Latest from Android Central

Right before The Lord of the Rings, too.On Thursday, Amazon caused quite a stir when it announced its plans to raise the price of its Prime membership. As part of Amazon's Q4 2021 earnings report, it said the yearly cost of Amazon Prime was increasing by $20 to $139 per year. The monthly fee goes up by $2 to $14.99, or $180 for 12 months. It's important to note that the company reported revenue of more than $137 billion in Q4 2021 alone.So is the price increase enough for you to ditch Amazon?Poll: Are you sticking with Amazon Prime after the price hike?Amazon attributes the price increase to rising costs fueled by inflation, not to mention raising its average employee wage to $18 per hour to combat its labor troubles. Amazon CFO Andy Jassy also stated that the company hasn't increased its subscription price since 2018.Notably, this price increase comes ahead of the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power TV series that will begin streaming on Prime Video in Sept...

Advising athletes to only use a burner phone appears to be sound.A while back we heard that a handful of countries advised their respective Olympic teams to leave all personal electronics at home and use a "burner phone" while in Bejing. This was, of course, done because of concerns about the Chinese government's heavy hand with the internet and all electronic communications. Sometimes, Big Brother really is watching.It turns out that this advice was pretty solid, as researchers have torn apart the Android and iOS versions of the MY2022 app — which is required to be used by all Olympians — and found some really interesting things. Not the good kind of interesting, either.After reverse engineering all of the #Beijing2022 #spyware app for @Apple #ios and @Google #Android I can definitively say all Olympian audio is being collected, analyzed and saved on Chinese servers using tech from USA blacklisted AI firm @iflytek1999 https://t.co/9wX1sP8PZP pic.twitter.com/hdIfiKX37m— J...

The best smart lamps bring a delightful ambiance to your space and look great no matter where you place them. Just like all the greatest smart light strips or smart light bulbs, you can expect voice assistant integration, 16 million colors, app control, ambient modes, and in some cases, even portability and an IP rating. We've scoured the galaxies to bring you these amazing otherworldly smart lamps.Versatile choiceGovee Aura Smart Table LampStaff PickGovee is at the top of the smart light game for a good reason. The Aura lamp has a brilliant set of modes in the mobile app, including segmented control and a music mode. So pick your way through 16 million colors and enjoy Alexa and Google Assistant integration.$65 at AmazonCute as a buttonECOLOR Smart Table LampIf Govee is too rich for your tastes, this humbly-priced lamp from ECOLOR should sort you out. With a corded and a cordless version, you get to set different shades for five different parts of the moon....

Amazon is taking its fight to Google in the auto space.What you need to knowAmazon announced a software update that will bring Alexa to thousands of Jaguar Land Rover models.The digital assistant will be rolled out in over 200,000 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles running Pivi Pro 3.0 or later.Alexa will be available to car owners at no additional cost, though a paid subscription is required.Last year, Amazon revealed its intention to invade your garage by giving automakers access to artificial intelligence system underlying its Alexa digital assistant, starting with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Called Alexa Custom Assistant, that solution allows car manufacturers to build custom voice experiences for customers.Alexa is now coming to more dashboards courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover. The British automotive giant announced this week that Amazon's digital assistant will be available in more than 200,000 Jaguar Land Rover models.The system will be available on both older and newer ...

A fix is coming just as quickly as reports of the bug did.Update, Feb 4 (5:25 p.m. ET): Fix arriving today with updateWhat you need to knowMultiple users have reported that Magic Eraser is crashing the Google Photos app.The new bug has cropped up following the latest update to the Photos app on the Google Pixel 6 series.Google has acknowledged the problem, but a fix doesn't appear to be in sight.Anyone who owns a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro may have encountered one of the numerous bugs that have emerged in the months since Google released its best Android phones last year. While some of them have already been fixed, such as the Microsoft Teams emergency calling bug, new ones keep cropping up every now and then.The latest bug to affect the Google Pixel 6 series was discovered after an update to the Google Photos app. As PhoneArena has spotted, attempting to use the Magic Eraser feature would cause the Photos app to crash.It is not clear what's causing the problem, but several use...

Android gamers have a whole new world open when playing video games on their mobile devices thanks to cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, formerly known as Project xCloud. However, if you look at the full list of every game you can play, you'll notice that you can choose from over 200, which might feel overwhelming.Luckily, we have your back, and we've picked some of the best ones of the bunch that we think you should check out first. This is by no means an exhaustive list — Microsoft has an impressive cloud gaming library full of excellent games.You'll see some games come and go; such is the nature of Game Pass. But we'll be sure to update this when we can so you always know which games to play on your phone.The gamesA Plague Tale: InnocenceCelesteDead CellsElder Scrolls V: SkyrimGears 5GroundedHalo: MCCHalo InfiniteHellblade: Senua's SacrificeHollow KnightMinecraft DungeonsNieR:AutomataOri and the Blind ForestOri and the Will of the WispsPsychonaut...

The world of Warcraft is heading to phones and tablets.What you need to knowBlizzard Entertainment is working on a Warcraft mobile game.The game is currently scheduled to launch sometime in 2022.Activision Blizzard is being acquired by Microsoft.Blizzard Entertainment is working on a Warcraft mobile game that's slated to be out in 2022. There's very little information available right now, so it's unclear what genre or form the title will take.The game was announced during Activision Blizzard's Q4 2021 financial results. Blizzard Entertainment isn't new to mobile games, with the upcoming Diablo Immortal transforming the iconic hack-and-slash RPG formula to a format that works with touch screens.It's possible that this Warcraft mobile game could be a strategy title, an action game, or something else entirely. It's unlikely to be a card game however, considering how Blizzard is already managing the ongoing Hearthstone.In addition to these two mobile games, Blizzard is co...

The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new flagship smartphone protected, but also keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or even something rugged, there's no scarcity of options with a smartphone as popular as the Galaxy 21. And the best part is that you don't even have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for a long time. Here are some of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases you can buy today.Colorful and well-texturedCaseology Nano PopStaff PickThe Galaxy S21 is the first Android smartphone to get Caseology's Nano Pop Series, and it's been 110% worth the wait. The texturing on this case makes it grippier than Caseology's longtime favorite Parallax, and the color combos here are bold, beautiful, and pop around the camera cutout of the S21.From $16 at AmazonSlim grip and gritRingke Onyx SeriesIf you want to add some grip to your slippery little Samsung...

Best Answer: NBC's Peacock streaming service offers a free tier that allows you to stream shows and movies on-demand at no cost. If you choose to sign up for a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus paid subscription, you can unlock even more content.Peacock offers one of the best values on the market right now. After all, how many streaming platforms do you know of which have a free streaming tier? Unlike Netflix, Disney+, and other popular services, you don't need to pay a cent to start streaming Peacock. The platform also offers Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers, which provide access to exclusive content for a small monthly fee. If you're wondering what the difference is between Peacock Free vs. paid, or how to sign up, we've got the scoop.PeacockStream it freeStarting for free at PeacockWatch new shows and movies for freePeacock's free tier gives you access to a collection of new and classic series, as well as a rotating lineup of films and live programming. You ...

Stylish and functional desk lamps that can do double duty and charge your phone are pretty common nowadays. As wireless charging is becoming all the rage, more devices and accessories are incorporating Qi charging. The EZVALO 4 in 1 Touch Lamp is the best wireless charging lamp that looks super cool and extremely functional. You can place a Qi-enabled mobile device atop the wireless charging lamp, use it as a portable Bluetooth speaker, and it also works as a phone holder.Best overall: EZVALO 4 in 1 Touch LampThis lamp isn't just a lamp that can also wirelessly charge a mobile device; it functions as a portable Bluetooth speaker for your auditory needs. The EZVALO 4 in 1 Touch Lamp includes a touch control LED lamp embedded into the device's handle and a Qi-enabled wireless charging pad into the base. You get three different brightness settings, going from 30% to 70% and up to 100% brightness.The handle that acts as the lamp itself also acts as a mount for your phone. Since y...

Are you surprised?What you need to knowWe asked our readers what their favorite music streaming service is.YouTube Music received 40% of the votes, with Spotify coming in second with 24% of the votes.Many commenters lamented the loss of Google Play Music which YouTube Music replaced.Following Spotify's recent controversy, we asked our readers which of the best music streaming services they preferred. Out of a staggering 8,300 votes, YouTube Music came out on top with 40% of the votes. That may be too surprising given that this is an Android site after all, but it also helps that the service is included with the YouTube Premium subscription, among other reasons to consider switching from Spotify.That said, Spotify is still a popular (and excellent) service that many people love. While it was ahead for some time in our poll, it ended up with just 24% of votes, which is still more than double that of the following service, Tidal. In fact, you can check out our Spotify vs. Ti...

Stadia consumers no longer the biggest priority.What you need to knowGoogle had been in talks with Peloton, Bungie, and Capcom to use Stadia technology outside of the Stadia gaming platform itself.The streaming game tech has been rebranded as "Google Stream" within the talks.Stadia priority has shifted to "proof-of-concept work for Google Stream and securing white-label deals."Google has rebranded its Stadia game streaming technology as "Google Stream," and had been in talks with Peloton and a few gaming studios to use the tech in white-label deals.Business Insider reports that the company had shifted its focus from negotiating third-party titles for the Stadia platform to securing white-label deals that use Stadia tech similar to the AT&T deal last October. Partners would be able to use Google's game streaming infrastructure, now known as Google Stream, to power its games without being part of the Stadia store and ecosystem.One of the developing deals included bein...

A good headset can transform your gaming experience, allowing you the sound quality you won't get from your TV's speakers while enabling you to communicate with other players easily. As a bonus, headsets keep your gaming sessions quiet if you're sharing a space, and they look pretty awesome. We've rounded up several choices depending on your priorities and budget. Now, if you're in the market for one of the best PS5 headsets, we've got you covered on that front too.Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7Let's be honest; gaming headsets tend to be gaudy. You've seen the unwieldy ones that light up in every color imaginable and look like sturdy bludgeoning weapons. That's not to say they aren't good headphones, but they certainly aren't the most stylish. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 benefits from its sleek design. You won't be embarrassed to wear this one no matter the occasion, and its style only scratches the surface of its desirable features.Headsets are more than just about looks, ...

They look similar but can have very different use cases. How you will use it determines which is best for you.So you've decided to buy a small single-board computer to use in your great idea. There are plenty to choose from, but the two most popular platforms are Raspberry Pi and Arduino. There are plenty of reasons why they are popular, but the two biggest are price and ease of use. Both are cheap and have a small learning curve, so you can spend time designing the rest of your project instead of learning how to use an SBC (single-board computer). Each has a huge community of helpful users if you get stuck, too.You might be thinking that the two are interchangeable and you can buy whichever you want from Amazon, but that's not the case at all. While you can do some of the same things with either board, they're unique and have plenty of differences. The one you need really depends on what you want to do with it.Raspberry Pi A tiny PCThe Raspberry Pi 400, one of the newest m...

The Find X5 Pro will apparently be offered in Ceramic White and Ceramic Black variants.What you need to knowMore renders of OPPO's Find X5 Pro have leaked online.The latest leak also reveals all the key specs of the upcoming flagship.It is rumored to be announced at MWC 2022. We recently got out first "real-world" look at OPPO's upcoming Find X5 Pro, which is rumored to debut in March to take the fight to the best Android phones on the market. More renders of the flagship phone have now leaked, along with pretty much all its key specs.As revealed by CAD-based renders shared by Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks) in December, the Find X5 Pro will have a unique camera bump housing three cameras. We can also see a curved display with a hole-punch cutout on the top-left corner. According to WinFuture, the OPPO Find X5 Pro will arrive with a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED screen featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Unsurprisingly, the phone will...

Cool added featuresAmazon Halo View$80 at AmazonProsDecent battery lifeYour data is kept safe and secureCool added features like recipesUnique Tone analysis featureConsRequires a subscription to access all featuresTwice as expensiveWith all the features you'd expect from a premium fitness tracker, the Amazon Halo View also adds some unique ones, like the ability to analyze the tone of your voice and access to recipes. But you need a subscription to access many of the features.Affordable premiumXiaomi Mi Band 6$50 at AmazonProsSuper affordableFeatures usually only found in premium models Amazing battery lifeConsInconsistent heart rate trackingWhen it comes to budget fitness trackers, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is worth considering, offering features you'd typically only find in premium wearables along with impressive battery life, and a customizable look.There's a lot of focus on the most premium smartwatches and fitness trackers t...

A Japanese studio shows its history on its sleeve.What kind of game is Ghostwire: Tokyo? The latest title from Tango Gameworks, the studio known for The Evil Within Games and founded by Shinji Mikami of Resident Evil fame, looks initially like a horror game, what with all of its disturbing, mythological creatures attacking you and moody atmosphere. You'd be forgiven if you thought this was a straight-up horror game.While horror is certainly a huge part of the game's DNA, it doesn't tell a full story. Ghostwire: Tokyo is also an action-adventure title with shades of an open world and immersive sim elements. It has a lot of moving parts, and with it getting delayed multiple times since it was announced in 2019, it's understandable we as players didn't get to see a lot of it until this week.Android Central was able to take part in a 30-minute hands-off gameplay demo of Ghostwire: Tokyo, where we were able to check out a beta build. Game Director Kenji Kimura said it's in the final...

When times get dark, we need bright light to see our way out — and the brightest LED smart bulbs make it that much better. A high-lumen (unit for measuring the quantity of light)smart bulb can do the trick in a small or large room. Adding in some smarts to that bulb gives it the flexibility to control from your favorite smart speaker or phone. So whether you want a standard A19 E26 bulb or the BR30 for recessed lighting, there's a bulb for you. The Feit Electric OM100 is our top pick for its incredibly high lumen rating and hubless smart controls, which means it only needs Wi-Fi and your phone to control.Best overall: Feit Electric OM100 - RGBWWhile Feit Electric may not be a well-known smart bulb, it's been innovating and creating high-quality lighting solutions since 1978 — and the OM100 RGBW bulb continues that trend. Since this bulb doesn't require extra hardware such as a hub, this Wi-Fi-enabled smart LED bulb is simple to set up. It has a peak output of 1,600 lumens, ...

A worthy upgradeGarmin fēnix 6$329 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSTwo-week battery life & battery saving modes10 ATM water resistanceNew PacePro feature, Pulse Ox sensorGarmin PayConsNone we could findIf you want to take your tracking up a notch, you'll love the Garmin fēnix 6. It's relatively similar to its predecessor with some notable improvements. You'll now have a Pulse Ox sensor for monitoring blood oxygen saturation, battery saving modes, and the new PacePro feature that helps you keep your pacing strategy right on track.Beloved classicGarmin fēnix 5$379 at AmazonProsOnboard GPS2-week battery life10 ATM water resistanceIn-depth activity trackingMultiple sport modesConsLacks Pulse Ox sensorNo battery saving modesMore expensiveIf you're not concerned about having the latest and greatest wearable, you might be content with the Garmin fēnix 5. It has the essentials, like onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, in-depth activit...

The Galaxy A53 5G may not be a massive step-up from its predecessor.What you need to knowAlleged official images of Samsung's Galaxy A53 have leaked.The phone is tipped to come with an Exynos 1200 chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 5,000mAh battery. Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is expected to be announced soon, alongside a few other 2022 A-series devices. Last month, a major leak revealed nearly all the key specs of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy A53 5G. The first official renders of the mid-ranger have now surfaced, courtesy of German tech publication WinFuture.de.As suggested by previously leaked renders of the Galaxy A53, the phone will not bring any radical changes in the design department. It will have a similar centered hole-punch cutout on the front and a rectangular camera bump on the back. The WinFuture report also confirms that the upcoming mid-ranger will be powered by an all-new octa-core Exynos chipset, which is likely to be called the Exynos 1200. The chip...

One of the expectations when buying the best smart speakers is that they can recognize your voice when asking them questions so they give personalized results. Amazon added a new feature to some of its Echo Show devices called Visual ID to expand ways for those smart displays to show you information specific to you. By recognizing your face, these devices can display reminders, notes, calendar events, and more without you even having to ask for them. But if you decide you no longer want to use this feature, you'll want to know how to delete Amazon Alexa Visual ID history from your devices — and we've got you covered.How to delete your Amazon Alexa Visual ID history using your phone.When Amazon announced the Visual ID feature in fall 2021, it was initially only available on the Echo Show 15, but it has since arrived on the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) and the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen). If you want to use Visual ID, it must be enabled on each speaker because your facial recognition informa...

OnePlus hasn't revealed a specific launch date yet.What you need to knowOnePlus is expanding its smart TV portfolio with two new models.The upcoming OnePlus TV Y1S and Y1S Edge models will bring a "more accessible connected ecosystem experience" to customers at affordable prices.While the OnePlus TV Y1S Edge will be sold across the offline segment, the OnePlus TV Y1S will be exclusively available online. OnePlus on February 4 teased the launch of two new Y series smart TVs for the Indian market. The new OnePlus TV Y1S and OnePlus TV Y1S Edge will debut at an online launch event "soon."Navnit Nakra, OnePlus India CEO, said in a statement: We are excited to bring in the new OnePlus TVs as part of our OnePlus TV Y Series portfolio, that embody our burdenless technology experience, and provide truly seamless smarter TV experience for our wider community at a highly accessible price range.OnePlus says the new models will serve as an extension of its Y series portfolio a...

The best shows are streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxPopular on HBO MaxDrama on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxReality series on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsPopular on HBO MaxWhen it comes to new and popular series, HBO Max is one of the ...

YouTube on Android had a similar button in the past, but it quietly disappeared.What you need to knowYouTube appears to be working on a dedicated button to play songs directly in YouTube Music.This capability is currently tucked away under the video sharing platform's settings menu.When tapped, the dedicated button will presumably open the soundtrack in question in YouTube Music.YouTube used to have an option that allowed users to play a song directly in YouTube Music, making it easier to switch between these apps. However, it was removed at some point in the past, but now the video sharing platform appears to be bringing back that old feature.According to a teardown performed by XDA Developers, the latest version of YouTube for Android contains string of code that indicates a dedicated button for launching songs in YouTube Music is in the works. When tapped, the button will open the same soundtrack in one of the best music streaming services.If this feature sounds fa...

Shining new light on things lurking in the dark.What you need to knowGhostwire: Tokyo is an upcoming timed PS5 console exclusive developed by Tango Gameworks.A new gameplay overview video dives into how players will fight dark spirits in a faithful recreation of Tokyo.Ghostwire: Tokyo is slated to launch on March 25, 2022, with three-day early access for anyone that preorders the Digital Deluxe edition.PlayStation and Bethesda Softworks shared more details on Ghostwire: Tokyo in a new gameplay overview. Developed by Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo tasks players with purging evil spirits in Tokyo. Using Ethereal Weaving, players fight these spirits using fire, water, air, and other ghostly abilities.You can take a look at the new overview for Ghostwire: Tokyo below.When asked to describe what Ghostwire: Tokyo is by Tango Gameworks founder Shinji Mikami, members of the development team described it as "paranormal" and "strawberry shortcake."The game takes advantag...

Whether schools need help choosing or repairing Chromebooks, Google wants to keep it simple.What you need to knowGoogle for Education is launching a Chromebook repair program to simplify the buying and repair of Chrome devices for schools.The announcement comes as Google also announced Chromebooks in schools have passed the 50 million mark, a year after reporting 40 million at its 10-year birthday.Google also took time to highlight its Chromebook discovery tool for helping educators pick which Chromebooks to buy and the ecological footprint of Chromebooks compared to other machines.While Chromebook sales are coming back down to normal after the COVID Chromebook rush of 2020, school districts are still buying them up by the millions as more and more schools shift to Google Workspaces and Chrome for Education. Google announced today alongside new buying and repair tools that there are now over 50 million Chromebooks in schools today being used by students and educators. Googl...

The PlayStation VR (PSVR) is a phenomenal headset. Still, there are always more of the best PS4 accessories and other items you can use to enhance your experience, especially since PS VR2 isn't released for some time yet. That next headset will pack numerous improvements, including controllers utilizing the DualSense haptic feedback. For now, though, if you're looking for the best travel and display cases, we can show you our favorites. Do you want better sound quality or controller options? We know the best options for those, too. We've got your back all the way down to keeping your PSVR safe, clean, and at its peak performance. Here's everything you need to live like a king in virtual reality.On-the-goUSA Gear PSVR and console travel caseStaff PickOne of the best parts of virtual reality is sharing it with your loved ones. Make traveling easy with this USA Gear travel case. It has enough room to fit your PSVR headset, PSVR processor, PlayStation 4 console (Original, Slim,...

Amazon had a good quarter, but costs are rising, so it's raising prices too.What you need to knowAmazon released its Q4 2021 financial earnings with a 9% year-over-year increase in revenue.Amazon announced that it is raising its yearly prime subscription by $20 to offset growing costs.Amazon Web Services (AWS) revenue rose 40% despite recent outages.Amazon's Q4 2021 financial earnings were released on Thursday, reporting $137 billion in revenue — a 9% increase year-over-year. It is also a notable increase over the previous quarter's $110 billion, likely due to holiday shopping, particularly over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. That said, Amazon CEO Andy Jazzy highlights ongoing difficulties due to the pandemic."As expected over the holidays, we saw higher costs driven by labor supply shortages and inflationary pressures, and these issues persisted into the first quarter due to Omicron," Jassy says in a statement. "Despite these short-term challenges, we conti...

If you're in the market for a new Wi-Fi 6 router, the best deliver reliable coverage to all corners of your home at little cost to get started. If you need extensibility, mesh routers allow you to add additional nodes. But if you want extensive configuration options and an all-in-one solution to cover routing, switching, and home security, consider Ubiquiti's portfolio. Its UniFi brand covers switches and routers aimed at small businesses, but it turned its attention to the consumer category over the last two years with a decent selection of products. Ubiquiti offers a range of security cameras and video doorbells under UniFi Protect, can easily integrate into an UniFi network. The best part about Ubiquiti's home security products is they record footage locally and don't send data to a cloud service, providing better privacy without paying a monthly license to access all the security camera and video doorbell features. So if you're looking to overhaul your home network, here's what U...

A look at what could've been on your Pixel smartphone.What you need to knowGoogle reportedly wanted a fullscreen At a Glance experience for the Android 11 lock screen.It would have included many features available or coming to At a Glance on the Pixel.Bits of the concept may have been moved to other products, such as the Pixel Stand interface.Google was reportedly working on a more intelligent lock screen experience for its Pixel phones, and we may have just gotten our first look at what the experience would've been.Sources provided Android Authority with mockups of Google's alleged intelligent lock screen, which would have resembled a fullscreen version of the At a Glance widget available on Google's phones like the Pixel 6.From the mockups, you can see a "Good night" pill, which would presumably open up a menu for smart home controls, setting a bedtime alarm, sleep sounds, and more. This would likely be contextual and based on your set sleep schedule, and a Google Ass...

If you're in the market for an ultra-affordable Android smartphone, consider Motorola's new Moto G Power (2022), which offers everything from a 6.5-inch display to a battery that lasts up three days on a single charge. We also suggest getting one of the best Moto G Power (2022) screen protectors for your phone, as they'll go a long way in guarding its big display against smudges, scratches, and fingerprints.Tough and reliableBeukei Tempered Glass screen protector (3 pack)Staff PickSpecially designed for the Moto G Power (2022), Beukei's tempered glass screen protector comes with hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings that help in minimizing the effects of sweat and fingerprints. It also provides solid protection against scratches and other forms of impact, thanks to a hardness rating of 9H.$8 at AmazonProtects more than just the screenJeywiry Tempered Glass screen and camera lens protector (3+3 pack)Jeywiry's case-friendly tempered glass screen protector featur...

Aggressive pricing and a strong 5G portfolio led to a record-breaking quarter for Apple in Q4 2021.Apple rounded off a resurgent 2021 by becoming the number one handset manufacturer globally in Q4 2021. Although the overall market witnessed a marginal decline of 3.2% from 2020 — accounting for 362.4 million shipments in total, according to IDC — Apple led the way with 84.9 million shipments.While those figures are less than the 87.5 million units it managed during the same period in 2020, there are a lot of positives. For one thing, a bulk of Apple's sales in this segment were in the iPhone 13 series, with IDC noting a corresponding increase in the average selling price of iPhones. The numbers bear that out: Apple just posted an all-time quarterly revenue record of $123.9 billion, an 11% year-on-year increase.There are a lot of factors for this surge in growth. Apple usually tends to do well in the holiday season because its latest phones are introduced in the fall and go o...

Verizon is done offering 24 and 30-month plans in favor of a longer 36-month optionWhat you need to knowVerizon has removed the option for 24 and 30-month payments in favor of a 36-month option.AT&T also only offers 36-month payment plans on phones sold through its site.Customers can still pay full price for phones or buy them from the manufacturer for more payment options.If you've ever gone into a carrier store to buy a new phone, you know the deal. The sales staff works out a new monthly rate for you, confirms it with the sales manager, then tells you about all the wonderful new accessories you're getting in your bundle. One way the month-to-month prices have continued to tumble isn't by offering you a better value in a competitive market; it's about locking you in for longer.As discovered by Droid Life Verizon is no longer offering 24 and 30-month payment plans on new devices sold by the carrier. Formerly, customers at checkout could choose between paying for a ph...

Finding the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protector for your device is easy when you know what to look for. First, you want to find a product that is specifically designed for your model's case size (40mm or 44mm). Next, you'll need to determine what type of screen protector offers the best protection. Some popular choices include tempered glass for the display as well as protective cases for all-around coverage. We've put together a few of our favorites to help you choose.The best protectionSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-Pack)Staff PickWhen you're looking for all-around protection, you'll want to consider this three-pack from Supershieldz. All the features you seek in a screen protector are present. You'll enjoy high-quality tempered glass for maximum scratch protection, high-definition clarity, and hydrophobic, as well as an oleophobic coating, to reduce sweat and fingerprints.$8 at Amazon (44mm) $8 at Amazon (40mm) $8 at Walmart (44mm)Amaz...

Finding the best cheap headphones is already a challenging task with all the options available. It gets even more complicated when finding the best ones at an affordable price point. Remember that a headset (earphones or earbuds with a microphone and controls) is different from a set of earbuds or headphones without a mic. But no matter your preference, not every pair will work with Android when answering calls and adjusting the volume. With thousands of products to wade through, we chose the best earbuds under 20 bucks, so you can find the right fit for your lifestyle.Foam fitKLIM Fusion EarbudsStaff PickThey handle calls just fine, fit better than average, and aren't terrible to wear. Best of all, they sound awesome. The Fusion Earbuds also include memory foam ear-tips to get the best fit possible without worrying about ear fatigue. KLIM offers a five-year warranty if anything goes awry with your amazing earbuds.$20 at AmazonFor the gymJLab Metal Bluetooth Earbuds...

Master your inbox with these Gmail tips and tricks.We covered the basics of Gmail for Android in our beginner's guide, and now it's time to take a look at features that extend the functionality of the email client. Gmail offers a variety of tools aimed at managing your inbox clutter.If you haven't already, you should enable two-factor authentication on your Gmail account. Two-factor authentication works by combining something you know (a password) with something you have (your phone), effectively doubling your account's security.Jump to:How to change sync settings in GmailHow to use Action Confirmations in GmailHow to use Auto-advance in GmailHow to use the vacation responder in GmailHow to search in GmailHow to start or join a Google Meet call directly from GmailHow to add an alias in GmailOther mentionsHow to change sync settings in GmailGmail automatically syncs emails for up to 30 days on your phone, but if that isn't sufficient, you can manually increase...

As much as we love Android smartwatches' functionality, there's no denying that traditional timepieces tend to look better on the wrist, so why not consider a hybrid smartwatch? Thanks to the highly competitive market for these wearables, it's easy to find something that looks like a regular watch but still offers some of the best features of an Android smartwatch. If you think this might be just what you're looking for, check out some of the best hybrid smartwatches below!A little bit of everythingGarmin Vivomove Sport Hybrid SmartwatchStaff PickGarmin is known for its lineup of fitness wearables, but don't forget about its stylish hybrid smartwatches like the Garmin Vivomove Sport. You get a well-rounded experience that perfectly balances fashion and fitness. You'll have connected GPS, heart-rate tracking, sleep monitoring, music controls, smartphone notifications, and more.$180 at Amazon$180 at WalmartA hybrid done rightFossil Men's Collider Hybrid HRFos...

The streaming standardSpotifyFrom free at SpotifyProsIntuitive UIHuge podcast library More social experienceCompatible with various devicesConsLesser audio qualityLimited functions on free accountSpotify has established itself as the music streaming service to beat thanks to its ad-supported free tier and various Premium plans. While Spotify has yet to launch its HiFi tier, its massive media library boasts more than 70 million songs, thousands of playlists, and more than two million podcast titles.High-quality soundTidalFrom free at TidalProsHigher quality audioPays artists betterBuilt-in audio searchConsSmaller podcast library Songs take longer to loadNot all songs are available in HiFi/MQATidal sets itself apart from other streaming services by providing the highest-quality audio and lossless sound and a wide variety of subscription tiers. Tidal also boasts a selection of curated podcasts and exclusive music videos and promise...

There's no denying the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is one of the best foldable phones available right now. The futuristic clamshell packs a lot of improvements over its predecessor from 2020. These include a more prominent external display, water resistance, and, more importantly, a gorgeous foldable OLED panel that comes pre-installed with a harder screen protector. You can never be too careful with a device this fragile (and expensive), so here are some of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 screen protectors you can get for your swanky new foldable.Fully coveredOrzero Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 screen protector - 3 packStaff PickOrzero's soft TPU screen protectors guard the inside, outside, and even the hinge of your Galaxy Z Flip 3 from damage. These are made with an ultra-thin material for that barely-there feel and also have hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings that reduce smudges and fingerprints.$16 at Amazon $16 at WalmartCase-friendly protectionLK Samsung Galaxy ...

When they're youngAmazon Fire HD 10 Kids$200 at Amazon$200 at Best BuyProsLighter and thinner than the previous generation2-year worry-free warrantyEnhanced parental controls3GB RAMConsContent restrictions may be too much for older kidsOlder kids may not like the case styleAmazon has improved its already impressive previous versions of the Fire HD 10 Kids tablet by shrinking its footprint and speeding it up by increasing the RAM. If content consumption is the primary use for a younger child, this is a great choice.Ready for moreAmazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro$200 at Amazon$200 at Best BuyProsKids can access more apps with parent approvalA filtered web browser is accessibleComes with a more mature but still fun caseStill has parental controls availableConsContent may not be appropriate for younger kidsParents may want a more protective case for smaller childrenThe Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro model is the same excellent hardware as th...

If you're a Google Workspace user, you're probably familiar with the visual features added to Gmail in October 2021. Gmail desktop users can now customize their contact details such as full names right from the "To", "Cc", and "Bcc" fields. A helpful little information card pops up, allowing you to see and change the contact's details. Here's how you can edit email recipient names and information in Gmail, whether you're using one of the best Chromebooks or another computer!How to edit email recipient names and information in GmailRegular Google account holders are out of luck when it comes to this feature. Only Google Workspace account holders can access information cards in Gmail. To top it off, Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, and the Teaching and Learning Upgrade customers are excluded from this update too.Go to mail.google.com to open your Google Workspace Gmail account on your desktop.Click Compose to start a new draft....

You probably already use Amazon Alexa for reminders, notifications, and timers to help you stay organized, but did you know that you can sync your calendars with Alexa too? Just ask Alexa how your day's shaping up, find out what appointments you have left before you can escape work for the afternoon, or get an overview of the week's schedule. With Alexa managing your calendars, you'll never miss another appointment again. Here's how to sync your calendar with Amazon Alexa.How to sync your calendar with AlexaYou can sync Google, Apple, or Microsoft calendars with Amazon Alexa, and the setup process is pretty similar for all three. Here's how to sync your calendar to get the lowdown on your day from your Echo Dot, Echo Show 10, or any other Alexa speaker. Bear in mind that you'll need to know your login details for the calendar account you want to use before getting started.Open the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on More in the lower right of the screen.Select Settings.Choose Ca...

When is Motorola going to start making sense?What you need to knowMotorola announces its latest Moto G Stylus for 2022.The new phone features upgrades over the 2021 model like a 90Hz display, 6GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery.Unlike the Moto G Stylus 5G, there's no 5G connectivity. There's also no NFC.Motorola is back with its latest stylus-toting smartphone, bringing an updated design along with it and some small but notable upgrades. However, the new Moto G Stylus (2022) is also a confusing launch for Motorola after the company introduced two separate models in 2021. We'll explain.When compared to the Moto G Stylus (2021), which was launched early last year, the 2022 model manages to step things up a bit. It sports a 6.8-inch FHD+ display that now comes with a 90Hz refresh rate for slightly smoother animations. It also has a larger 5,000mAh battery which Motorola claims can last up to two days, and at least in North America, the phone comes with 6GB of RAM.However,...

The Fossil Gen 6 gets a Scandinavian makeover.When Fossil Group launched the Fossil Gen 6 late last year, we knew it was only a matter of time before Skagen got into the game with a new model of its own. The Skagen Falster Gen 6 was announced in January with the latest chipset from Qualcomm, and while it might sport a very familiar design, we're definitely not complaining.One of the interesting things about Fossil Group is how its brands, including Skagen and Michael Kors, seem to cater to different audiences, with Skagen somewhere in the middle of Fossil's more traditional watch design and Michael Kors' flashy, fashionable smartwatches. And along with the rest of them, the Skagen Falster Gen 6 is also in the middle of an awkward phase where it's still not on the latest Wear OS 3, but it's trying to make the best out of Wear OS 2.3.It features all the hardware upgrades you'll find in the Fossil Gen 6, so there's quite a bit to work with. That said, coming from using the Fossil ...

The best Qi wireless charging battery allows you to charge whenever, wherever, and however you want. Did you leave your cable at home? Charge wirelessly! Do you need a quicker burst of power for an almost dead phone? Plug in for a faster charge. While Qi wireless charging batter packs aren't quite as popular as traditional power banks, the best wireless charging portable chargers will keep you topped off and ready to roll no matter where you've camped out during your daily errands.Wide compatibilityAnker PowerCore III 10K Wireless Portable ChargerStaff PickThe new PowerCore III has USB-C input and output, fixing the flaw of its last model. The Qi wireless charging coil supports Samsung's 10W profile, Apple's 7.5W, standard 5W, and can even charge small devices like wireless earbud cases.$50 at Amazon $50 at WalmartKeep watchingAUKEY Basix Pro Wireless Charging Power BankMost wireless chargers force you to crane over your phone flat on the desk while they charge, b...

Domestic violence is believed to affect over 12 million people in the U.S. each year.What you need to knowGoogle is joining hands with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to offer quicker access to domestic violence information in Search.People searching for information on domestic violence will now see a box at the top of the search results with direct access to The Hotline's phone and chat services. The Hotline provides 24-hour domestic violence support via phone, online chat, and text. Google and The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) have come together to make it easier for domestic violence survivors to access helpful information and 24/7 support. Google is hoping that this partnership will enable people in need to get support as quickly as possible when searching for domestic violence.People in the U.S. will now see a box at the top of the search results when they search Google for information related to domestic violence on Android phones. The bo...

Best answer: Each Eero Pro 6 node covers up to 2,000 square feet and keeps speeds high even with a weaker connection, thanks to a tri-band connection. Homes with a lot of interference will need more nodes to keep coverage strong.Gigabit-speed mesh on the Eero Pro 6A single Eero Pro 6 can cover up to 2,000 square feet. A three-pack will cover up to 6,000 square feet, though you'll probably have some overlap, which will take that top number down a bit. If you don't need much more than a single Eero can provide, you should make sure you need a mesh system.Eero Pro 6 routers can be purchased individually and added to your mesh if you don't get enough coverage right off the bat. It may be tempting to add an Eero 6 Extender immediately, and while it will work, you'll only get around 500Mbps while connected to it. If you want to make the most of a gigabit connection, you must stick with the Pro models.Don't forget that all Eeros will work together. If you have an existing Eero syste...

New classes, new skills, player housing, and lots more to come.What you need to knowThe new Cyber Ninja class coming soon to Zenith: The Last City will give players the ability to blend melee and ranged attacks with a new stealth element.The Cyber Ninja class will debut sometime in 2022 along with player housing, new life and crafting skills, and several end game additions.A big February update will include a new armor tier, reworked main quests for starting players, and several other community-requested improvements.RamenVR took the mystery out of the third class in Zenith: The Last City as it unveiled the Cyber Ninja alongside its 2022 roadmap. The Cyber Ninja class, which you'll find a sketch of above, is precisely what you might imagine when you hear it; a master of stealth, precision, and agility with a little bit of magic thrown in for good measure. Currently, players can choose between the melee-focused Blademaster class or the ranged Essence MageCyber Ninja player...

Earbuds you can work out in and still have a fatter pocket.If you're keeping track, Jabra's number conventions tend to work backwards in that it releases more affordable options after its high-end choices hit the market first. Other times, they're sandwiched between the affordable pairs, such being the case with the Elite 3 coming on the eve of the Elite 7 Pro and Elite 7 Active.Now, come the Elite 4 Active, a more budget-conscious take on Jabra's previous buds built for the active crowd. These are the kind of earbuds that set a tone, not just because of the price, but also what you get for money you put down. If these look right on the price tag, they may also be in your wheelhouse with everything else.Jabra Elite 4 Active review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceJabra Elite 4 Active ...

Apple is still way behind Samsung and Xiaomi when it comes to market share.What you need to knowThe latest numbers from Counterpoint Research suggest Apple had the highest revenue among all major smartphone brands in India in Q4 2021.Apple is estimated to have shipped 2.3 million iPhones in the fourth quarter, up 34% from a year earlier. Xiaomi shipped 9.3 million phones during the same period, while Samsung shipped 7.2 million Galaxy devices. In what comes as bad news for Xiaomi and Samsung, Apple has finally started making headway in the Indian smartphone market.As per data from market research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple's iPhone sales in India jumped 34% in the fourth quarter of 2021 to reach 2.3 million units (via Bloomberg). While Samsung sold 7.2 million phones during the same period, Xiaomi remained in the lead with total shipments of 9.3 million units. Apple's market share in the country, however, still remained unimpressive at a little over 5%.Despite be...