Latest from Android Central

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

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

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

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

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

All the best movies streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all of HBO's exclusive content. It features a rotating lineup of hundreds of television series and movies from Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and more. HBO Max will also launch brand new films from WarnerMedia in 2021 without waiting for them to play in theaters first. Here are the best movies on HBO Max right now, from new drama and comedy films to the best in action franchises and documentary films.The best movies on HBO MaxJust added on HBO MaxBest action filmsBest comedy filmsKids & family filmsBest documentary filmsMovies and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind new releases and old favorites on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC, among other studios. Subscribe now to check out new blockbusters or your longtime faves.Just Added on HBO MaxWarnerMedia announced at the end of 20...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When it first launched in May 2018, Visible made a significant mark on the carrier space since $40 a month for unlimited everything on Verizon sounds too good to be true. One of the few drawbacks to the service is that Visible only works with a small selection of Android phones, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to be an Android user and get the most out of what the carrier has to offer. The Google Pixel 6 is one of the best Visible phones, thanks to great hardware with 5G and a pure Android experience with plenty of updates on the way.Best overall Visible phone: Google Pixel 6The Pixel 6 from Google is one of the best Android phones you can get on any carrier, and Visible is ready for it right off the bat. The Pixel 6 is the first Pixel to use Google's custom Tensor chipset. This hardware upgrade helps the Pixel 6 deliver silky-smooth performance on Android 12 with Material You design. Material You aims to make Android more cohesive while retaining the customization featur...

The Pixel Fold might pay homage to the past in the worst way.What you need to knowThe Pixel Fold is rumored to feature downgraded cameras compared to the Pixel 6.The device may feature the same primary camera sensor from past Pixel smartphones.The foldable is also tipped to arrive in 2022.New insights into the rumored Google Pixel Fold may give us an idea of what to expect from the device's cameras, suggesting that at least the primary sensor may be a step down from the latest Pixel 6 series smartphones.9to5Google did some digging into the Google Camera APK and discovered references to a device codenamed "Pipit," which they expect is the new designate for Google's upcoming foldable, moving away from the previous codename "Passport."From the code, they found that the Pixel Fold may not use the latest and greatest sensors found in Google's new flagship devices, instead recycling the same 12.2MP sensor used since the Pixel 3.While the cameras haven't necessarily been bad...

Adding citations to your lengthy school research will be a piece of cake.What you need to knowGoogle Docs has added a new feature that makes inserting citations more efficient.The new search and automated entry function speeds up the process of populating attributes for your sources.Automated citations also help you follow the correct formatting standards.Last year, Google Docs picked up a citations tool designed to help bring you up to speed on citing source materials for your essay or research paper. However, you have to do it manually with this method, which can still take some time as anyone familiar with writing citations would know.Now, Google Docs has a new option to automate the citation process. The service's new search and automated entry function helps you cite sources more efficiently and ensures correct formatting for your citation. As usual, you can add a bibliography to your document in the MLA, APA, or Chicago (author-date) styles.For students and rese...

The holiday season is on the horizon, and that means we're starting to see some great Black Friday deals on all kinds of cool tech gear, from the best Android phones to the best headphones and wireless earbuds to pair with them.We'll be regularly updating this list collection through the Black Friday weekend, so be sure to check back frequently if you don't see the phone deals that you're looking for. There are pretty stellar Black Friday headphone sales every year, but there can be a lot to sort through to find the best deals.Whether you're looking for something to keep you entertained on a walk or jog, noise-canceling headphones to let you concentrate while at work, or something that just sounds amazing for your epic video game battles, we've got you covered. If you're looking for more ways to save during this holiday season, be sure to take a look at our Black Friday 2021 hub for all the latest deals.Black Friday headphone deals:Best headphone dealsWireless headphones...

Your Fire TV stick should last as long as your TV does.What you need to knowAmazon Fire TV devices are guaranteed to receive four years of security updates or more.Amazon lists devices that will receive support through 2025 or beyond.The update policy mirrors that of some Android OEMs which are extending support for their smartphones.According to Amazon's update policy on its streaming devices, Fire TV owners won't have to worry about support ending for their devices any time soon.SlashGear spotted the policy which states that Fire TV devices "receive guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase."That means some of the best Amazon Fire TV sticks and other products will remain secure for quite some time.In Amazon's exhaustive list, the company names its streaming sticks, Recast devices, TV sets, and soundbars that will be supported "through 2025," including the Fire TV Stick Basic Edition from 2016.Ama...

Fitness trackers are some of the best gifts to pick on Black Friday for anyone working towards a healthier lifestyle. Because not only will you be helping someone achieve their wellness goals, but you get to save some cash! There are a lot of excellent fitness trackers, and there are sure to be plenty of deals to go around this year. Don't worry; we're going to make sure you get the best Black Friday fitness tracker deals all season long.Even though there are some pretty great Android smartwatches out there, with their own Black Friday deals, fitness trackers have earned their place on many wrists over the years. From longer battery life to their lightweight design, there are plenty of reasons to pick up a fitness tracker over a smartwatch in 2021.One of the most popular brands in the fitness tracker space is Fitbit, and it has dropped two new products in 2021 — the nearly a smartwatch Charge 5 and the fashion-forward Luxe. While these two devices are the newest options from Fi...

If you're looking to get into smartwatches this year — or just want to upgrade the aging one you've been using for a while — Black Friday is the best time to do it. While you could get a smartwatch the moment it's released, waiting until Black Friday ensures you're getting the best smartwatch at the best price possible. It's that fabled moment when you don't have to compromise to stay in line with your budget. These are the best Black Friday smartwatch deals you'll find anywhere!Jump to Black Friday Android smartwatch dealsSamsungFitbitFossilMobvoiAppleFitness trackersThis year has brought plenty of excellent products to choose from. Whether it's the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the Fossil Gen 6, or the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS, there's a brand new smartwatch that's sure to be on sale for Black Friday. Fans of fitness trackers will find a refreshed series of wearables from brands like Fitbit and Garmin, as well as snazzy offerings from Amazfit.Those willing to pick ...

As we enter the second year of the Oculus Quest 2's life, we're expecting some seriously great deals for the hardware and accompanying accessories for Black Friday. Many companies have already begun to offer sales and discounts on their accessories, and newly refined designs ensure that the accessories you buy today will be a better experience than the ones you purchased this time last year. Here are the best Black Friday Oculus Quest deals to enhance your gaming experience.Jump to Black Friday Oculus Quest 2 dealsSee Oculus Quest 2 stockCasesController gripsFacial interface replacementsHead strapsCables, batteries, and docksHeadphonesUnlike some other consoles, Meta has been able to keep the Oculus Quest 2 in stock at most retailers without issue over the past year — even despite record-breaking sales for the headset. The new Quest 2 128GB SKU is the best value you'll find, as it's the same price as last year's 64GB SKU but with double the storage. Couple that wi...

You probably know the exquisite pain that is holding for a customer service representative. The music plays over and over. Sometimes there's a recording saying, "your call is very important to us." Fortunately, if you have a Pixel phone, like the Pixel 6, that's no longer an issue. Google rolled out Hold for Me, a clever feature that will wait on hold for you and alert you when a representative answers on the other end. It's neat, and we'll show you how to use it!How to enable Hold for MeTo use the feature, you have to make sure it's ready to go for you.Open the Google Phone app.Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.Tap Settings.Tap Hold for Me.Tap the Hold for Me toggle if it's not already on.Note: If you don't see Hold for Me in Settings, try updating the Google Phone app and/or restarting the phone, especially if you only recently upgraded to Android 12.How to use Hold for MeWhen you dial the number, you'll see the option to Hold for me.Tap Hold for M...

Web-slinging in long after the initial announcement.What you need to knowSpider-Man was first announced for the PlayStation versions of Marvel's Avengers back before the game launched.Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix confirmed that Spider-Man is coming to Marvel's Avengers on Nov. 30, 2021.This update will also bring There's a whole host of new improvements and events coming to Marvel's Avengers later in November and chief among them is the prime arachnid-themed superhero himself. Though there's still no photos of what he looks like in game (Peter Parker is slacking on his job) Crystal Dynamics confirmed that Spider-Man is coming to Marvel's Avengers on Nov. 30, 2021 as part of a larger update.As previously announced, Spider-Man is only available on the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game, unlike the other heroes that have been added over time like Black Panther. As part of the story, Spider-Man discovers a new threat from AIM's army and teams up with the Avengers to prevent...

Erase crowds, specks on your lens, and anything else you can think of.Google Tensor's machine-learning moxie inside the Google Pixel 6 brings ridiculously fast voice typing, instant translations, and mind-blowing photo-processing, but one of the best features it enables isn't in the camera at all. It's called Magic Eraser, and it's currently a Pixel 6-exclusive feature in Google Photos.This type of item removal feature was previously reserved for Photoshop and other desktop photo-editing suites, but more basic versions have appeared on smartphones by Samsung and Apple in recent years. However, the feature is much faster and far more accurate at detecting people to remove, and it can be used on every photo you take or download on your Pixel 6, helping make it one of the best Android phones you can buy today.Here's how to find and use it on the Pixel 6.How to use the Magic Eraser mode on the Google Pixel 6Open Google Photos.Select the photo you'd like to edit. (If your phot...

It packs a lot of major upgrades over its predecessor at a lower price.What you need to knowArlo has introduced the Arlo Go 2 with support for Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity.The wireless security camera features two-way audio, built-in spotlight, GPS, 1080p video recording, and more.It is available for $250 from Verizon, with additional carriers to follow in 2022.Arlo today announced a follow-up to its 2017 Arlo Go security camera, which was designed to monitor areas where Wi-Fi can be spotty or is simply unavailable. However, unlike its predecessor, the new Arlo Go 2 is a bit cheaper at $250 and comes with a slew of significant upgrades.The new security camera is designed for use in remote locations such as your vacation home, cabin, RV slips, or even a campsite where there is no reliable Wi-Fi connection. With Wi-Fi and LTE support, you can be sure that the Go 2 will always be connected to the internet, even if your primary connection goes down.Arlo's new security syste...

Facebook Groups are getting the boost they need.What you need to knowFacebook is getting several new features focused on building communities in groups.Group admins will not be able to add various customizations to personalize the community experience.Facebook is also working on implementing subgroups for more specific communities.Admins will also have access to new monetization options for groups and subgroups.Facebook is introducing a bevy of new features to enhance the community experience on groups and pages. The latest updates bring added customization features and ways for admins to monetize groups with fundraisers and paid access.Facebook is giving admins the ability to dress up groups with colors, backgrounds, fonts, and emojis to make the group more unique to their interests. This includes a new intro page that admins can implement to welcome new members to the group.Groups are also getting new and easier ways to engage thanks to a floating "posting button" ...