Latest from Android Central

Your phone is about to become more colorful.What you need to knowGoogle is expanding its Material You dynamic color to more Android phones.This will allow the dynamic color to work across different Android devices, making it easier for developers to target one API.OEMs receiving Material You dynamic color include Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, and more.One of the highlight features of Android 12 has been its dynamic color system, which allows a phone to extract color from any wallpaper and apply it across the system. While this was primarily available on Pixel smartphones, Google is making it available on more Android devices soon.By expanding Material You's dynamic color system to best Android phones, Google is ensuring a consistent experience across the platform and various devices. Not only will this be a benefit to consumers, but Google highlights how it will help developers as they prepare to bring Material You design to their apps.The writing has been on the wall...

Both the Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 Ultra achieved 45W charging this year, and whether you're grabbing one of those or the 25W-charging Samsung Galaxy S22, you need a better cable to reach those top speeds. Samsung's default USB-C cable is designed for its 25W chargers, but for 45W, we need an e-marked cable. These are the best e-marked cables for whichever size Galaxy S22 you're packing.Colorful and powerfulAnker 643 USB-C to USB-C CableFrom your Macbook to your Galaxy S22 and everything in between, the 100W-capable Anker 643 Cable is your one cable to rule them all! The color choices range from neon yellow to a soft minty green and everything in between, so go bold with either 3-foot or 6-foot lengths.$23 at AmazonFast data and chargingRampow USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C CableMost e-marked charging cables are still USB 2.0, but this USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Rampow cable boasts 20Gbps — that's 20GB per second — transfer speeds in addition to 100W Power Delivery charging. Its 1...

How many people want to spend hours wearing a Quest for something besides Beat Saber or streaming movies?Despite selling upwards of 10 million Quest 2 units, generating $1 billion in Quest Store sales, and dominating the Steam survey for PC VR users, Meta lost $10 billion on its VR business in 2021. Evidently, the company needs new VR/AR revenue sources to justify high R&D, hiring, and advertising costs.One hypothetical VR cash cow is "Quest for Business," Meta's enterprise VR initiative. The company used to sell actual enterprise-edition headsets but now plans to let people have work accounts on its consumer headsets. Imagine filling the virtual space around your computer chair with massive floating displays, unrestricted by desk space and budget. By 2023, it plans to sell headsets to businesses with MDMs like Microsoft Intune and VMware installed for remote IT installation and accessing restricted files in VR.As intriguing as that sounds, though, I'm not sure Meta can pul...

There are a lot of cheap tablets out there, but only a few are worthy of being called the best cheap Android tablets. The Android tablet market, on the whole, is a bit of a mess once you look outside of Amazon or Samsung, but there are some solid and viable options if you want to spend less than $300. We've rounded up some of our favorites, and while they vary in features and uses, all of the best cheap Android tablets are worthy of claiming the title of being your next couch tablet.Best cheap Android tablet overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7It's no surprise that Samsung offers the best cheap Android tablet, as the company provides options for every corner of the Android market. Even with newer tablets like the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, the Galaxy Tab A7 is no slouch and includes many features you will want.Starting with the design, this is a slim aluminum slab with glass on the front, which makes for quite a gorgeous form factor. With the Galaxy Tab A7, Samsung decided to include S...

All that processing power is finally being put to good use.Samsung's new Adaptive Pixel technology is exactly what the company needed to finally beat Google at its own game — smartphone photography.With Adaptive Pixel technology, Samsung is taking what it learned from last year's multi-frame capture software upgrade and adding in some impressive new innovations that could make a huge difference for all Galaxy S22 users.That last part is particularly important because it means that you don't have to spend all that extra money on a Galaxy S22 Ultra just to experience Samsung's latest big feature. That means more of this year's best Samsung phones have all the best features and the best price for you.Google may have pioneered multi-frame capture on Android with HDR+ way back on the Nexus 5, but Samsung has finally figured out a way to one-up Google and deliver better camera hardware at the same time.Throw it in the binWhile a number of people have begun to jump on the "s...

Best answer: No, but if you live in a congested area or have a lot of devices, a tri-band router can keep speeds more consistent across multiple devices.Do you need a tri-band router?A dual-band router uses a 2.4GHz band paired with one at 5GHz. On the other hand, a tri-band router can help by making use of an additional 5GHz or 6GHz band to add more capacity or by spreading the load. For the most part, a lower 5.2GHz, 5.8GHz, or 5GHz DFS band in the middle will be used. While this gives your router a lot of flexibility to find the least populated band, there can still be a lot of congestion at each frequency in many areas like apartment buildings.Most Wi-Fi routers will be able to find the best possible bands to use quickly, and if everything goes as planned, you should never notice the change. With many of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers adopting wide 160MHz band support and new devices beginning to take advantage of it, there's a good chance your entire household can get connected ...

The Samsung Galaxy S22 pre-orders are live and we've highlighted the latest details for you below. So if you're looking to compare pre-order incentives on the Samsung Galaxy S22 or the larger S22 Plus model, then you're in the right place ahead of the February 25 release date. We have a separate guide highlighting the best Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra pre-order deals.Let's quickly talk about what models you can expect to see in terms of prices, storage, and colors. The Samsung Galaxy S22 prices start at $799/£769, while the larger Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus prices begin at $999/£949. Both phones come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage on the cheapest model and a 256GB model is also available. As far as color options go there's Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, and Pink Gold on both the regular and Plus S22 phones from most retailers and carriers. However, the Samsung store is also selling Graphite, Cream, Sky Blue, and Violet colors exclusive colors that are listed as ready to ship...

The company announced that it has successfully auto-enrolled over 150 million users in two-step verification.What you need to knowGoogle claims there was a 50% decrease in account breaches after auto-enrolling users in two-step verification last year.The search giant intends to push the security feature to even more accounts this year.Google also reiterated its plan to eliminate the reliance on passwords and make the sign-in experience more convenient.Google has revealed that its push for a default two-step verification last year led to a significant drop in account compromises. More than 150 million users were automatically enrolled in 2SV, and 50% of those accounts were protected from breach.The initiative kicked off in October of last year in an effort to prevent unauthorized access to accounts, including those of YouTube's two million creators. It marked a significant leap in Google's security efforts, moving from offering 2SV to users as an optional protective featur...

Like what you saw during this week's reveal event and want to lock down your Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra pre-order deal? We have the latest information on what you can get from the big networks and direct from Samsung itself. We'll let you know how much you can save via trade-in and what other freebies or discounts are available ahead of the February 25 release date.Let's quickly round up a few details before we dive in, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra costs $1199/£1149 for the base 128GB model. Larger sizes include 256GB, 512GB and a massive 1TB option. The phone is available in Phantom White, Phantom Black, Burgundy, and Green. We've had a look at these colors in the flesh and, between us, the green and burgundy models are the most stylish of the bunch. That being said, yesterday saw Samsung sneakily reveal a few new colors that are exclusive to its website. Be sure to check out these new Graphite, Sky Blue, and Red (looks more like orange) options too. However, ordering one of these ...

The phone is rumored to have a similar design to last year's Nord CE 5G.What you need to knowOnePlus is launching its Nord CE 5G successor in India next week.It is rumored to come with a 6nm Dimensity 900 5G chipset, triple rear cameras, and 65W fast charging.The phone may not be a massive upgrade over its predecessor.Earlier this month, OnePlus India started teasing the launch of the Nord CE 2 5G. The company has now confirmed that the phone will launch in the country on February 17 and that "it's going to be a little more than you'd expect."The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is coming soon, and it's going to be #ALittleMoreThanYoudExpect. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/kXNO5ps0Wu— OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) February 10, 2022OnePlus India's post on Twitter also gives us a glimpse at the design of the upcoming budget phone. We can see that it looks fairly similar to its predecessor, with the power and volume rocker keys on the left side. Just as rumored, however, it looks like ...

The latest update lets you build your own live TV channel guide more easily.What you need to knowAmazon has announced a new feature for customizing live channels on Fire TV.The update makes it easier to add live channels to the Live tab from both free and subscription services.All live TV channels can be accessed via a dedicated guide button on all new Alexa Voice remotes.Amazon Fire TV's current search and discovery feature may cause you to lose hours browsing your favorite live channels on the platform. But that changes now as Amazon announced a handy customization feature for its live channel guide.The update allows you to add live channels to the main menu's Live tab, making it easier to revisit your favorites the next time you want to watch live programming. You can select live channels from both your free and paid services.Prior to this update, the live channels were tucked away under different content rows such as Live Sports and Breaking News.To customize your...

While PlayStation Plus is usually a requirement to play online multiplayer, there are notable exceptions to this rule. Most free-to-play games allow people to enjoy online multiplayer matches without needing to be active PlayStation Plus subscribers. If you're wondering which games fall into this category, we've created a list of some of the best PS5 games online that you can play without PlayStation Plus. Should you want to see the complete list of free-to-play games offered on PS4 and PS5, Sony has an entire section of its store dedicated to just that.Jump to:Genshin ImpactRocket LeagueCall of Duty: Warzone DauntlessApex LegendsFortniteFinal Fantasy 14NeverwinterSmiteBrawlhallaDC Universe OnlineWarframePaladins: Champions of the RealmStar Trek OnlineGenshin ImpactThough it has a PS5 version in the works, Genshin Impact can be played on Sony's latest console through backward compatibility. This fantasy RPG thrusts players into the world of Teyvat, wher...

Prepare for an onslaught of Motorola smartphones in the coming months.What you need to knowAlmost all of Motorola's next-generation smartphones have been leaked.The devices are codenamed Motorola "Austin," "Rogue," "Rhode," "Dubai," and "Hawaii+."These devices could be mid-rangers or low-end models, all of which appear to have a 50MP camera on the back.Samsung is getting almost everyone's attention today with the unveiling of the Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Tab S8 tablets. But that shouldn't stop other smartphone brands from trying to steal some of its thunder, such as Motorola.Prolific leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) is at it again, this time revealing a slew of renders showing almost all of Motorola's upcoming challengers to the best budget Android phones this year. The leak includes the phones' codenames, namely the Motorola "Austin," "Rogue," "Rhode," "Dubai," and "Hawaii+." The Motorola Rhode will supposedly be available in 4G and 5G variants, featuring slim ...

They're here, and there are some excellent deals already.After months of leaks, Samsung has finally launched the Galaxy S22 series. The phones are quite impressive thanks to the upgraded cameras, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and, of course, the S Pen on the Galaxy S22 Ultra.From our Galaxy S22 hands-on, our Nicholas Sutrich notes how these phones are a solid upgrade from last year's flagships and should definitely be worth a look from Android fans. And now that preorders are open, you finally have a chance to secure one for yourself.We want to know if you're preordering a Galaxy S22 model and which one you're going with.Are you going to preorder a Galaxy S22 smartphone?While the pricing may have remained similar from last year's flagships, there are already some notable Galaxy S22 deals on the table that you don't wanna miss out on. For starters, Samsung and carriers are giving you the option to upgrade your storage option at no additional cost. That means if you grab any S...

Waze is already popular around the world as a means to help you get from point A to point B, but it also lets you integrate a host of streaming audio services into the Waze app for your listening pleasure during a commute. It's easy to set up, and here's how you do it.How to set a default audio app in the Waze appOpen the Waze app on your phone.Tap the Audio player icon on the top right.A list of available apps will appear in the menu. Note that available apps only appear if you have them on your phone already.Tap whichever of the available apps you want to add.A pop-up will inform you how Waze and your chosen app may share information.Tap Accept.Tap Open (your chosen app).Your chosen app will launch.If Waze fails to connect, you may need to sign in to your account for your chosen app.Tap Accept.You can also change your chosen app at any time.Tap on your chosen app, then tap Audio apps, and then Settings. Repeat the above steps to set up whichever one you ch...

The Pixel 6 series joins Google's beta program.Update, Feb 9 (4:20 p.m. ET): Android 13L Beta 3 disappears from release notesUpdate, Feb 9 (4:45 p.m. ET): Android 12L Beta 3 returnsWhat you need to knowGoogle releases the third beta for Android 12L.The update includes a few bug fixes, including one that prevented the At a Glance widget from displaying weather info.The update is available for Google Pixel smartphones, including the Pixel 6 series.Google has just released the third Android 12L beta for Pixel smartphones, which now includes the Pixel 6. Like previous betas, the latest release includes a few bug fixes ahead of the full stable launch.Among the bug fixes addressed with the release, Beta 3 fixes the At a Glance widget which would not display weather information for many users. You can see the list of bug fixes below as per the release notes:Fixed an issue that prevented weather information from showing in the system's At a glance widget. (Issue #210113641...

If you rely on your smartwatch to help you navigate your day, you want to find a comfortable band that matches your style, such as a Galaxy Watch 4 leather band. You can enjoy both fashion and functionality with these bands. What's more, there are numerous options to choose from. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 comes in two sizes that use 20mm bands. We've rounded up some of the best Galaxy Watch 4 leather bands below!Double the fashionLDFAS Galaxy Watch 4 Leather Band (2-pack)Staff PickStaying both fashionable and comfortable is easy with these LDFAS Galaxy Watch 4 leather bands. You get a brown and black band that allows you to match your watch with your favorite outfits. You can also choose whether you want your bands to have black, silver, or rose gold buckles.$16 at AmazonSuperior qualityRitche Galaxy Watch 4 Top Grain Leather BandQuality is essential, especially when shopping for a Galaxy Watch 4 leather band. Most users plan to wear their watch all day lon...

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

The 4-1-1 on NBC's Peacock streaming service.Officially launched in July 2020, NBC's Peacock streaming service offers thousands of hours of entertainment programming, consisting of classic movies and television series, curated channels, live sports coverage, and next-day access to current series for free, with limited ads. You can also upgrade to a monthly Premium plan for even more exclusive content.Whether you're interested in trying Peacock or just want to know how it compares to other platforms, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about Peacock.PeacockWant it. See it. Like it. Stream it.From free at PeacockFind shows, movies, and live sportsNBC's Peacock streaming service gives users access to new and classic NBC series, as well as late-night talk shows, sports, and more. Try the free tier now, or sign up for one of the premium plansPeacock Streaming ServiceWhat is Peacock?How much does Peacock cost?Where is Peacock available?What...

The update is soon expected to start rolling out to a few other Motorola devices.What you need to knowMotorola has finally started rolling out Android 12 to its devices.The first Motorola phone to get the update is the Moto G Pro.It was launched in 2020 with Android 10 out of the box. Back in December last year, Motorola announced that its official Android 12 rollout would begin in February 2022. Just as promised, the Lenovo-owned company has now started updating its devices to the latest Android version. As per XDA Developers, the stable Android 12 update is now rolling out to the Moto G Pro.The update arrives as firmware version SOPR32.44-11-8 for the XT2043-7 variant of the phone. While the rollout appears to be limited to users in the UK right now, it is likely to expand to more countries in the coming days. The update could also soon begin rolling out to the best Motorola phones — including the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and Razr 5G.Motorola's Android 12 update brings ...

Notches take getting used to on an iPhone but are barely noticeable on massive screens like the Tab S8 Ultra or MacBook Pro.Samsung loves to dunk on Apple for "bad decisions" that it ends up emulating down the line. It mocked Apple for not bundling a charger with the iPhone 12, only to delete the ads once the S21 shipped without one. After deriding Apple for ditching the headphone jack, Samsung has all but abandoned them. And after tweeting "Imagine still having a notch in 2021," Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra in 2022...with a notch.The Galaxy Tab S8 series takes all of the attractive qualities of the S7 series and adds a revamped CPU, more base RAM, four promised OS updates and better selfie cams for just $50 more than the S7 launch prices. And the new Tab S8 Ultra gives you 14.6 inches with teeny-tiny bezels, making the iPad Pro 12.9-inch look compact by comparison. But for many, the notch has overshadowed all of the Ultra's perks. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra notch i...

Wi-Fi 6 has become the current standard for WI-Fi devices and routers, thanks to most new devices supporting the protocol. Wi-Fi 6 has made its way to the cheaper routers that most people are interested in buying without giving up the best features that come with it. One of the best cheap Wi-Fi 6 routers is the TP-Link Archer AX21, thanks to its solid dual-band speeds and good software offering with app-based setup and OneMesh support.Best overall: TP-Link Archer AX21Many people don't have gigabit internet connections in their homes, and even if they do, they don't need all that speed on their wireless devices. The TP-Link Archer AX21 is an excellent choice for most people looking to get a wireless router that offers high speeds for mobile devices that support Wi-Fi 6 without paying for features they can't fully utilize. With an AX1800 connection, this router provides 574Mbps at 2.4GHz and 1201Mbps at 5GHz. Four Ethernet ports allow you to connect your wired devices as well.I...

Full Wi-Fi 6 connectionLinksys Atlas Pro 6$450 at B&HProsWi-Fi 6 on every band160MHz and DFS supportLower priceCompatible with other Linksys Velop nodesConsDual-band connectionFewer Ethernet ports than the MX10No USB connectivityFor the first few years, mesh systems were on the market, tri-band connections were a must, but with faster 160MHz bands and access to DFS, routers can get a lot more done with just the two bands. The Linksys Atlas Pro 6 puts this newer tech to work with a system with higher overall speeds at AX5400 and a wide 5GHz band with more than enough bandwidth to handle most internet connections without breaking a sweat.Tri-band meshLinksys MX10 Velop AX$540 at Best BuyProsTri-band Wi-Fi 6 connectionFast 2.4GHz bandGreat coverageCompatible with other Linksys Velop NodesConsOne 5GHz band is Wi-Fi 5Quite expensive, even compared to other brandsThe MX10 Velop AX was one of the earliest Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems, and...

Like what you saw during today's reveal event and want to lock down your Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra pre-order? We have the latest information on what you can get from the big networks and direct from Samsung itself.Let's quickly round up a few details before we dive in, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra costs $1199/£1149 for the base 128GB model. Larger sizes include 256GB, 512GB and a massive 1TB option. The phone is available in Phantom White, Phantom Black, Burgundy, and Green. We've had a look at all of them in the flesh and, between us, the green and burgundy models are the most stylish of the bunch.So far, ordering directly from Samsung in the US seems to be the best option if you're not attached to a network, as there are multiple pre-order incentives for the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Get your order in by February 24 and Samsung will let you upgrade to the next storage tier of the Ultra at no additional cost (US only). And given how impressive the camera looks, you might appreciate the ...

The Samsung Galaxy S22 pre-orders are live folks and we've highlighted the latest details for you below. So if you're looking to compare pre-order incentives on the Galaxy S22 or its larger S22 Plus variation, you're in the right place.Let's quickly talk about what models you can expect to see in terms of, prices, storage, and colors. The Samsung Galaxy S22 prices start at $799/£769, while the larger Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus prices begin at $999/£949. Both phones come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage on the cheapest model and a 256GB model is also available. As far as color options go there's Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, and Pink Gold on both the regular and Plus S22 phones.A common pre-order incentive we're seeing at carriers and directly on the Samsung site in the US is a free upgrade to to the 256GB model on pre-orders of the 128GB version. If you're going to pick up the phone from a general retailer like Amazon or Walmart, be sure to double-check as this offer mi...

No one wants to be stuck waiting by the wall for their Samsung Galaxy S22 to recharge before heading out for a night on the town or an afternoon hike. You can reach 45W on the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra — and 25W on the S22 — but only if you use a charger that supports both Power Delivery and Programmable Power Supply. We've gathered the best Galaxy S22 chargers to ensure you get just that.Direct from SamsungSamsung 45W USB-C Super Fast Charging Wall Charger With CableStaff PickSamsung may not ship a charger in the box anymore, but that's okay because it'd be the 25W on and your Galaxy S22+ or Ultra deserves the full 45W of Samsung Super Fast Charging. Prices have gone down over this charger's debut alongside the Galaxy S10 Ultra.$30 at Amazon $50 at Samsung $33 at Best BuySuper smallAnker Nano II 45W Fast ChargerThis little building block of power features folding prongs and GaN II chips to keep size and heat build-up to a minimum. Anker's Nano II series is on...

No matter how beautiful your shiny new Galaxy S22+ is, it won't stay beautiful should it slip out of your hands onto rough asphalt or unforgiving stone. Grip and impact absorption are the only cures, and to get both, you need a top-notch case. Thankfully, we have the best Galaxy S22+ cases for you right here for you to pick from.Classic design, bold colorsPoetic NeonThis two-layer design is a throwback for many of us, but it's still secure and sound, and the eight colorways here beat the pants off the OtterBox Commuter Series. The only thing missing is a dust flap, and silicone plugs are easier to use, anyway.From $17 at AmazonTop-notch textureSpigen Liquid AirThe triangular texture across the back of this case is grippy without being a dust and grime magnet like Samsung's official silicone case, and air-cushion channels across the case's lining can help soften drops.$16 at AmazonRuggedly handsomeCaseBorne Armadillotek Series VTaking full advantage of its ...

Whether you're tired of losing your keys, you're already in the process of automating your home, or you're setting up a bed-and-breakfast, a vital part of the process is choosing the best smart locks that fit your needs. There are plenty of different smart locks to choose from, each with its own unique abilities. For instance, August and Yale smart locks now support features such as remote biometric verification. Though there are some great picks out there for securing your home, the best smart lock is one of the highest-ranked August Smart Locks, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen), thanks to its fantastic reputation and easy, hub-less setup.Best overall: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)Unlike many of the other smart locks that you'll find on the market, it isn't immediately apparent when you have the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installed on your front door. That's because the device is installed inside your home, so there's no indication of the smart lock from your front porch...

It may not bear the Note name, but the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra carries on its spirit and its garaged S Pen. Powerful, productive, and quite pretty in its Green and Burgundy colorways, your S22 Ultra deserves the best case you can get. After all, it is one of the best Android phones on the market. Whether you want heavy-duty protection or want grip without the bulk, these Galaxy S22 Ultra cases have you covered — literally.Ruggedly handsomePoetic SpartanWhile there are many heavy-duty kickstand cases for the Galaxy S22, few look as dignified as the Poetic Spartan, with leather-textured panels and deeper blue and green backplates to better match the S22 Ultra's colorways, but fiery red and neutral greys are also available.$29 at AmazonGrippy, great colorsCaseology ParallaxTextured stripes on the sides of the Parallax help you keep it firmly in hand while you tap, text, or doodle away with your S Pen. Both the Burgundy and the Midnight Green match exquisitely, thoug...

The Galaxy Tab S8 series is the first Samsung tablet to support Wi-Fi 6E, powered by a 4nm-based chipset.What you need to knowSamsung has officially introduced its new lineup of tablets, the Galaxy Tab S8, S8+ and S8 Ultra.The new lineup is the first Samsung tablet series to include an Ultra model, which sports a large 14.6-inch screen.The tablets are partially made of plastic materials repurposed from discarded fishing nets.Samsung's new tablets will also get up to four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates.It's been a challenging year for both consumers and businesses alike who have increasingly relied on videos for entertainment and collaboration, and companies like Samsung are banking on this trend to push the limit of their products. Today, the South Korean tech giant announced its new Galaxy Tab S8 series comprising three models.Like their predecessors, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+ and Tab S8 Ultra are designed to serve as both...

For the last few years, one of the biggest reasons why Google's Pixel is one of the best Android phones is for the various and unique software features. For example, Hold For Me makes it possible to see whether an incoming call is worth picking up or just another spam call. Google continues to push the limits of what its phones can do, as evidenced by the introduction of Wait Times alongside the Pixel 6 launch. With this feature, Google is now making it possible for you to check call wait times right from your phone without waiting on hold.How to check call wait times on a Google Pixel phoneOpen the Google app on your Pixel phone.Search for the company's contact number that you are trying to reach.Once the results are loaded, tap the number listed.View the chart at the top of the page to check call wait times.When searching looking to check call wait times for a company, you'll be able to tap on the different times throughout the day. This provides an estimated wait time...

Central cooling and heating are wonderful, but sometimes, it makes more sense to mainly heat or cool the room you spend the most time in. If you're looking for a way to help lower your power bill and save on heating and cooling costs, we've got a few suggestions for how a smart plug can help to save you money.How to set up your smart plugSmart plugs can turn on space heaters or fans to help keep the occupants of a room warm or cool and can intelligently tie into routines for the most efficient operation.Manually controlling a fan or heater is easy with your favorite virtual assistant. Whether you're looking to yell across the house so your smart speaker can hear, or you'd rather tap a button on your phone, it's easy-to-use control devices connected to a smart plug. Here's how to get started.Setup your smart plug according to the manufacturer's instructions. You'll probably need to download an app to get started.Make sure you give your smart plugs a name you'll remember. For...

At its annual Google I/O event in 2021, Google announced the launch of Android digital car key, which would come as part of the Android 12 OS update. While the ability to use a compatible Android phone to lock, unlock, and even start a vehicle has been around for some time, this new feature available in the "coming months" would make it possible to do so without even having to take out your phone.How does Android digital car key work?With an Android digital car key, your phone becomes a digital key for a compatible vehicle. It works using Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, so you can hold your phone up to the door handle to lock or unlock the vehicle. Once inside, you can also place the phone on the car key reader and press the "start" button to get the engine running.With Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology and compatible phones, which the Android digital car key will soon support, you would be able to accomplish this without holding the phone up to the lock or key reader....

The new policy is said to take effect on March 14.What you need to knowA Material You-style theming engine may become mandatory for all devices updating to or shipping with Android 12 in the near future.OEMs have the option to develop their own dynamic theming engine or adopt Google's Monet engine.The theming system must be capable of producing a full color scheme consisting of three accent colors and two neutrals, similar to the five tonal palettes used in Google Pixel phones.Following the debut of Android 12 on Google Pixel phones, other manufacturers such as Samsung started rolling out their own take on the Material You theming system. However, because OEMs make their own tweaks, the current dynamic colors you see on other Android devices may differ from what's available on the Google Pixel 6.In the future, though, dynamic colors might be more consistent across many of the best Android phones. Android Police reports that Google is planning to require any device that's ...

Unlike the Redmi Note 11T, the Note 11 and Note 11S phones do not feature 5G connectivity.What you need to knowXiaomi has launched two new Redmi Note 11 series phones in India.The Redmi Note 11 features a Snapdragon 680 chipset, a 50MP main camera, and 33W fast charging. Redmi Note 11S, on the other hand, comes with a 108MP main camera and MediaTek's Helio G96 chipset. Last month, Xiaomi introduced the global variants of its Redmi Note 11 series phones. The vanilla Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S have now been launched in India to challenge the best budget Android phones.The Redmi Note 11 has a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen featuring a 90Hz refresh rate. Powering the budget phone is Qualcomm's 6nm Snapdragon 680 chipset, paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage.On the back of the phone is a quad-lens camera system with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. There's a 13MP camera on the front for selfies and vid...

This isn't likely to replace the the WF-1000XM4, though.What you need to knowA pair of strange-looking Sony earbuds, dubbed the WF-L900, have been leaked.The earbuds appear to replace the silicone ear tips with doughnut-shaped rings of holes.There are no visible buttons as well, so it's possible the body will support touch controls.Sony's next pair of earbuds might have a weird-looking design, if a new leak is anything to go by. Courtesy of TechInsiderBlog (via TheWalkmanBlog), we now have probably the best look yet at a new set of upcoming truly wireless earbuds called the Sony WF-L900 or Linkbuds.The leak reveals that the Linkbuds will still have a circular body like Sony's best wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM4. What sets it apart from any other models of earbuds are its doughnut-like rings that will presumably keep the Linkbuds in place on top of the ear canal.There are apparently no ear tips, which will supposedly be replaced by the rings. Nonetheless, the earbuds a...

It's a physics-based wreck fest, from the looks of things.What you need to knowDevolver Digital's next VR game, Tentacular, is being developed by indie developer Firepunchd.The small studio has been developing the game for several years, with teases going back to 2020.No platforms have been announced yet but the game is expected to release this year.Devolver Digital has finally pulled the curtain back on its next VR title in a series of short trailers. One narrated trailer gives a brief intro of the town players will find themselves wrecking, while the second trailer, found below, shows the player wreaking havoc on said town.“Yet in the monster there is a sense of something else. Pleasure in the joy of glorious physics.” pic.twitter.com/2u9zObM9uv— Devolver Digital (@devolverdigital) February 8, 2022Devolver Digital hasn't announced which platforms Tentacular VR will be coming to, but we're hoping it'll make its debut sometime this year. Devolver Digital previou...

While the Oculus Quest 2 has built-in speakers, they're not designed for proper surround sound. You can plug in any 3.5mm headphones — or some USB-C headphones — but most headphones' cords are too long and will dangle annoyingly from the headset. Your old Quest 1 headphones won't work, nor will wireless earbuds. We've collected the best Oculus Quest 2 headphones designed specifically for the headset.Best overall: Logitech G333 VR gaming earphonesMany VR fans prefer over-ear to in-ear headphones for VR for enveloping sound, but action or exercise games really benefit from letting your ears breathe. So we've chosen the Logitech G333s — designed specifically for the Quest 2 — for our top slot. These earphones offer solid audio performance for a lower price than most hardcore headphones and mods and are easier to take out quickly when you need to talk to someone in the room.Make sure to buy the VR version of the Logitech G333, which uses custom-length 3.5mm cables, so the...

What you need to knowThe latest Oculus SDK for Unity features a new experimental option called body tracking.The SDK doesn't specify a Quest headset model, meaning this could be in the works for the Quest 2 and upcoming Quest Pro.Quest Pro leaks last year suggested body tracking could be done via a full-height mirror in the room.If you've ever wondered why VR avatars are often legless blobs hovering in the air, it's because current VR headsets can only accurately track a user's arms and head movements. But the latest release of the Oculus Software Development Kit for Unity (SDK for short) has a new reference in it that could solve this problem: body tracking.First found by UploadVR, the latest SDK features a new "body tracking" entry under the experimental features, nested between the existing hand tracking and tracked keyboard features. Supernatural VR creator, Chris Milk, previously teased this feature on the Quest 2 just a few days ago.The SDK doesn't specifically refe...

Chrome also gets new Actions and a bigger presence on your Android phone.What you need to knowGoogle rolls out the new Journeys feature for the Chrome desktop browser.Google also enables new Chrome Actions to get more things done from the address bar.New Chrome widgets are rolling out for Android devices for quick access to searches and other features.Google is finally rolling out Journeys for Chrome desktop browsers, a feature that the company has been testing since October and hopes will enhance your browser history.Journeys takes your past searches and page visits and groups them together based on the topic. This way, it may be easier to pick up where you left off, whether it was a page you visited today or months ago. Additionally, Google will suggest other relevant searches related to the pages you visited to help you expand your search.Google says it considers how often you visit certain sites, so it'll show you the most relevant items first. And users have the ...

If you're looking for the best Android smartwatch, you'll notice many of the options are Wear OS watches, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic. Now that Wear OS 3 has arrived, the smartwatch landscape is changing. However, not all existing watches on the current platform are eligible to upgrade, which is something to consider when making your decision. If you want to enjoy the new platform now, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 might be the best Wear OS watch. Fortunately, there are many other Android smartwatches for Wear OS users to choose from.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4By now, you've probably heard that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has arrived. While this typically wouldn't mean anything to Wear OS users, this Samsung smartwatch is the first wearable to run on Wear OS 3. There are two variants to pick from: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The only difference between these two is case size and physical design elements. The Watch...

It started as a small outfit catering to enthusiasts back in 2014, but OnePlus has quickly exploded into a mainstream hit that's responsible for making some of the best Android phones every year. So if you're looking for the best OnePlus phone but aren't sure which model to get, we've got a quick list featuring the very best Android phones to help you decide which one is right for you.Ultimate flagshipOnePlus 9 Pro Morning Mist, 5G Unlocked Android Smartphone U.S VersionStaff PickThe OnePlus 9 Pro sets a new standard for OnePlus, with the phone offering a Hasselblad-tuned camera that holds its own against the best in the industry. You also get a sublime 120Hz AMOLED display, the latest internal hardware with mmWave 5G, 65W wired and 50W wireless charging, a gorgeous design, and bloat-free software.$800 at Amazon$750 at Best Buy$800 at OnePlus₹59,999 at Amazon IndiaAll about the valueOnePlus 9 5GIf you're looking for a more affordable option, the OnePlus 9 is ...

Free Play Day weekend also returns next week with multiplayer party games.What you need to knowFighting game My Hero One's Justice 2 and Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires will be launching for Stadia on Feb. 15.Rainbow Six Extraction receives a free demo on Stadia.Stadia players can access The Jackbox Party Pack 7 for free next weekend.Google announced today a new game coming to Stadia next week, a free weekend for Jackbox fans, and covered several smaller updates for other titles available on the streaming gaming platform.The company revealed in its community blog post that fighting game My Hero One's Justice 2 will be coming to Stadia on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The 3D arena brawler is based on the anime My Hero Academia, and was released on PC and consoles in 2020. While the sequel will be releasing on Stadia next week alongside Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires, the first game is currently not available on the platform.Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Extraction released last month and Stadia play...

It's like deja vu.What you need to knowThe Pixel 6 February update has been causing some users Wi-Fi connectivity to randomly drop.This issue hasn't been acknowledged by Google just yet and didn't occur in previous software releases.This connectivity bug comes after a similar bug in the December update, which made some Pixel 6 phones unable to connect to cellular networks.Google Pixel 6 owners may have just begun to receive the February update for their phones, but it turns out that update might cause more problems for some users than others. Android Police noted that several folks on Twitter and Reddit have posted that their Wi-Fi connection seems to randomly drop. This sometimes occurs when Bluetooth is enabled, but that doesn't seem to be consistent across all users.While the Pixel 6 February update was designed to fix a number of connectivity updates — which included both cellular connectivity issues caused by the December update and Bluetooth bugs that have been ar...

Samsung is set to formally introduce its Galaxy S22 series phones at the Galaxy Unpacked 2022 event on Wednesday. The flagship trio is expected to bring quite a few significant upgrades — including new camera hardware and improved screen tech.Needless to say, the most interesting of the three Galaxy S22 series phones will be the range-topping Galaxy S22 Ultra. As various leaks have shown, the S22 Ultra will be a spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The phone will have a boxy shape with a curved screen and a dedicated slot for storing the S Pen.The rumored specs of the phone are also quite impressive. It will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in the U.S. and most other markets, while the European variants will have Samsung's Exynos 2200 under the hood. Going by recent leaks, the S22 Ultra will also have a 6.8-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 108MP primary camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging. What may disappoint some peo...

Although there's a PET film and IPX8 water resistance on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, you can never be too careful. Samsung even upgraded the Cover Screen, bringing its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. So if you want to make sure both displays are protected forever, we've rounded up the best Galaxy Z Fold 3 screen protectors.The ultimate optionWhitestone Dome Glass for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3Sponsored PickSince the Galaxy Z Fold 3 already has a screen protector installed from the factory, the Dome Glass from Whitestone offers the best-tempered glass screen protector for your Cover Screen. This kit includes two screen protectors and an installation kit, which uses UV curing light to make sure your screen protector remains bubble-free.$50 at AmazonNo compromisesOlixar Screen Protector (2-pack)Staff PickThis two-pack of screen protectors from Olixar offers excellent protection for the inner display of your Galaxy Z Fold 3. There's an oleophobic coating and anti-s...

Google Assistant can't come soon enough on the Galaxy Watch 4.(Feb 8, 11:45 a.m. ET) Updated to include more information about Google Assistant and YouTube Music updates.What you need to knowSamsung is pushing out a new update to the Galaxy Watch 4 soon with new watch faces and an improved setup experience.Updated health features include more comprehensive body composition insights and a sleep coaching program.Features coming soon include Google Assistant and Wi-Fi or LTE streaming for the YouTube Music app.Samsung is announcing a new update for the Galaxy Watch 4, giving owners new health features, watch faces, and an improved setup process. Plus, Samsung provides an update on the availability of Google Assistant, which it teased following the watch's launch.With this new update, Samsung is partnering with Chris Hemsworth's Centr fitness program to provide deeper insights into one's body composition. These insights will be available in the Samsung Health app and powere...

Mobvoi's latest earbuds bring a lot to the table in the budget wireless earbud category — even if not all the features pan out.Mobvoi is a brand mostly known for making some of the best Android smartwatches like the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, but it also makes a few accessories. One such accessory is earbuds and headphones, and the latest in that product lineup is the Mobvoi Earbuds ANC.Instead of aiming to take over the lead in best wireless earbuds category with higher price tags, the Mobvoi Earbuds ANC are attacking the midrange tier. However, this doesn't mean that Mobvoi slacked on including useful features to reach the lower price point. These earbuds offer active noise canceling, a transparency mode, and a standard mode without any assistance from the onboard microphones.I've used a few earbuds from Mobvoi in the past and some mid-tier earbuds from other brands and found that just because the price is low doesn't mean the earbuds will be bad. Here are my thoughts on how the...

You might have a nice selection of USB-C cables along with microUSB, Lightning, and more creating an electrical rat's nest in your drawer. Getting one of the best 3-in-1 USB cables not only simplifies the act of charging multiple devices with different ports, but can also help you keep your desk organized. Yet srangely, most people don't think of getting a 3-in-1 cable to take the place of three separate ones. Chances are that your various electronics rely on a mix of USB-C, microUSB, and (for Apple users) Lightning chargers to stay running. Because of that, you probably have to bring one cable per device on road trips, when you could just rely on one multi-pronged USB cable that can fuel up any device that needs recharging. Avoid tangled wires and missing cables during road trips with just one of these 3-in-1 cables.Trusted brandAnker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable - 3ft, BlackStaff PickAnker is one of the biggest names in the charging business, so it makes sense that the compa...

This week, the gang talk about Sony's purchase of Bungie, Rebecca reviews Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Sony acquires Destiny developer Bungie for PlayStation Studios | Android CentralBungie joining PlayStation makes more sense than you think | Android CentralSony is buying Bungie: What this means for Destiny 2 players on Xbox and PC | Windows CentralNintendo Switch crosses 103 million units shipped, per Nintendo Q3 results | iMorePokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch review — Breathing fresh air into a stale formula | iMoreNintendo recap — Pokémon Legends: Arceus has second-best sales in Japan's history and more NFT shenanigans | iMoreGhostwire: Tokyo for PS5 preview — Western audiences should check this one out | Android Central...