offers self-healing technology that helps eliminate minor scratches on the film.$17 at AmazonStay flexibleIMBZBK Google Pixel 6 Pro Screen Protector + Camera Lens Protector (5-Pack)If you're seeking a highly flexible material with excellent protection, this...

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great Bluetooth speaker, so we've rounded up what we believe are some of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 to help save you money. So whether you're looking to pick up a speaker to listen to music or play your favorite podcasts at the pool or need one for streaming music from your phone, there are plenty of great affordable options available. Our top pick would be the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 for versatility and excellent sound quality.Best overall Bluetooth speaker under $100: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2The Wonderboom 2 delivers everything you're looking for in an affordable Bluetooth speaker. It has IP67 water resistance, astonishingly great sound quality, and 13-hour battery life. The speaker also has multi-directional sound, and you can even pair two speakers together to create a stereo effect (although you can only pair it with other Wonderboom speakers).The versatility here makes the Wonderboom 2 stand out from the p...

When is Black Friday 2021?Last year proved that just because things have been a certain way for a while doesn't mean they always have to stay that way. Amazon's Prime Day had traditionally been in the summer but got pushed. Black Friday sort of became a blend of Prime Day and other retailers' sales and all kinds of stuff that covered the span of several weeks. This year, though, it looks like things are mostly back to normal.So, since Black Friday is traditionally the Friday after Thanksgiving that would make it November 26 this year. If you plan to shop in store on that day, which is actually going to be an option in 2021, you can expect your favorite stores to open early on that day. Some places like to start on Thanksgiving, others have said "No, Thanksgiving is for families" and many are just turning to online sales overall. How store hours will shape up has yet to be fully determined, but if you were paying attention last year it should be no surprise to you that online is bec...

Instagram users will also be able to enjoy the new AR experiences very soon.What you need to knowFacebook's "Group Effects" AR experiences are now available on Messenger video calls and Messenger Rooms.Group Effects will soon be coming to Instagram as well. The new AR experiences make it possible to augment everyone on a video call at the same time.Facebook has started rolling out new AR experiences to video calls on Messenger and Messenger Rooms. The social networking giant claims the new "Group Effects" will make video calls on its platform a lot more entertaining and fun.Group Effects finally make it possible to augment everyone on a video call, enabling a "more fun and immersive way to connect with friends and family." While the new AR experiences are limited to Messenger and Messenger Rooms right now, Facebook says they will soon be available on Instagram as well.Users can choose from over 70 Group Effects, including a game where "you compete to build the best bu...

It's here! The new Google Pixel 6 is officially here! But before you get caught up in all the excitement, be sure you secure all the necessary accessories for your phone. The gorgeous display definitely deserves your undivided attention, so check out some of the best Google Pixel 6 screen protectors that we've hand-picked for you.No stone unturnedL K Google Pixel 6 Screen Protector + Camera Lens Protector (4-Pack)Staff PickIf you're not willing to leave any stone unturned when it comes to protecting your Google Pixel 6, you'll appreciate this four-pack of L K screen protectors. You'll have everything you need, including two tempered glass screen protectors for the display and two camera lens protectors. Both offer 9H hardness for excellent durability and protection you can count on.$13 at AmazonSuper protectionSupershieldz Google Pixel 6 Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-Pack)One of the best Google Pixel 6 screen protectors you can buy is this three-pack fr...

Once again, Google's latest phones are limited to select countries around the world.When Google said it was getting serious about its hardware ambitions with the Pixel 6 series, I was excited. Google has been very conservative when it comes to the global availability of its devices, and I was looking forward to that changing with the Pixel 6. However, that isn't the case; the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are limited to a dozen countries around the world, meaning a majority of customers looking to get their hands on Google's hardware are left out.That's a real letdown, because from a hardware point of view, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are among the best devices that Google has introduced to date. They feature gorgeous designs, custom silicon made in collaboration with Samsung, and cameras that can take on the best Android phones. Best of all, the Pixel 6 at $599 and Pixel 6 Pro at $899 significantly undercut their immediate rivals. If Google were really serious about hardware, this would hav...

Black Friday is the perfect time of year to find a great deal on fitness tech. Last year, many of the best Fitbit trackers and watches saw significant sales. The top Charge, Inspire, Versa, and Sense models at the time were all discounted, with cuts ranging from $20 to $50 off.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. Currently, most of our favorites are all full price, from the Fitbit Charge 5 to the Fitbit Sense. But a few older models are on sale already; and given current supply chain issues, it may make sense to snag a decent deal now instead of waiting, only to find the cheaper models are out of stock.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 early Black Friday Fitbit dealsFitbit Ionic | $70 off at Amazon...

The Uncarrier is becoming more aggressive in luring customers away from competitors.What you need to knowT-Mobile will pay off what you owe on your smartphone if you switch from a rival carrier.The Uncarrier will cover up to $1,000 per line through a virtual prepaid MasterCard card.T-Mobile also boasts better 5G coverage as part of the promotion.T-Mobile has another sweet offer if you're considering replacing your current carrier. The Uncarrier will pay off your smartphone up to $1,000 per line if you make the switch from its rivals, including Verizon and AT&T.The new promotion is part of its Keep & Switch program, and you can start using it today by bringing in your current phone along with a photo of your most recent bill. You will then receive up to $1,000 per line via virtual prepaid MasterCard to settle your previous carrier's balance. If you want to bring your entire family over to Magenta, the promotion covers "up to $1,000 for each of up to five devices," ...

The next step in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds finally has a release date.What you need to knowPUBG: New State is the next mobile version of battle royale game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.The game has been in testing for the past several months, with various alpha tests in certain regions.PUBG: New State is now slated to launch worldwide on November 11, 2021. PUBG: New State launches worldwide for Android devices on Nov. 11, 2021. This comes after one final technical test, which is being held in 28 different countries on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. PUBG: New State is launching with four maps, including Erangel.The developers are already working on future updates, while the game will also ship with anti-cheat in place, meaning this could end up being one of the best Android games available. Krafton touts that this new version of the classic formula features gameplay on par with the PC version of PUBG, while also using better graphics than PUBG Mobile.PUBG: New State is set in...

It's previously limited only to people with more than 600 followers.What you need to knowTwitter Spaces is now available to everyone who wants to host their live audio session.The new expansion means you can now create a Space even if you have less than 600 followers.Spaces is rolling out to Android and iOS devices from today.Twitter is now rolling out Spaces to anyone who wants to host their own audio chatroom, after almost a year of experimenting with the service.The ability to host a Space is available on iOS and Android phones. Before the latest change, the feature was accessible only to people with more than 600 followers. The new update means you can now host your own live audio session regardless of how many Twitter followers you have.the time has arrived -- we’re now rolling out the ability for everyone on iOS and Android to host a Spaceif this is your first time hosting, welcome! here’s a refresher on how pic.twitter.com/cLH8z0bocy— Spaces (@TwitterSpaces...

The Galaxy S22 Ultra could be the spiritual LG Velvet 2 Pro that we never got.What you need to knowThe backplate for the Galaxy S22 Ultra has allegedly been spotted in a leaked image.The image shows five cutouts for the various camera elements.The rear camera design for the Galaxy S22 Ultra has been disputed among leakers.The upcoming Galaxy S22 Ultra could be one of the most exciting S-series launches in some time if recent leaks are to be believed, but no one seems to agree on one aspect of the design, and that's the camera housing. However, the latest leak may shed some light on the final design of the phone's rear camera layout.An image of the alleged Galaxy S22 Ultra backplate has emerged, showing five separate cutouts for the cameras. The photo was posted on Weibo before being retweeted by leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka Onleaks.Well, this seems to be #Samsung #GalaxyS22Ultra final rear camera design.... Still "P" shaped but with each single camera lens protruding...

You still won't find Google Play services here.What you need to knowHuawei launches its new Nova 9 smartphone with a mid-range Qualcomm chipset.The new Huawei Watch GT 3 runs Harmony OS and comes in two case sizes with multiple styles.The Nova 9 will be available for €499 and the Watch GT 3 for £210. Both can be preordered now.Huawei launched the Nova 9 and Nova 9 Pro in China last month, but is now bringing the former to the global market, the company announced on Thursday. Additionally, the new Huawei Watch GT 3 is joining it, now running Harmony OS.The Nova 9 has a decent-sounding 6.57-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and responsive 300Hz touch sampling rate. On the back is a 50MP RYYB sensor, which Huawei claims can capture 40% more light than traditional RGGB sensors. There's also an 8MP ultrawide camera as well as macro and depth sensors.Of course, you won't find Google services on the Nova 9, which runs the company's own Harmony OS. The devic...

Phones aren't the only pieces of tech that benefit from protective covers. Though the PS5 DualSense controller doesn't necessarily need a skin, there are plenty of reasons to get one. Maybe you want a better grip on your controller, or perhaps you don't want your pristine white case to get all dirty. On the other hand, it could be that you just want a new color. Whatever the reason, you can pick up a reasonably cheap controller skin for your DualSense. While they're all pretty similar, here are some of the best PS5 controller skins to fit your style and budget.Pleny of colorseXtremeRate PlayVital Guardian Edition Case for PS5 DualSenseStaff PickeXtremeRate's Guardian DualSense case is ergonomic and comfortable, featuring high-grade silicone and protects against bumps and scratches. There are over 10 different colors to choose from, and it comes with a set of thumb grips.$16 at AmazonJust the gripseXtremeRate PlayVital Red Anti-Skid PS5 DualSenseWant to have ...

The Surface Duo 2 is here, and it's a beauty!What you need to knowOur friends at Windows Central managed to get their hands on the Surface Duo 2 for review.The device offers several upgrades from its predecessor, from the processor to the displays and the cameras.The Surface Duo 2 is available now, starting at $1500.Our friends over at Windows Central have just published their review on the Microsoft Surface Duo 2, and spoiler alert it gets four out of five stars.That's a notable improvement over the original Surface Duo, which in our review was described simply as a "hot mess." However, that's to be expected given all the upgrades Microsoft stuffed into this relatively thin device.The new Surface Duo 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset found in this year's best Android phones. With that comes faster performance and, most notably, 5G, which was missing from the first-generation Duo.The camera situation has been improved now that Microsoft isn't relying on a sin...

These are the best shows on NBC's Peacock streaming service right now.NBC's Peacock streaming service is the digital hub for new and old NBC series, Peacock originals, and a variety of content from other networks. And with both a free tier and two premium plan options, there's lots of content to choose from. With that in mind, we've rounded up the best Peacock shows available right now.PeacockFind your NBC favorites and moreFrom $5/mo. at PeacockAll the shows, movies, and sports you wantNBC's Peacock streaming service is the exclusive home for iconic NBC series like The Office and shows from a collection of other networks. You also find a rotating lineup of free and premium movies.Best Peacock showsOriginal series on PeacockCurrent series on PeacockWWE on PeacockComedy series on PeacockThriller series on PeacockPeacock OriginalsIn addition to various classic series and shows that are currently airing new episodes on TV, Peacock features a lineup of...

Google has some of the biggest AAA games out there on its platform, and the catalog keeps getting bigger and better. With more than a year on the market, dozens of games on Stadia are available to play instantly with no downloads, patches, or updates required. So whether you love shooters, RPGs, online multiplayer, platformers, indies, or something in between, there are undoubtedly games for you on Stadia. Here's our list of the best Google Stadia games available to you right now.Featured favoriteCyberpunk 2077 for StadiaCD Projekt RED's open-world epic may not be the genre-defining revolution a lot had hoped for, but the Stadia version plays great. While the PS4 and Xbox One editions currently suffer from horrible performance issues and tons of bugs, the Stadia version is comparable to playing on a gaming PC and is arguably the best way to play the game. I enjoyed it quite a lot in my review and am excited to see it get better.$60 at StadiaGather your party...

Facebook is accused of hiding information about its Giphy acquisition on purpose.What you need to knowFacebook was fined in the UK for failing to provide full information related to its Giphy acquisition.UK regulators imposed a £50.5 million fine on the company due to its failure to submit updates about whether it halted further integration with Giphy after purchasing it.The social media giant has been accused of deliberately breaking that order.The UK's competition watchdog has fined Facebook £50.5 million (approximately $69.7 million) for failing to submit the necessary information about its Giphy acquisition, marking the first time a company violated such a merger policy.The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it fined Facebook for violating an initial enforcement order (IEO) that had been in place since June of last year, when the regulators launched an investigation into the company's $400 million acquisition of Giphy. The order was intended to preven...

Google will add multiple app icons to help you juggle different accounts.What you need to knowGoogle is bringing work profiles to Android users in 2022. They were previously only available for managed Android Enterprise phones.You'll be able to see separate icons for Google apps like Gmail and Calendar, each logged into different email profiles.Google will start with Workspace apps, then offer work profiles for other productivity apps later.For anyone sick of having to swap between your personal and work emails, calendars, Drive files, Keep notes, and other apps, take heart. Google will add a work profile to the best Android phones at some point next year, so you can keep your work life and personal life separate more easily.Google Enterprise created the work profile for managed devices earlier this year. Work profile apps would have stricted security measures, data protection, and IT monitoring. Once you were done with work, you could turn that profile off and use person...

Google is aiming to bring everything under one roof, including Matter devices.What you need to knowGoogle is rebranding all of its developer tools to Google Home, bringing its smart home initiatives under one roof.The new Google Home tools will make it easier for developers to integrate their products with Matter, the new unified smart home platform for the industry.Google Home users should expect to see suggested routines appear in their Google Home apps, helping them better integrate their smart home products together.Google's renewed look at the smart home took shape at its smart home developer's summit, revealing a unified Google not often seen. While we've seen many names for the tech giant's tools and smart home initiatives over the years, the company is bringing everything together, including its development toolkits, under the Google Home name.If you're picking up the best smart home products in the future, all of these new changes should ensure your smart home de...