Latest from Android Central

Investing in the "metaverse" is apparently more costly than we realized.What you need to knowIn its Q4 earnings report, Meta reported $33.6 billion in revenue over the past three months.Despite a 20% year-over-year growth, Facebook stocks have plummeted as a result of lower-than-expected growth.Facebook Reality Labs earned about 2.3 billion in 2021, but total income was consistently negative every quarter.Meta is reportedly pivoting to Reels to compete with TikTok, which has cut into its profits. Zuckerberg blamed iOS privacy changes and new European regulations for reduced user data capture, which cuts into profits.Meta's Q4 2021 earnings report was the first to split up its app and advertising revenue with its Reality Labs hardware division for VR and AR. And based on this first report, we learned exactly how much money Meta is hemmoraging for its virtual reality and augmented reality efforts, despite the success of the Oculus Quest 2.According to the report, Reality ...

A deep dive into the systems that drive this racing game.What you need to knowGran Turismo 7 is an upcoming racing game being developed by Polyphony Digital.During a State of Play stream, the developers shared more about the gameplay, menu, options and more.Gran Turismo 7 is slated to arrive on PS5 and PS4 on March 4, 2022. During a State of Play showcase on Feb. 2, 2022, PlayStation and Polyphony Digital showed off more of what players can expect from upcoming racing title Gran Turismo 7.Polyphony Digital refers to Gran Turismo 7 as the studio's most complete Gran Turismo at launch ever, featuring over 400 cars, over 30 locations, and over 90 layouts, with more to come in post-launch updates. The developers also shared more information on how the menu works, as well as the effort put into the new weather systems, with complex cloud formations, starry night skies and rain that'll have subtle or strong effects on the track and cars.There's also a new Scapes mode, all...

T-Mobile doubled its postpaid subscribers year-over-year, but still missed revenue estimates.What you need to knowT-Mobile claims 2021 was its best year ever, doubling new postpaid customers year-over-year on a strong 5G rollout and the lowest churn in the industry.T-Mobile was the fastest-growing high-speed Internet provider in Q4, and the company now turns its attention to rural markets for 5G, intending to cover 5x the land it does now by the end of 2022.The company also met its RE100 promise, moving to 100% renewable energy powering its business.T-Mobile's CEO trumpeted the company's best year ever during an earnings call that highlighted T-Mobiles growing interest in suburban and rural mobile markets after providing 5G coverage that covers 212 million Americans in 2021. T-Mobile looks to quintuple the land its 5G network covers this year while integrating the spectrum they won in Auction 110 back in November and finishing out its accelerated Sprint merger."T-Mobile h...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The free PlayStation Plus games offered this month include three major titles, all available on either the PS4 or PS5. Check out the list of games below, with downloads available starting Feb. 1. Enjoy the price of free until Feb. 28, 2022.★ Take to the ocatgonUFC 4 (PS4)UFC 4 puts players at the center of any fight, allowing them to customize their character and begin an entirely new career as a mixed martial arts fighter through any weight class. The fighting game also features new Blitz Battles that take the fighting of UFC and mixes it more with an arcade setting, allowing players who want to jump in and fight with people the chance to do that as well.$60 at PlayStation Store★ A tabletop adventureTiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-shot Adventure (PS4)Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep was initially released as DLC for Borderl...

Qualcomm continues to defy odds despite the chip shortage.What you need to knowQualcomm announces its first-quarter financial earnings.The company exceeded expectations with $10.7 billion in revenue.The growth was driven primarily by Android handsets, contributing half of its revenue.Qualcomm released its financial earnings for its fiscal first quarter of 2022, which ended in December. Qualcomm's revenue continues to grow as it reaches more than $10 billion in revenue, a figure it previously expected to break during the quarter.Qualcomm's QCT business was the main driver behind its strong quarter, as it's the division responsible for its chipsets that go into the best Android phones. QCT brought in more than $8 billion in revenue, nearly $6 billion of which was attributed to a 42% growth in handsets year-over-year.This also represented a notable growth from the previous quarter, which can likely be attributed to holiday spending as well as growing demand for 5G smartpho...

Xbox Game Pass's cloud gaming option on Android (also known as xCloud or Xbox Cloud Streaming) has been steadily expanding ever since Game Pass launched. At the time of writing, you can play over 250 games on your Android device if you're a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber — check out our list of the best games. So if you want to turn your Android phone or tablet into a Game Pass machine, here are a few things that will make your gameplay experience better.Best controller attachmentRazer Kishi GamepadStaff PickSome of the games on Game Pass work with touch controls, but for versatility, it's always best to get a controller of some kind. Assuming you're playing on a phone or a phone-sized device, you can't go wrong with the Razer Kishi. This attachment turns your phone into a Switch-like handheld, has a USB passthrough for charging purposes, and also folds into a small device for easy storage when you're on the move.$50 at Amazon $80 at Best Buy $100 at MicrosoftBes...

You can also get a $200 gift card when you sign up on 2/2/22Visible is one of the cheapest prepaid carriers around with just one plan and one network to choose from. Powered by Verizon LTE and 5G, Visible's unlimited plan is normally a great deal at $40 per month but savvy customers take that price down to just $25 per month with Party Pay. If that isn't enough to convince you to port your number, Visible has started February off strong with a 2 for $22 deal that takes the price down to just $11 per month for the first two months with a $200 gift card for those that sign up on 2/2/22. Just make sure to use code 2FOR22 at checkout.Visible's unlimited plan comes with complete unlimited data that only sees deprioritization at 75GB of usage and also comes with unlimited talk and text. Your data is still a lower priority than postpaid Verizon customers but if the network is strong in your area, you may never notice the difference. One catch is that Visible does not support any roaming o...

Plus, more insight into Google Photos integration.What you need to knowGoogle is preparing a new menu system for the Messages app.Many of the current options will be moved to a left-sided hamburger menu.Messages will introduce the profile thumbnail in the top right corner for additional settings.We also get a new look at Google Photos integration.Google Messages is set to receive an interesting change to its navigation menu, according to the latest look into the app's APK.9to5Google managed to enable the new navigation, which introduces the hamburger menu to the left of the app. This section will house most of the options that are found in the current three-dot menu, including "Mark all as read," "Device pairing," options for themes, starred messages, and more.Replacing the three-dot menu on the top right corner will be the user's profile thumbnail, where users can switch profiles and access additional Google Messages settings. It's assumed that these other settings wi...

You can never be too careful on the internet, so it's best you take the necessary precautions. Learn how to enable the enhanced safe browsing mode in Google Chrome to tighten your security. With this feature turned on, you will have an added layer of protection from the dangers that lurk in the murky corners of the web.How to enable enhanced safe browsing mode in Google Chrome on desktopHow to enable enhanced safe browsing mode in Google Chrome on Android phonesHow to enable enhanced safe browsing mode in Google Chrome on desktopOpen Google Chrome on desktop.Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner to open Settings OR go to chrome://settings.Click on Privacy and security.Click on Security.Select Enhanced protection to toggle it on.How to enable enhanced safe browsing mode in Google Chrome on Android phonesOpen Google Chrome on your Android phone.Tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner.Tap on Settings.Tap on Privacy and security.Tap...

A new overview for the game will dive into its systems and story.What you need to knowGhostwire: Tokyo is an upcoming timed PS5 exclusive developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks.The game was originally slated to launch in 2021 before being delayed into 2022. A new overview for the game is coming on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 2:00 p.m. PT. According to the description of the YouTube video, Ghostwire: Tokyo has a release date of March 25, 2022. Ghostwire: Tokyo has a release date of March 25, 2022, according to the description of a new YouTube video that was uploaded on the official PlayStation channel. The video promises new gameplay to be shown on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET.Developed by Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo is a timed PS5 console exclusive, the second in a pair of deals with publisher Bethesda Softworks before the publisher was acquired by Microsoft and added to the Xbox first-party portfolio. As such, it'll be excl...

As you start shopping for the Galaxy Watch 3 bands, you'll see there's a wide variety of options available. Depending on whether you own the 45mm or 41mm model, you'll need either a 22mm or 20mm band, respectively. Be sure to choose one that will match your style and provide maximum comfort. We've gathered some of our favorite bands for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 bands for your consideration!Extreme comfortBarton Elite Silicone Watch BandStaff PickA band made of silicone material is a great choice for active individuals, like this option from Barton. It comes in both 20 and 22mm band sizes. You'll enjoy over 15 different color choices as well. The premium textured top, stainless steel buckle, has a proprietary locking feature that ensures your band remains in place all day long.$21 at Amazon $33 at WalmartBest of both worldsBEAFIRY Canvas Nylon Watch BandAnother option to consider is this BEAFIRY canvas nylon watchband. It's affordable while still being made...

There are so many to choose from!Spotify has been under quite a bit of heat lately due to the recent Joe Rogan misinformation drama. However, many still use the app, and offers plenty of features that subscribers love. that said, there are plenty of music streaming apps to choose from, like YouTube Music, Tidal, Apple Music, and more.With that in mind, we want to know which is your favorite and why.Poll: What is your favorite music streaming service?In terms of sheer numbers, Spotify is an absolute beast with more than 172 million subscribers, with more than double that amount in terms of just users. Apple Music comes next with 15% of music subscriber market share, half that of Spotify's 31% share. Surprisingly, Amazon Music is right behind Apple with a 13% share, and YouTube Music is trailing with just 8%.While they all serve the same purpose, they each have their pros and cons. Spotify offers plenty of features like its new real-time lyrics, Wear OS app with offline down...

When we reviewed the Galaxy S21 FE last month, we praised it for its quality display, cameras, battery life, and performance, but noted that its $700 launch price asked for far too much for what it offered. But take those same specs and offer them for a mere $500? That's a genuine, unexaggerated steal, especially within a month of its release.Right now, Best Buy is offering the Galaxy S21 FE for $200 off if you activate the phone today. That's $500 for the 128GB model or $570 for the 256GB model. It's available in Graphite, Navy, Olive, Lavender, and White, either Unlocked or with Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | $200 off$500 at Best Buy (128GB)$570 at Best Buy (256GB)The S21 FE is, essentially, an S21 in all but name, offering the same performance and cameras but with Android 12 and an extra year of software support out of the box. At $500, it's worth seriously considering over the Galaxy S22 rumored to launch this month for nearly a grand.Fo...

Two-factor authentication is a great way to secure your online accounts, but not all methods are equal.You should be using two-factor authentication on every account that gives you the option. There is no better way to keep your account secure, and no matter who you are, you should want all of your accounts to be as secure as possible. It also doesn't matter which phone you use — 2FA works with a cheap Android phone, the best Android phone, or an iPhone. Of course, you've heard all of this before.All two-factor methods are not created equal, though. Like every other user-facing security measure, you have to trade some convenience for protection, and the most secure methods of 2FA are also the least convenient. Conversely, the most convenient methods are also the least secure.We're going to take a look at the different ways you can use two-factor authentication and discuss the pros and cons of each.Avoid at all costs, though it's still better than nothing4. SMS-based two-f...

Best answer: Probably, 2022. While Sony hasn't announced an official date yet, rumors point to a release this year.PS VR2: Back to the futureSince the 2016 release of the original PlayStation VR, Sony has been working hard to build a proper ecosystem for PlayStation gamers who want to get a unique perspective of their games.During a series of PS5 announcements, including a recent one at CES 2022, Sony revealed the official name and specs for the second-generation PSVR — built exclusively for the PS5. Touting some impressive new features and technology, PS VR2 will be among the best accessories for PS5 when it launches. Luckily for PS5 owners looking for a next-generation VR experience, the wait may not be too long. While Jim Ryan wasn't clear on exactly when we should expect the PS VR2, the implication certainly seems to be 2022 at this point.PS VR2: What will it be like?Thanks to the CES announcement, we know quite a lot about the new headset. First off, the fact that...

A bright, high-performing Tab for gaming, streaming, and Zooming at a discount.Lenovo is the one Android developer that has consistently released "stock" Android tablets over the past few years. With Google all but abandoning them, while Samsung and Amazon pushed their own OSs, Lenovo stuck to a UI that wasn't exactly built for wide screens. Thankfully, Android 12L is on the way, meaning stock Android is no longer the warning label it used to be.The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus won't receive Android 12 until May 31 (and 12L presumably sometime after). Still, with the 12L beta already available on the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro, we know Lenovo is at the frontlines for testing and perfecting the new multitasking features we've been waiting for.For now, the Tab P11 Plus running Android 11 joins the ranks of the best budget Android tablets, competing with tablets like the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and Fire HD 10 Plus. Solid performance, a bright 2K display, long-lasting battery life, and surprisingly rich...

Bluetooth audio startup T2 Software is now owned by Sonos.What you need to knowSonos has reportedly acquired Bluetooth audio startup T2 Software.The move suggests Sonos could soon enter the wireless headphones market. T2 Software has been working on implementations of Bluetooth LC3, which delivers high-quality audio at significantly lower data rates than current codecs used in Bluetooth audio devices. Smart speaker maker Sonos has purchased Bluetooth audio startup T2 Software, according to Protocol. T2 Software, which is based in Louisville, Kentucky, had been working on implementations of Bluetooth LC3, an audio codec for the Bluetooth LE audio standard.The Bluetooth LC3 codec enables streaming of high-quality audio at significantly lower data rates than codecs used in Bluetooth audio products today, resulting in lower power consumption.Bluetooth LC3 is described as a "new high-quality, low-power audio codec" on the Bluetooth SIG website. It is claimed to offer superio...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsT-Mobile LTE and 5G networkUnlimited talk and textFree calls to Canada and MexicoHotspot on every planSave more when you pay for the yearConsMinimum term is three monthsUnlimited plan is slowed at 35GB5GB hotspot cap on the unlimited planMint Mobile saves you the most money when you can buy 12 months of service upfront, but you can still save over other carriers with three or six months. Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network with the fastest and largest 5G network around, so it's a great carrier to make the most out of a new 5G phone.One month at a timeCricket WirelessFrom $30/mo. at CricketProsAT&T LTE and nationwide 5G networkService in Canada and Mexico (unlimited plans)Unlimited talk and textMulti-line discounts 15GB hotspot data (unlimited plan) ConsSD quality videos (unlimited plans)AT&T's LTE network is huge, and if you live in a rural area, it may be your bes...

It is becoming more common to work from home, at least part of the time. And that means sometimes conducting meetings virtually over Zoom or another video conferencing service. Even though we might not be ready to head to the office, we still want to look our best. Part of that includes having the right camera angle and business-appropriate attire (from the waist up, at least!) and having a favorable background and good lighting. The best ring light for laptops is not a ring at all but rather shaped like a rectangle. The Lume Cube Video Conference Lighting Kit offers adjustable brightness and soft lighting. It can run from its extended built-in battery or via USB, making it ideal for working from home and on the go. But there are other good options worth considering as well.Best overall: Lume Cube Video Conference Lighting KitWhile it isn't technically shaped like a ring, po-tay-toe, po-taa-toe. This lighting kit accomplishes the same thing and works the same way as the others ...

The Indian government has told Google to review its internal guidelines to remove "fake news" automatically.What you need to knowIndian authorities are reportedly unhappy with Google, Facebook, and Twitter for not "proactively removing" fake news.India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) said that the Big Tech's inaction had forced it to order content takedowns. Google executives have suggested that the ministry avoid making takedown decisions public to "protect" its public image. Officials from India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) held "heated discussions" with executives from Google, Twitter, and Facebook at a virtual meeting earlier this week, according to Reuters. Executives from Indian content-sharing platforms ShareChat and Koo were also present in the meeting.Per the report, Indian officials criticized Big Tech for not doing enough to remove "fake news" stories from their platform. The officials also said that the inaction of...

PS5 shipments are behind the PS4 within the same timeframe.What you need to knowSony shared its latest financial results for the third quarter ending in December 31.3.9 million PS5 consoles were shipped over the holiday quarter, for a total of 17.3 million PS5 units shipped.This is slower than the PS4, which saw 20.2 million units shipped. This slowdown is mainly due to supply issues, which plague the tech industry with chip shortages.PS5 shipments have crossed 17.3 million units, Sony confirmed in its latest financial results for Q3 ending Dec. 31, 2021. This is with an additional 3.9 million units shipped over the holiday quarter past the existing 13.4 million units shipped, but slightly down from 4.5 million shipped in the PS5's launch quarter. It's also down compared to PS5 shipments within the same timeframe, which saw 20.2 million units shipped.With supply constraints continuing, Sony adjusted its projections moving forward, with the company now aiming for 19.3 mil...

Major ecosystems all have varying ideas of how the smart home should look and operate.If you own any smart home gadgets, you know how fragmented and frustrating it can be to get them working together. Even the most technically proficient among us struggle with the complexities of the smart home in its current state.Even notable brands like Nanoleaf have been struggling to create products that not only work well by themselves but also work well with others. The problem is that the main ecosystems people use — namely, Apple, Google, and Amazon — all have different ideas of how the smart home should look and operate.In effect, they all speak a different language. Just like in real life, not all languages translate into another language very well. One might have a word that simplifies a thought or feeling, while the other language requires an entire sentence to convey the same idea.This conundrum is exactly why Matter was built. What started as Project CHiP in 2019 was later ...

Whether you're here because of the recent Spotify controversy, because another competing music streaming service has drawn your eye, or simply because you're on a tight budget this month, figuring out how to cancel Spotify can be tricky. Cancelling a Spotify Premium account isn't too difficult, but deleting your Spotify account entirely requires some legwork. We'll walk you through the process, including how to transfer your Spotify playlists first.How to cancel Spotify PremiumIf all you want to do is stop paying for Spotify Premium and leave your account as a zombie that you can revive later, then cancelling Spotify is simple.Go to Spotify.com.Click the Profile drop-down menu next to your account icon. Then select Account.From the Account Overview page, select Available Plans. You'll see your current paid plan and the option to switch.Select Cancel Premium and confirm your choice on the following screen. You'll be switched to a free ad-driven account with your liked so...

Unlock Google Drive's full usability and potential with these tips.Anyone and everyone who uses an Android phone or a computer know of Google Drive's existence. It's Google's very own cloud storage system, and it's one of the best cloud storage services out there. If you have a Google account, you get 15GB of free space in Google Drive right off the bat.If you need more space, you can always bump up the 15GB allotment by upgrading to the paid Google One subscription. Whether you're using the paid plan or the free one, you should learn to take advantage of Google Drive's capabilities. Here are some of the best Google Drive tips and tricks.Jump to:Find shared files easierCreate shortcutsChange folder colorsView file activityReorder your filesBlock spamTip 1: Find shared files easierThere are many benefits of having all your data in the cloud, especially if you automatically back up data to Google Drive. The drawback is that you may have trouble finding a specif...

The Realme 9 Pro series phones will be the first to launch in Europe with a color-changing back.What you need to knowRealme has "unveiled" the design of its upcoming 9 Pro series phones.Both Realme 9 Pro series phones will feature a color-changing back.The phones' "Light Shift Design" is inspired by photochromism and organic photochromic materials. Realme is soon expected to unveil two new additions to its "Number Series" of budget phones. Ahead of their formal unveiling later this month, Realme has detailed the new "Light Shift Design" of the upcoming Realme 9 Pro series.The Sunrise Blue variant of the two phones will have a color-changing back cover that apparently "transitions from blue to red in five seconds under sunlight or ultraviolet light." It fades back into blue when the phone is out of direct light.Realme says the new "Light Shift Design" is inspired by photochromism and organic photochromic materials. To achieve the "chameleon" effect on the 9 Pro series ...

Realme now has 17% market share in India.What you need to knowThe latest Counterpoint data shows Realme moving up to second position in India's handset market.Realme saw a year-on-year growth of 20% in Q4 2021, and now has a 17% market share in India. Most of Realme's gains were in the entry-level segment with the C and Narzo series. From the very beginning, Realme has been a sales juggernaut. The brand's focus on value and its innate ability to undercut Xiaomi in the budget segment allowed it to quickly gain ground in India, and it used that as the starting point to build a global empire that now stretches to over 30 countries.Realme became the fastest brand to hit the 100 million sales milestone last year, and a surge in sales in Q4 2021 allowed the brand to overtake Samsung to become the second-largest phone brand in India. The latest figures from Counterpoint show that Realme has picked up a 17% market share in India in Q4 2021, closely edging out Samsung at 16%.Xia...

Do more without leaving the full-screen experience.What you need to knowYouTube introduces a redesigned fullscreen video UI for its mobile app.The UI enables various actions such as liking a video, adding to a playlist, or posting a comment.The new UI should be rolling out to Android users now.YouTube is making a long-overdue change to its fullscreen UI on its mobile app, enabling new options for users without having to minimize the video.The change was spotted by 9to5Google and moves away from the pretty bare fullscreen experience to one that's a bit more dynamic. This includes options on the video to like, dislike, send, comment, or add a playlist. There's also a way to pull up related videos in the bottom right corner of the screen.You'll also notice that the three-dot menu is replaced with a more prominent settings cog.The new UI makes watching fullscreen videos a bit less cumbersome, allowing you to do plenty of what you'd typically do if you were watching from...

One of two new additions to the growing Netflix Games library of mobile games.What you need to knowNetflix Games is a growing library of mobile titles on Android and iOS exclusive to Netflix subscribers.On Tuesday, it was announced that two more games are joining the Netflix Games lineup: Hextech Mayhem and Dungeon Dwarves.Hextech Mayhem is set in the League of Legends universe from Riot Games, and comes to mobile after initially releasing on PC and Switch platforms.Netflix is attempting to make its service indispensable to users that frequently game on their Android or iOS devices with a growing library of mobile titles under the Netflix Games umbrella. On Tuesday, the service added two new games—Hextech Mayhem and Dungeon Dwarves. Of the two, Hextech Mayhem is undoubtedly the higher-profile addition, and may indicate a growing commitment from Netflix Games to become a serious contender for mobile gamers' time.Hextech Mayhem and Dungeon Dwarves are now available on bot...

Making better use of side tabs.What you need to knowGoogle is updating the desktop Gmail interface with a new, more straightforward UI.Mail, chat, spaces, and meet will all have different sections instead of being crammed into one column.The rollout will begin on February 8 as an optional change but will become mandatory by Q2 2022.Any Gmail user who frequently checks their email on a laptop or desktop computer will know just how busy the interface can be. It seems Google agrees as a new interface will become available for all users starting February 8, 2022. At that time, you should see a pop-up on the bottom corner of your inbox to switch to the new UI.This new UI separates the mail, chat, spaces, and meet sections into easy-to-find tabs on the left side of the inbox. In the current UI, these sections are crammed in the same column, which makes it a bit difficult to see any dense information. Google previously introduced the chat, spaces, and meet sections in a Gmail up...

The Pixel finally has its moment to shine.What you need to knowAlphabet announced its fourth-quarter financial earnings on Tuesday.The company made more than $75 billion in Q4 and nearly doubled its yearly revenue.CEO Sundar Pichai notes that the Pixel had record quarterly sales.Google's parent company, Alphabet, announced its fourth-quarter financial earnings on Tuesday, raking in more than $75 billion in revenue. Much of that was from Google's Search business and ads, but the Pixel 6 managed to make a dent.Unsurprisingly, Search was the biggest contributor, bringing in more than $43 billion, with YouTube ads managing over $8.6 billion in revenue. This comes shortly after the company announced a staggering five trillion views of its ever-growing YouTube Shorts. The company has been pumping money into the medium through initiatives like the Shorts Creator Fund, which helps creators make money off their content through compelling Shorts.Google is also winding down YouTub...

HBO Max extends its availability across Europe.What you need to knowWarnerMedia announced the next major expansion for HBO Max.The streaming service will arrive in 15 European countries this March.The announcement comes as AT&T spins off WarnerMedia ahead of Discovery Inc. merger.HBO Max has been a staple of the pandemic, bringing us plenty of old and new movies and shows that have kept us entertained while stuck at home. Now, more people will be able to enjoy it as WarnerMedia reveals a second wave of European launches.On February 1, WarnerMedia announced that HBO Max will arrive in 15 additional European countries. This will bring its total availability up to 61 countries after two major expansions throughout 2021, continuing the streaming service's staged rollout.The following countries will be able to access HBO Max starting March 8:Bosnia and HerzegovinaBulgariaCroatiaThe Czech RepublicHungaryMoldovaMontenegroThe NetherlandsNorth MacedoniaPolandPor...

If you're not using one yet, PopSockets are the best phone grips on the market because its relatively compact circular footprint is easy to place on various phone sizes. The plastic accordion can pop open and close hundreds of times without showing much (if any) wear. And if the thousands of styles PopSockets offers aren't to your liking, you can even order custom printed ones. Best of all, PopSockets can help you avoid painful RSIs — repetitive stress injuries — which may get cutesy names like "texting thumb" or "phone pinky," but they can also lead to lifelong pain. PopSockets can also cause RSIs if placed too high or too low, leading to strained thumbs or middle/ring/pinky fingers. In this guide, we seek balance to ensure your hands aren't strained, your grip is solid, and your PopSocket is positioned perfectly.Why you should put PopSockets on a case, not directly on your phoneBefore starting this process, I implore you to stick a PopSockets PopGrip on a phone case, not on...

Gotta catch 'em all, or at least the couple of dozen in Pokémon Unite at the moment.Pokémon Unite is out for the Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. For anyone who hasn't picked up the game just yet, fans can already begin to look ahead to figure out which potential Pokémon they'll want to use in what promises to be one of the best Android games out.For those unaware, Pokémon Unite pits teams of five trainers against each other, each armed with just a single Pokémon. Pokémon can evolve, hold items to improve their standing, and even learn new moves during battle. Here are all of the Pokémon Unite playable Pokémon characters so far.Jump to:Pokémon Unite rosterRoles and Battle Type systemsAre more Pokémon coming?Pokémon licensesAre any Pokémon free? Pokémon Unite playable charactersOnly 30 Pokémon are currently available in the game, each broken up by one of five types — Attacker, All-Rounder, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter. More Pokémon are...

If you're looking for a classy smartwatch packed with health and fitness features, we suggest getting Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and pairing it up with one of the best Galaxy Watch 4 Classic bands to complete the experience. So whether you're a personal trainer or a casual runner or just want a classy band, there are numerous options. We've rounded up some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic watch bands to help you find a match. And while you're at it, how about checking out the best Galaxy Watch 4 Classic screen protectors to protect that gorgeous Super AMOLED panel too?For all-day wearing comfortOTOPO Soft Silicone Sports BandStaff PickIf you're into sports (or love working out), we suggest pairing your Galaxy Watch 4 Classic with one of these soft, perforated sports watchbands from OTOPO. Made from skin-friendly material, they are comfortable enough to be worn all day long. Of course, you also get many color combinations to choose from, including White-Bla...

All Pokémon are S+ tier in my eyes. Except Stunfisk. I do not much care for Stunfisk.A new take on a long-established formula, Pokémon Unite pits teams of 5 trainers against each other, each armed with just a single Pokémon. Pokémon can evolve, hold items to improve their standing, and even learn new moves during battle, but some Pokémon have natural advantages over others — which is why we're heartlessly ranking them here. But let the record show that if my editor let me, this would be a tier list based on how huggable these cuties are.Tragically for me, we're instead ranking them based on how well they perform overall, along with how they perform in their respective categories of All-Rounder, Attacker, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter.Only a fraction of all (extremely huggable) existing Pokémon are currently represented in Unite — there are just 30, including a limited-time Zeraora. As such, the list of Pokémon in Pokémon Unite is nowhere near the hundreds of Po...

Kindle Vella is a novel way for Amazon customers to read.A few months back, we spoke with several independent authors to learn what they thought about a new service from Amazon called Kindle Vella. If this is the first time you're hearing about Kindle Vella, or if you don't remember what exactly it is, let me offer you a quick refresher.Kindle Vella is a new way for Amazon customers to read bite-sized, serialized works of fiction on their mobile devices. The idea is that you read a chapter at a time — which Amazon refers to as "episodes" — and you are notified when new episodes become available. You can follow specific authors or stories, or you can search by genre or topic. The first few episodes of a new story are free, and then you can purchase tokens, which grant you the ability to unlock new episodes in that or other stories. These tokens are available in bundles for bulk purchasing (more on this below). In addition, you can "fave" episodes, which adds a social component...

It isn't clear exactly when the unified OS will reach the OnePlus 10 Pro and older devices.What you need to knowA new rumor claims the global version of the OnePlus 10 Pro will ship with OxygenOS 12 instead of the new unified OS.The OnePlus 10 Pro was initially expected to be OnePlus' first phone to run the new unified OS announced by OnePlus and OPPO last year. OnePlus is expected to launch the flagship phone globally by the end of March. The OnePlus 10 Pro, which is expected to make its global debut later this quarter, may not ship with the new unified OS out of the box. According to tipster Yogesh Brar and 91Mobiles, OnePlus and OPPO's new unified OS has been delayed and may not be released until later this year.The global OnePlus 10 Pro, which is rumored to debut sometime in March, will apparently run Android 12-based OxygenOS 12 instead. The Chinese version of the phone runs OPPO's custom ColorOS 12.1 skin on top of Android 12.OnePlus and OPPO announced their new u...

The world of virtual reality gaming is growing larger, with the Oculus Quest 2 being arguably the most popular and easiest way to explore VR. However, whether you're looking to play some of the best games the Oculus Quest 2 has to offer, or just looking to explore the wider world of VR, you're in for a great experience.However, it may be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of games to choose from, so we've collected some of the biggest unreleased Oculus Quest 2 games slated to release for the platform in the coming months.Jump to:Ultrawings 2Green Hell VRCities: VRThe Last ClockwinderUltrawings 2Ultrawings is an aerial-themed, open-world game that allows players to take to the skies in a variety of aircrafts. While not as realistic as something like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Ultrawings 2 will seat players inside the cockpit of a plane, and task them with controller the intricate details of turning, landing, and making various maneuvers in the air.Th...

Google's history of wireless charging on its Pixels is somewhat rocky, but the Google Pixel 5 should work with a wider variety of wireless chargers. Yes, the Pixel 5 might actually end the insanity of wonky compatibility and bizarre charging speeds we saw with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4, thanks to the 15W Extended Power Profile used in the Pixel 5. Many great chargers are out there that support this wireless spec, but your Pixel deserves only the best. These are the best Pixel 5 wireless chargers, including pads and stands.For you and your budsiOttie iON Wireless DuoStaff PickThis two-pad charger has a 15W EPP wireless charging stand for topping off your Pixel 5 at top speed, and you also get a 5W flat charging pad for your Pixel Buds, smartwatch, or another phone. As a note, only the Dark Grey model is 15W for the Pixel 5!$50 at AmazonQC and PD supportAnker PowerWave Alloy PadThis is one of the few wireless charging pads that will work well with either Qualcomm Quic...

Fitbit continues to deliver industry-leading smartwatches designed to impress on multiple fronts. Two of its latest entries are the best Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 , both of which are compatible with Fitbit's new infinity band system that consists of a silicone band and peg closure. Therefore, the old bands from previous models won't work. But you can find infinity bands from other brands in all kinds of styles and colors.To infinity and beyondFitbit Infinity BandStaff PickThe infinity band that comes with your purchase is water-resistant, stain-resistant material. The design has been streamlined with a loop and peg that keeps the band secure all day long. So whether you're hitting the gym, going for a swim, or taking a nap, the infinity band will stay in place. It's the obvious top choice, coming right from the source.From $20 at AmazonGet sportyAdepoy Waterproof Sport SiliconeIf you're seeking a durable watch band with plenty of ventilation, you'll want to c...

When it comes to setting up a smart home, lighting is one of the simplest things to switch over first, not to mention one of the most cost-effective. Choice is abundant in terms of affordable smart devices, and what might be considered the best smart light bulb depends on several factors. GE CyncSmart Light Bulb checks all of the boxes. It's made by a trusted brand in lighting and is compatible with all major voice assistants and smart home control platforms. These bulbs can be grouped or used independently and can replace any standard 60-watt incandescent A19 bulb. And while it's a top pick, it isn't the only choice around.Best overall: GE Cync Smart Light Bulb (2-pack)This GE Cync bulb emits a soft white light suitable for any room of the home, comes in a convenient two-pack, uses 9.5 watts, and offers up to 800 lumens of brightness. It's designed to replace traditional 60-watt incandescent A19 bulbs and fits medium-based sockets in open fixtures. Essentially, it can replace ...

Hey, kids! Sony is buying Bungie, and the New York Times has snatched up Wordle. We won't be discussing either one of those acquisitions this week, but we WILL be talking about Blizzard developing a new survival game and Ubisoft shutting down Hyper Scape. Also, work is in progress on three new Star Wars games, and Rebecca helps us catch up on the latest news and rumors from Nintendo.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Blizzard working on survival game in first new universe since Overwatch | Windows CentralActivision Blizzard won't recognize Raven Software union, will reorganize QA workers | Windows CentralUbisoft is shutting down Hyper Scape | Windows CentralUbisoft calling gamers clueless about NFTs is the latest in a long string of insults | Windows CentralEA, Respawn working on three Star Wars games, including Jedi Fallen Order follow-up | Windows Central...

Smart and stylishGarmin Vivomove StyleFrom $218 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingConnected GPSNFC Payments5 ATM water resistanceHeart-rate monitoringConsShorter battery life in watch modeMore often than not, we're left to choose between smart features and a stylish appearance. Fortunately, you get the best of both worlds with the Garmin Vivomove Style. In addition to heart-rate monitoring and activity/sleep tracking, you'll have connected GPS and NFC payments.Bare essentialsGarmin Vivomove HRFrom $168 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoring5 ATM water resistanceLonger battery life in watch modeReasonably pricedConsNo GPS optionsLacks NFC paymentsWhether you're investing in your first hybrid smartwatch or simply want an attractive accessory that offers only the essentials, the Garmin Vivomove HR will treat you well. It offers smartphone notifications, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, and music...

Google Messages now translates iMessage reactions into emoji for more users.What you need to knowGoogle Messages' latest beta update adds support for iMessage reactions.The search giant was spotted in November of last year displaying iMessage reactions as emoji on the Messages app.This means reactions will no longer be translated into pesky text descriptions.In November 2021, Google was apparently preparing to add support for iMessage reactions on the Messages app, which was then rolled out to a small group of users. The search giant has now expanded the functionality to more users with the latest beta update for Messages (via Droid-Life).Google has rolled out support for iMessage reactions on Messages. The latest update replaces a reaction description such as "liked an image" with a like button. This means Messages now converts iMessage reactions to its own set of reactions on Android phones, albeit in beta.Previously, Android users would only see a text description wh...

Whether you're looking to get started on Verizon with a prepaid or postpaid unlimited plan, there are some great deals available starting with the solid Samsung Galaxy A42 5g on Verizon Prepaid. This phone normally commands a hefty $400 price tag but if you sign up for an Unlimited or Unlimited Plus plan, you can get it $300 off with 12 credits. Postpaid customers aren't left out either with the still very competent Galaxy S20 FE working out to $0 per month with bill credits.If you were looking to get a little more screen real estate with a great Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus 5G is also on sale. Whether you're sketching with the included S-Pen or just taking advantage of the huge screen to get some web browsing done, this tablet is a great choice. If you're looking to upgrade your audio, you can also grab a set of the wireless Galaxy Buds 2 to use with your new tablet or phone.Gamers can get more out of their phones with a Razer Kishi game controller. This is one of the be...

Samsung's flagship smartphones are known to offer the best in hardware (and software), and the Galaxy S21+ is no exception. That said, it's still a fragile (and more importantly, expensive) device that needs top-notch protection to maintain its good looks. So we rounded up some of the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ cases available. While some of these offer rugged protection, others show off the S21+'s premium design. No matter what your preference, there's sure to be a case (or more!) that'll keep your Galaxy S21+ looking new as ever.Exclusive to the PlusSamsung Kvadrat CoverStaff PickSamsung has been on a sustainability kick off lately, and this lovely textured case is part of that initiative. Made entirely out of recycled PET bottles, the case not only keeps new materials out of the product stream, but can be composted as well! The texture makes it easy and comfortable to hold while still providing protection. You can pick one up in violet or a stunning mint gray.From $20 ...

4.8 million Chromebooks were shipped in Q4 2021, down from 13.1 million units a year earlier.What you need to knowWorldwide tablet shipments declined 11.9% YoY in the fourth quarter of 2021.For the full year 2021, however, tablet shipments increased 3.2% YoY to reach 168.8 million units. Chromebook shipments, on the other hand, grew 13.5% for the full year. Chromebook and tablet shipments registered a decline globally during the fourth quarter of 2021, according to IDC's latest Worldwide Quarterly Personal Device Tracker. While Chromebook shipments tumbled 63.6% YoY, tablet shipments were down 11.9% YoY.Even though demand for Chromebooks and tablets slowed in Q4, shipments still witnessed impressive growth for the full year 2021. Tablet shipments increased 3.2% over 2020 to reach 168.8 million units. Chromebook shipments, on the other hand, grew 13.5%.Even though the tablet market appears to have moved past peak demand in most parts of the world, analysts at IDC believe...

The security update initially arrived for the Galaxy Note 20 series.What you need to knowSamsung starts rolling out the February 2022 security update to its flagship and mid-range Galaxy devices.The patch is now available for the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy A50 series, following its release to the Galaxy Note 20 series.The update includes some security fixes and improvements.Samsung has maintained its impressive update pace by scaling up the number of Galaxy phones receiving its updates while keeping the same speed, overtaking other Android OEMs. The company shows no signs of slowing down, as it is now rolling out the February 2022 security update to some of its Galaxy phones.The latest security patch has started arriving on the Galaxy S20 series in the United Kingdom following its release to the Galaxy Note 20 series on January 28 (via 9to5Google). The following models are picking up the update, along with the corresponding firmware versions:Galaxy S20: G98xFXXUDEVA9 / G98x...

Spotify "misread the room" by dismissing Canadian singer Neil Young's concerns over misinformation, experts say. They add that mega artists are proving that Spotify is a broadcaster rather than a distributor and the platform needs to be held to "higher standards."On Sunday, Spotify, which is one of the best Android apps, announced it was now adding content advisories before podcasts that discuss COVID-19. The news follows concerns from Young over the spread of virus misinformation through Joe Rogan's podcast. The list of celebrities calling out Spotify now includes Canadian musician Joni Mitchell and Nils Lofgren, the Bruce Springsteen guitarist, among others.More recently, 270 doctors and health professionals also wrote an open letter to Spotify asking it to take action on the podcast and accused the company of spreading misinformation.Spotify's chief executive Daniel Ek wrote in a news post the platform's rules on how it will be now labeling content with an advisory. The rule...

Smart speakers are generally a personal device or family, I suppose. These smart home products respond to your voice, provide you with information regarding upcoming events, and even learn your habits. But what if you have guests visiting who want to access any of the excellent Alexa speakers you have to play their music or news? Thankfully, Amazon has thought of this by allowing you to enable Guest Connect on Amazon Echo speakers. Ready to be an accommodating host? Good, let's get you prepared for your guest's arrival.How to use the Guest Connect feature on an Amazon EchoTo access your Amazon Echo device through Guest Connect, your guest will need to have already set up their own Alexa account with voice recognition complete. This ensures that your guest will be accessing their content when requesting music or news. With that done, here's how to set up your Echo speaker for Guest Connect.Open the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on More in the lower right corner.Choose Settings....