Latest from Android Central

The new-and-improved Amazon Halo VIew is all about giving you the full picture of your wellness. This compact and lightweight fitness tracker is perfect for health enthusiasts, but you may find yourself wanting a different band. While this is still a fairly new device, there are a few different band options out there. We've rounded up some of the best Amazon Halo View bands for you to choose from.Perfectly flexible and breathableAmazon Halo View Fabric BandStaff PickBreathability matters, especially if you're an active individual who needs a band that will move with you. This band comes directly from the company, and it's made of a blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex. So you'll have all the flexibility you need to tackle your workouts. It comes in six colors, including WInter, Olive, and Volcano.$30 at AmazonTime to get sportyAmazon Halo View Sport BandMany fitness enthusiasts are searching for a high-performance band ideal for high-intensity workouts. Yo...

POCO scores another win with the budget-focused M4 Pro 5G.The first wave of 5G-enabled devices started rolling out last year, but it was in 2021 that we got to see the democratization of the cellular standard. We can now find plenty of budget Android phones for under $200 that offer 5G connectivity as standard, and these devices are driving the momentum for 5G.POCO positioned itself ideally in this category with the M3 Pro, offering good hardware with an exciting design and 5G connectivity on a budget. The POCO F3 did the same for the mid-range segment, but it was the M3 and M3 Pro that excelled on the value front.The Chinese manufacturer is now doubling down on the budget 5G segment with the launch of the POCO M4 Pro. The phone features a similar design over the rear camera housing that we saw on the standard M3, and it has newer camera modules — along with an ultra-wide lens to boot — faster 33W fast charging, and a vibrant 90Hz LCD screen.What hasn't changed is the foc...

Before you know it, the holidays will be upon us. Are you prepared? We're all a little spoiled by the magic of online ordering and fast delivery times, but don't wait too long. Most major retailers are making a point to let customers know about their holiday shipping deadlines, including Walmart.The company says if you choose ground shipping by Dec. 20, you'll receive your package by Christmas Day. There are still some pretty sweet Walmart deals available, too. If you still have some items to cross off your holiday shopping list, now is the time.Online retailers can do their very best to make sure you receive your packages by a specific date, but let's not forget that the major courier services also play a critical role in the shipping and delivery process. Delays are bound to happen, so you should always consider leaving a little wiggle room rather than pushing it to the final days.Fortunately, each major courier service in the U.S. has provided some important details about deli...

Unfortunately, it looks like the phone will not launch with Android 12 out of the box.What you need to knowA fresh new leak has revealed nearly all the key specs of Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE.The phone is tipped to arrive with a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED screen, and a triple-camera setup featuring a 12MP main sensor. Samsung is expected to finally unveil the phone at its pre-CES 2022 event on January 4. Samsung announced earlier this week that it will be holding its CES 2022 pre-show keynote on January 4. Although the company hasn't confirmed anything yet, it is being speculated that the Galaxy S21 FE could finally break cover at the event. Ahead of the "Together for Tomorrow" show, WinFuture has published a new report with multiple renders and the full specs sheet of the upcoming value flagship.Per the report, Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch flat Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with FHD+ resolution, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and a 120Hz refresh ...

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 really 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 will be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, 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 a few months 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. So you'll want to experienc...

DJI makes drones and mobile gimbals.What you need to knowThe U.S. Treasury Department has placed DJI and other companies on an investment blocklist.DJI is accused of having supplied surveillance technology for the Chinese government.The move comes a year after DJI was placed on the Entity List.The United States is making another move against popular drone maker DJI as the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) places it and seven other companies on an investment blocklist.The announcement was made on Thursday following reports that DJI would be among the companies targeted by the U.S. government. According to the Treasury, these companies "actively support the biometric surveillance and tracking of ethnic and religious minorities in China, particularly the predominantly Muslim Uyghur minority in Xinjiang."Today, Treasury's OFAC identified 8 Chinese technology firms as part of the Chinese Military Industrial Complex. These 8 entities activel...

The best Amazon Fire TV Edition sets offer built-in access to Fire TV while saving an HDMI port. Mostly made by reliable brands like Toshiba and Insignia, these Fire TVs are often quite affordable, even up to 75 inches. And right now, you'll find major deals on some of the best models available.Among the Amazon Fire TV deals available, you'll find up to $250 off both the Toshiba C350 and Insignia F30, two of our top 4K picks for quality and affordability. There's also $100 off the brand-new Toshiba M550 with a 120Hz refresh rate and 48 local dimming zones, plus sets as low as $200 if you're willing to choose FHD over 4K. Overall, all of these well-reviewed sets offer great quality at even lower prices than usual.You'll find the same prices on Amazon and Best Buy for these sets. Just keep in mind that many of the Best Buy deal listings offer further incentives to go with the discounted television: a free Echo Dot (3rd Gen), three months of Apple TV+ for new subscribers, and 30 days ...

It's not too late to get your holiday shopping done, and there are plenty of last-minute deals you can take advantage of. If you're struggling with what to get someone, fitness trackers seem to be a popular gift idea. Amazon and Best Buy currently have the Fitbit Charge 5 on sale right now for just $130, a savings of $50 off its normal price.Fitbit makes some of the best fitness trackers available, which should come as no surprise because the company was founded on its firm health and fitness beliefs; that's what it specializes in. The Fitbit Charge 5 in particular is one of the very best you can get, delivering 7-day battery life with a beautiful OLED display. It's slim design, water-proofing, and features make it second to none.Save $50 on this Fitbit Charge 5Fitbit Charge 5 | $50 off$130 at Amazon$130 at Best BuyThe Fitbit Charge 5 comes in a few different colors and is perfect for fitness and holiday enthusiasts this holiday. It features a built-in GPS, health met...

With about a week left to get your Christmas gifts delivered on time, most retailers can no longer deliver your gifts on time unless they offer in-store pickup. But Best Buy is one of the rare exceptions, offering holiday deals on tech that you may be able to buy and receive that same day.With limited same-day deliveries, free next-day deliveries on some of its more popular devices, and the option for curbside/in-store pickup if a local store has your device in stock, Best Buy gives you the most versatility for snagging last-minute Christmas gifts.What is the last day for Best Buy Christmas deliveries?Best Buy hasn't announced a cut-off date for Christmas deliveries, and the speed of your package will depend on your zip code and whether your item is commonly available near you. Still, we have some solid estimates for Best Buy Christmas order cut-offs.At the moment, most Best Buy stock has either one- or two-day free delivery. So depending on your order, you could buy something ...

The rollout of RCS messaging features was a slow and frustrating process for all Android users. Then, Google decided to hop on the bandwagon and give just about everyone access to RCS through its own Messages app. Still, Samsung also lagged behind due in part to different wireless carriers dragging their feet. Today, we're taking a look at how you can set up RCS chat with the Samsung Messages app — provided that your carrier has enabled it.How to set up RCS Chat with Samsung MessagesUnlike with Google Messages, there is currently no way to force the activation of RCS within Samsung Messages. Your ability to activate it solely depends on your carrier activating the "Advanced Messaging" services for the stock Samsung app. So whether you're using the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or the Galaxy S20, your mileage may vary when it comes to receiving these features.When the time comes, you will be presented with a splash screen giving you the option to opt-in. The screen doesn't specifically ment...

Huawei is really going for style on this one.What you need to knowThe Huawei P50 Pocket leaks in new press images, showing the complete external design.The phone has a circular camera array with a circular external display.Huawei is reportedly using a rigid OLED to offset the cost of a circular display.Huawei is gearing up to launch a new clamshell foldable phone to counter the Galaxy Z Flip 3, and the latest leaks show off an impressive-looking device.The leaked images were spotted by leaker Ice universe and posted on Weibo by Harper's Bazaar, showing off a smartphone with a fashionable look with some unique design choices. Most notably, P50 Pocket sports a circular display next to a circular triple camera array. This is likely to match the design principles introduced in other P50 models, which distribute its rear cameras between two circular modules.Huawei P50 Pocket pic.twitter.com/KCYt4zF68T— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) December 16, 2021Ross Young, CEO of Dis...

We already know the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are the first choice in over-the-ear wireless headphones with crisp audio clarity, plenty of bass, and some of the best noise-canceling in the business. The problem is that these rather large headphones aren't really designed for workouts. Luckily, you can buy a new set of Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones and get a free set of WI-SP500 sports in-ear headphones for just $249.99 at Amazon. And if black's not your style, you can also get this deal in silver.Sony has been making some of the best headphones in the world for decades and has brought its expertise into the digital age with some of the best Bluetooth headphones you can get. In fact, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are some of the best wireless headphones you can buy and they work great with Android.With Sony's app, you can set up precise noise canceling and enable LDAC for high-resolution audio at up to 990kbps. These headphones also support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integrati...

Best answer: The public preview for Project xCloud ended on Sept. 11, 2020. Now, cloud gaming has moved to beta status for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers while Microsoft spins up its resources to meet the incoming demand. However, if you're a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you can download the new Game Pass app from the Play Store, pair up a compatible controller, and get gaming!Full cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate listA Plague Tale: InnocenceAI: The Somnium FilesAragami 2ArchvaleArt of RallyAstria AscendingArk: Survival EvolvedAtomicropsAstroneerBanjo-KazooieBanjo-TooieBanjo-Kazooie: Nuts and BoltsBack 4 BloodBatman: Arkham KnightBattlefield VBattletoadsBeholder Complete EditionBlack DesertBlair WitchBleeding EdgeBlinx: The Time SweeperBloodrootsBoyfriend DungeonBreathedgeBridge Constructor PortalBug Fables: The Everlasting SaplingCall of the SeaCarrionCartoCelesteChildren of MortaCities: Skylines - Xbox One EditionClusterTruckCod...

Sony's veritable army of developers are working on a new slate of games for the PS5.The newest generation of PlayStation gaming is in full swing, with the arrival of the PS5. Sony acquired and closed multiple studios over the last few years, leading to an interesting reshuffle for the following lineup. From bringing in the longtime partners at Insomniac Games to closing down teams like Manchester Studio, PlayStation is a different entity now than it was when starting the PS4 generation back in 2013.With a new generation comes new games, including some of the best PS5 games available. This is a list of everything we know about what the leading 13 development studios at Sony Worldwide Studios are currently working on, or are at least fairly certain to be developing for PS5, PSVR, and possibly PC down the road.Current Sony studios, primary and supportSIE Bend StudioBluepoint GamesFirespriteGuerrilla GamesHousemarqueInsomniac GamesSIE London StudioMalaysia StudioMedia ...

With the ease at which you can remove your PS5 faceplate covers, it's great to know that there are many alternatives available, both official and aftermarket. But with the uncertainty that comes with veering away from the default option, where should you start? Whether you're dissatisfied with the original white color or just looking for a different option to help spruce up your new console, our guide on the best PS5 faceplates is here to help you get your console looking its best.The real dealOfficial PS5 Console CoversStaff PickAfter a long wait, official PS5 plates are finally here in various colors. As well as having covers sporting the official logo, those wishing to purchase licensed plates can be sure they're getting products of the highest quality. Pre-orders are available now, and the option to purchase a PS5 controller in each new color ensures you'll have a satisfying and complete package in your shade of choice.$55 at PlaystationJoining the dark side...

Feel smart with a pair of connected glasses that fits your lifestyle.Thinking about picking up a pair of smart glasses in the near future, or maybe you just want to learn a bit more about this fledgling technology? Smart glasses are both a specific category and a catch-all term at the same time, further lending to the confusion that surrounds the current state of any kind of tech-laden lenses that sit upon your nose.Never fear, because we're here to explain them all to you and help you pick the best smart glasses from each category. Whether you just need a cool pair of shades like the Razer Anzu that lets you take phone calls without having something in your ears at all times, or actually want to be immersed in a second digital world with a giant 220-inch virtual screen like Nreal Light can offer, the smart glasses category has something for just about everyone and every budget.Jump to:Audio glassesSocial glassesSmart assisted reality glassesAR glassesAudio glasses...

Bring the classic arcade action you remember to your phone with these great fighting games!Fighting games have fallen to the wayside on the latest consoles (and the less said about the state of arcades the better) but for a long while, fighting games reigned supreme in the video game world. They were often the battleground where gamers showed off their skills in arcade tournaments or huddled around a TV with your best pals. Fortunately, the genre is still well-represented on mobile devices, with a great mix of ports and original titles to satisfy fans of fisticuffs.Here's hoping we see more ports of classic fighting titles but until then, enjoy these great fighters. And when you're done here, be sure to head over to the best Android games list to check out some other great games!The gamesBrawlhallaFighting Tiger - LiberalFinal FighterInjustice 2King of Fighters '97King of Fighters ALLSTARMortal KombatPrizefightersReal Boxing 2Real Steel World Robot BoxingRowdy Wr...

New ways to save this holiday season.What you need to knowGoogle is launching new shopping features to the Chrome browser on mobile and desktop.The Chrome tabs view will show updated prices on items to help find good deals.Google is adding quick access to Lens from the Chrome address bar.Chrome will now help users keep track of their carts from multiple sites.The holidays are upon us, and while many people are done with their shopping, there are still plenty of great last-minute deals around that are worth taking a look at. Google knows this, which is why it's introducing several new features for Chrome to help users find the best deals and better manage their carts.This week, Google is making the Chrome tab view much more helpful in tracking prices on items. If you have tabs open on product pages, Chrome will now alert you of price changes so you can quickly check if an item you've been considering gets a nice discount. This way, Chrome can help you make a move on a n...

Rooting isn't as popular as it used to be, but there's still a vibrant community of modders involved in launching new ROMs. If you're just getting started or are looking to delve back into the world of modding, the OnePlus 8T is our favorite pick. We've included other top-notch options as well, so you have the best phones for rooting and modding to choose from.Tinker awayOnePlus 8T Android SmartphoneStaff PickThe OnePlus 8T is a solid choice in 2021. You get excellent hardware, a flat 120Hz AMOLED display, 65W fast charging, and reliable cameras. The phone is the ideal canvas for rooting and modding, and OnePlus makes it as straightforward as possible to unlock the bootloader and install custom ROMs.$500 at Amazon $450 at OnePlusThe 5G optionOnePlus 9 Android SmartphoneIf you're looking for a more recent option, the OnePlus 9 is a great choice as well. The phone has outstanding cameras thanks to the new Hasselblad partnership, and you get the latest internal...

With the 2021 holidays rapidly approaching, so are online shopping deadlines. Online retailers are still running some excellent deals on some of the top devices for the year. There are less than two weeks before the gift-giving begins, and the shipping delays are building up. All the major courier services in the U.S. are backed up with deliveries, and it is pushing the deadlines to get your packages delivered before the holidays up. That's why we're here to get you these last-minute Amazon shopping deals before it's too late.Each of the services put together a helpful info page to help you better plan when you'll need to ship your package by: USPS, FedEX, and UPS.Using these dates can help when you're shopping from your favorite online retailers for the best Google Assistant speakers, Fire tablets, streaming devices, Alexa speakers, Android smartwatches, and more. Just be sure not to wait too long, or you'll run out of time. There are some excellent deals running right now, and if...

Next-gen immersion in a hands-on fashion.The PS5 doesn't just bring in better graphics and higher framerates—it also gives players a new controller, the DualSense. This successor to the DualShock 4 features a higher-quality built-in microphone, a refined touchpad, an improved battery, and most importantly, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.Those latter two features can be used by game developers in unique ways. For example, haptic feedback can give unique sensations, like the pattering of rain or a blast of energy, in a more focused and accurate way than rumble motors. Meanwhile, adaptive triggers can provide a variety of functions with different weapons due to the special physical functions implemented.To provide a couple of examples, adaptive triggers are being used in Arkane Studios' Deathloop so that if a gun jams, the trigger physically locks. Meanwhile, in Insomniac Games' Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, you can pull a trigger partially to fire one barrel on a partic...

There's still time to pick up one of these fantastic VPN deals from a range of the best VPN providers. As the year draws to a close the discounts are still flying around, although plenty of them have a countdown ticking down, so you might want to get one sorted sooner rather than later. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering. Many even come with a money-back guarantee, so if it doesn't work the way you want, you'll be able to get out of the deal.Best cheap VPN Deals Right NowExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off)PureVPN: $1.33 per month (88% off) Surfshark: $2.49 per month (81% off)IPVanish: $2.92 per month (70% off)NordVPN: $3.29 per month (72% off) PIA VPN: $2.03 per month (83% off)CyberGhost: $2.15 per month (83% off)FastestVPN: ...

Marshall does it better with these earbuds.The Marshall brand long stood out in the music industry as an amp manufacturer, and since branching out into wireless speakers and headphones, it's tried to find its footing. Much of that centers on matching the company's design heritage with modern tech, and that's one way to describe what the Motif ANC earbuds are all about.They are the brand's premium wireless earbuds under a partnership with Swedish manufacturer Zound Industries, the same guys who also make Urbanears and Adidas headphones. The Motif ANC are the more feature-rich option than Marshall's less expensive Minor III and clearly the better option of the two.Marshall Motif ANC review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceMarshall Motif ANC Bottom line: ...

Some users from the U.S., Canada, and Europe received the alert.What you need to knowGoogle's At A Glance widget sent out a weird alert to global users about a storm in the Philippines.The storm alert is highly likely caused by a glitch.A Category 5 storm is currently ravaging the eastern and central parts of the southeast Asian country.If you woke up to a rather strange warning from your Google Pixel's At A Glance widget alerting you to a storm that's nowhere near your location, you're not alone.As super typhoon "Odette" (international name: Rai) continues to slam the eastern and central parts of the Philippines, some Google Pixel owners from various parts of the world have received an odd storm alert. The warning was clearly sent out by accident via the At A Glance widget.It came from PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), and it is likely to have caused panic among those who saw it on their phone screens. Some users fro...

Very busy for the next year.What you need to knowCard-based virtual reality game Demeo will receive several updates in 2022.The updates include a social lobby, player-versus-player mode, and two new campaigns.Demeo: PC Edition will be launching for Steam next April and does not require a VR headset to play.Resolution Games revealed its 2022 roadmap today for its dungeon crawling virtual reality title Demeo including new modes, campaigns, and a non-VR version.The roadmap starts on Feb. 24 with a new social hub where players can customize their avatars and meet with other players in-between adventures. The hangout space will also include a playable arcade mini-game called Hauntlet, which was designed by Doom co-creator and Resolution Games senior creative director Tom Hall.The studio will be launching a non-VR version of the game called Demeo: PC Edition in Steam Early Access on April 7. This version will support cross-platform play with VR users, though can be restricted...

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

Stay connected, stay safe.Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do while behind the wheel. It puts you and everyone else on the road at risk, and while it should go without saying, it is obviously something we don't condone.That said, there are times when you need to stay connected, even when in your car. Whether you're following turn-by-turn navigation, making a hands-free phone call, or controlling your music while on a long road trip, having a device to do all of these things is a must.Google is aware of that, and that's why it created Android Auto. Android Auto is software that's available on your phone and in your car, and it gives you a way to do all of the things mentioned above as safely as possible. Ready to learn more? Keep on reading!Auto upgradeSony XAVAX8000$600 at Best BuyElevate your Android Auto experienceIf you have an older car that doesn't natively support Android Auto, consider this third-party model from Sony. With an ...

The Nord 2 CE may look quite different from its predecessor.What you need to knowThe first CAD-based renders of the upcoming OnePlus Nord 2 CE have surfaced.The renders suggest the phone will look more like the Nord 2 than the Nord CE 5G.It is tipped to launch in India sometime in Q1 2022. Earlier this week, a huge leak shed light on the key specs of OnePlus' upcoming Nord CE 5G successor. Just days later, the folks at 91Mobiles have published CAD-based renders of the mid-ranger.The renders suggest the OnePlus Nord 2 CE will have an almost identical design to the OnePlus Nord 2, which is one of the best Android phones released this year. It appears to have a flat display with a hole-punch cutout in the top-left corner. On the back of the phone is a rectangular camera module housing three sensors. Additionally, the renders reveal the phone will have the volume rocker keys on the left, while the power button will be on the right. We can also see a headphone jack on ...

A classic home security system may cost you thousands upfront, plus a sizeable monthly fee for monitoring. Thankfully, recent smart home advances have democratized home security so that you can protect yourself with an affordable DIY kit, with or without professional monitoring. Among the best cheap home security systems, you'll want to start with a Ring Alarm system, which offers affordable bundles and a low monthly cost for monitoring. But we have plenty of alternatives depending on your budget and needs.Best overall bargain: Ring Alarm Security KitRing Protect Plus is a shot across the bow for major security companies that charge $40 to $60 a month for video monitoring and to "unlock" security features that you can't do without. Not counting per-camera monitoring, you have two main options: Ring Protect Plus and Ring Protect Pro. Plus lets you save clips of motion events for 60 days, with notifications warning if a person walks by or lingers outside your door. But if you wan...

Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence.What you need to knowAmazon Web Services has gone down for the second time this month.Many websites reliant on Amazon's cloud hosting services are down, including Twitch, DoorDash, Xbox Live, and T-Mobile. (At least it wasn't on T-Mobile Tuesdays this time.)It's unclear how long this outage might last, but here's hoping it doesn't take the rest of the day like it did last time.Eight days after a six-hour AWS outage took down everything from Ring security cameras to the McDonald's app, Amazon Web Services is down again, and it once again took dozens of apps and services with it. Outage dashboard DownDetector shows many of the same sites as last week have significant issues, including Disney+, Ring, Twitch, DoorDash, and both PSN and Xbox Live.Last week's outage was related to issues at an AWS facility in Virginia, and today's outage seems to stem from issues in Oregon and North California according to the AWS Service Health Dashbo...

Technology and sustainability were mutually exclusive terms for quite a while, but these days, we're getting better about learning how to get the accessories we need for the best Android phones without having to completely sacrifice our devotion to greener living. These cases, chargers, and accessories are sustainably made, compostable, and/or made with renewable materials. Here are the most environmentally-friendly phone accessories you can buy for your smartphone today.For you, for the planetNimble Eco-Friendly PowerKnit USB-C to USB-C CableFounded by three former Mophie employees, Nimble knows how to make great chargers and cables while reducing the e-waste rampant within the smartphone accessory industry. Made from certified recycled plastic and aluminum, this USB-C cable should last you years and comes with a bag for you to ship old tech to Nibmle for free recycling.$25 at Best Buy (2 meter)$20 at Best Buy (1 meter)Think inside the boxOtterBox Symmetry and Symmetr...

It will be available in Europe later this month and in the U.S. in January 2022.What you need to knowSamsung has finally taken the wraps off the Galaxy Tab A8.Its latest mid-range tablet boasts some nifty upgrade over its predecessor.Samsung has yet to announce its price, but the device will be up for grabs in Europe in late December.Samsung has expanded its Galaxy Tab A lineup of tablets with the Galaxy Tab A8 launch on Wednesday, promising a faster performance than its predecessor and more internal storage capacity.By looking at the specs sheet, it's reasonable to tell that this upgrade does not vary in leaps and bounds over its predecessor, which is currently one of the best Android tablets. That said, the latest slate may impress those looking for a good tablet without breaking the bank.The tablet is powered by an octa-core processor that, according to Samsung, is 10% faster than the Snapdragon 662 SoC found in the Galaxy Tab A7. However, the company did not mention...

The Amazon Kindle and Fire Tablet are two great devices for reading on the go without lugging a heavy selection of physical books with you. Of course, the best Amazon Fire Tablets are also designed for more than just reading, with many featuring the ability to surf the internet, stream videos, send messages, and more. Some of the highest-rated Amazon Kindles also come with Wi-Fi, so you can connect to the internet wherever you go. While Amazon Kindle devices have long-lasting batteries, Amazon Fire Tablets are no slouch in this department. The truth of the matter is if you've ever experienced your tablet's battery in the red just as you're about to head out the door — fast charging is of the utmost importance. With that in mind, here are the Amazon Kindle and Fire Tablet devices you can rely on that come with USB-C charging.What is USB-C charging?USB-C is the latest iteration of the USB standard. Also known as Type-C, the most obvious difference between USB-C and traditional US...

More to loveSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2From $226 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSOptional LTE connectivityRunning Analysis & VO2 MaxSlim, attractive designImproved sensorsConsShorter battery lifeOlder watchWhile the Galaxy Watch Active 2 has its fair share of fitness-focused perks, there are other reasons to love it. You have the option of LTE connectivity and some other health features, like ECG and blood pressure monitoring.All of the essentialsFitbit Versa 3$180 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSImproved heart-rate technologyActive Zone Minutes featureSuperior battery lifeBuilt-in mic/speakerConsNo ECG or blood pressure monitoringLacks LTE connectivityOld bands won't workThe Fitbit Versa 3 has made many improvements over its predecessor. You'll have onboard GPS, additional voice assistant options, a built-in mic/speaker, improve heart-rate technology, and Fitbit's helpful Active Zone Minutes feature.Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Samsung Ga...

If you've been on social media at all for the past couple of years, you've no doubt seen at least one video where someone in a VR headset jumps into a TV, runs into a wall, or falls into a table. It's a tale that abruptly ends one of the most wonderful experiences in gaming and turns it into something tragic. However, this can all be avoided by following a few simple rules.If you're the lucky recipient of an Oculus Quest 2 this holiday season — or are one of the millions of folks who already own one — Meta has built in a few simple tools to help keep you and those around you safe while playing in VR. After all, you actually have to move your body to move your character in VR games, while traditional games just have you twiddling your thumbs.Set your boundaries correctlyAny time you turn your Oculus Quest or Quest 2 on, it'll ask you if your Guardian Boundary is set up correctly. You can always change this boundary at any time by opening your Quest settings menu and select...

With the 2021 holidays rapidly approaching, so are online shopping deadlines. Online retailers are still running some excellent deals on some of the top devices for the year. There are less than two weeks before the gift-giving begins, and the shipping delays are building up. All the major courier services in the U.S. are backed up with deliveries, and it is pushing the deadlines to get your packages delivered before the holidays up. That's why we're here to get you these last-minute Amazon shopping deals before it's too late.Each of the services put together a helpful info page to help you better plan when you'll need to ship your package by: USPS, FedEX, and UPS.Using these dates can help when you're shopping from your favorite online retailers for the best Google Assistant speakers, Fire tablets, streaming devices, Alexa speakers, Android smartwatches, and more. Just be sure not to wait too long, or you'll run out of time. There are some excellent deals running right now, and if...

Best-answer: Sony's purchase policies don't allow retailers other than the PlayStation Store to sell digital game downloads. Because of this, you'll need to buy a gift card if you want to give your friend a digital game.How to buy a digital copy of a PS4 or PS5 game for your friendUnfortunately, you technically can't gift a digital copy of a game anymore, on PS4 or PS5. While this used to be an option, it's no longer possible. Now, if you want to give a digital game to a friend, you'll want to send them a PlayStation Store gift card so they can buy the game themselves. It's far from ideal, but it's the only real option. You can buy someone a physical game, but then you'll have to ship it to them, and they can't play it if they are using a PS5 Digital Edition. While inconvenient, if you truly want to buy a game for someone without them technically purchasing on the PlayStation Store, a physical copy will be your only option.Fortunately, if this is truly the way you want to do it...

Until now, Spaces and voice tweets were the only Twitter products to support auto captions.What you need to knowTwitter has started rolling out automatic captions for videos on its platform.In addition to Android and iOS devices, the feature will also be available on the web.For now, however, there's no way for users to report inaccurate captions. Twitter has finally started pushing automatic captions for videos, making its platform more accessible. As confirmed by the official Twitter Support handle, video captions are now available on the best Android phones and iPhones.Twitter says auto-captions will appear in the language of the device that was used to upload the video. Disappointingly, though, translation isn't available yet.It is important to note that video captions will only appear automatically on new videos uploaded to Twitter. You won't see them on old videos that don't have captions. While auto-captions will appear by default on muted videos on Twitter's mob...

Consider a Google Play gift card for the person who has everything and makes it incredibly difficult to buy for each year. We all know one, right? The gift of choice is universal, making it the perfect option for friends and family. With a Google Play gift card, there's plenty of entertainment for any Android device owner who can purchase everything, including apps and in-app purchases, bestselling books, the latest games, popular subscriptions, and movies deemed the best of 2021.Where to buy Google Play gift cards by countryWhere to buy a Google Play card will depend on the country you're in, as well as whether you want to buy in-store or online to send your gift electronically. Here, we'll break down how you can buy Google Play cards both electronically and in-person in three main locations, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., to help make your shopping a bit easier.Jump to:USACanadaUKWhere to buy Google Play gift cards in the USTo buy a Google Play gift card online...

It's the Wild West of ports out there, and you never know what games may make their way to Android.We're rounding up the best console games with ports you can pick up in the Google Play Store. Nowadays, there are so many options, but we've compiled a list that includes the best across all genres. Platformers? We got 'em. RPGs? Are you kidding me? Of course, we've got those. So no matter what kind of mood you're in, you're bound to find something here that will wow you.Keep in mind that this is a list of best ports, so the quality of the port itself is a defining factor in whether or not a game makes the list. Not every game translates well into the mobile space, and some developers succeed where others fail. These have passed the test and have earned their place in the victor's circle. You'll find many of these titles on our list of favorite Android games overall, too. Ready? Let's jump into some of the best console ports for Android!The gamesCall of DutyCastlevania: Symp...

The phone uses an E5 AMOLED display from Samsung with an Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) layer on top.What you need to knowOPPO has announced its first foldable phone.The new Find N comes with a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 7.1-inch 120Hz inner screen, and 33W fast charging. It starts at 7,699 yuan (about $1,210) in China. OPPO has finally taken the wraps off its first foldable phone, the Find N. The new foldable has an inward-folding design, just like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3.The OPPO Find N comes equipped with a 7.1-inch 1792 x 1920 OLED main display featuring an Ultra Thin Glass layer, a 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 1,000 nits. Unlike Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3, however, the Find N's 5.49-inch OLED cover display only has a 60Hz refresh rate.The phone uses a "waterdrop" hinge that OPPO claims is the "best-designed" hinge on a foldable yet, featuring a total of 136 components. Not only is the hinge claimed to be highly durable, but also helps minimize the crease to...

Amazon's Fire TV streaming sticks are some of the cheapest and easiest ways to upgrade a TV with all of the best streaming apps. Starting with the Fire TV Stick Lite, you can get HD streaming with Alexa voice controls for just $20, or 33% off. This device works with Amazon's Prime Video streaming service as well as most of the other popular services including Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+.If you've upgraded to a 4K TV, you can also save on a 4K Fire Stick with discounts on the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Each of these Fire Sticks comes with a remote control with some capable of controlling the TV as well. This includes changing volume and powering on the TV so you don't have to search for multiple remotes when it's time to watch a movie. You can even DVR your favorite live TV including local news with the Fire TV Recast.These are the best deals on the best Amazon Fire Sticks but the savings are only available until December 25.Get a deal on Fire TV no matter ...

YouTube TV for $50 a month and a new Google TV dongle?What you need to knowT-Mobile will start selling a new TVision Hub based on Android 11 with Google TV.This TVision Hub is powered by a quad-core chipset with 2GB RAM and 8GB storage.Ports include Ethernet, USB-C for accessories, micro USB for power, and integrated HDMI output with 4K support.TVision Hub is free for new T-Mobile Home Internet customers or $50 for everyone else.As reported by The T-Mo Report, T-Mobile has a new TVision Hub streaming device running Google TV. It has a simplified remote and compact Chromecast-like design with a built-in HDMI port. While the available details are light, 9to5Google found a tweet by chipmaker SEI Robotics shedding a bit more light on the internal hardware of the device.A first in the US: SEI Robotics is thrilled to announce, in collaboration with @Google and @TMobile, the new TVision HUB, powered by #GoogleTV!Equipped with the latest #Amlogic S905Y4 (AV1 decoding), #AndroidT...

Your Memories are now front and center on your desktop.What you need to knowGoogle Photos expands its Memories feature to more users on the web.The expansion was first announced back in October.Any changes you set for Memories on the web will carry over to the mobile version and vice versa.Google Photos has long been taking mobile users on a trip down memory lane with a quick tap on the app, which immediately surfaces photos taken from a few years ago front and center on their screen. Now, the service is treating more web users to the same experience.As spotted by German blog site SmartDroid, Google Photos' Memories carousel is now showing up more widely on many of the best laptops (via Android Police). Like its mobile counterpart, Memories on the web sits right at the top of your Google Photos library.The carousel displays a mix of your timed and themed photos, and you can scroll through them to view each collection. When you click on an image or video in the carousel,...

A look at Wear OS 3 sans Samsung and One UI Watch.What you need to knowGoogle releases a Wear OS 3 emulator, giving us a look at the upcoming update.The UI looks a lot like Samsung's One UI Watch implementation on the Galaxy Watch 4.Wear OS 3 is slated to launch on newer smartwatches sometime in 2022.While we've had a taste of Wear OS 3 for some time thanks to the Galaxy Watch 4, we've only really seen it with Samsung's One UI Watch on top of it. However, an updated emulator image gives us a good look at the "stock" Wear OS 3 update that we can expect to see on devices sometime next year.The updated image was spotted on a Reddit post by Mishaal Rahman and shows very rounded, pill-shaped menus, not unlike what we've seen from Samsung. Quick settings are shown with more icons, there's a new look for brightness slider and battery page, and tons more.Much of this has been seen before when Google released the emulator back in May. However, Rahman notes that it now has a bu...

This new AR device may very well not be glasses at all.What you need to knowThe next-generation AR hardware from Google may not be glasses at all, according to a new set of job postings from Google.Google will also be developing a brand new augmented reality operating system for new AR devices.Some job postings are located at the Kitchener-Waterloo location in Canada, which was previously responsible for North AR Glasses.It's hard to believe, but it's been almost nine years since the original Google Glass made its public debut. While Google followed them up with Google Glass 2 in the beginning of 2020, that pair was aimed solely at Enterprise customers. Now, according to a bevy of job postings found by 9to5Google, Google is ready to work on a true next-generation pair of Augmented Reality (AR) glasses and a bespoke operating system to go alongside them.While it's far too early to know what Google's new AR team is working on, many smart glasses like Ray-Ban Stories (pictur...

What is Ghostwire: Tokyo? There are a lot of unknowns, but it looks to be mysterious and creepy in the best ways possible.At Bethesda's E3 2019 press conference, they showed off two entirely brand new IPs — one of them was called Ghostwire: Tokyo. Creative director Ikumi Nakamura took the stage with a level of confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity that immediately charmed the audience and deeply contrasted with the level of creepiness and dark aesthetic beauty of the trailer she led into. Whatever Ghostwire: Tokyo is exactly, the concepts for it presented in a CGI video look incredible.Since then, more has been revealed, with some significant footage shown during Sony's June 2020 PS5 showcase, the Future of Gaming. Nakamura is no longer on the project, Mikami is now director, and this game is a timed console exclusive. Here's what we now know about what could end up as one of the best PS5 games available:Jump to:What is Ghostwire: Tokyo?What is the story?Check out the ...

New areas to explore and new machines to discover.One of the biggest, most beautiful games revealed during Sony's PS5 showcase The Future of Gaming was Horizon Forbidden West. This ambitious sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn is being developed by Guerrilla Games, who are using the Decima engine and the newfound power of the PS5 to great lengths. It will no doubt become one of the best PS5 games when it releases.The world of Horizon Forbidden West is one of mystery and one of the highlights is the different kinds of machines that roam, fly, or swim through the world. As Aloy travels into what was the Western USA, she's going to discover plentiful machines, both new types and returning forms. Here's the full list of machines in Horizon Forbidden West that we know so far.Horzion Forbidden West Machines:Machine ClassesBristlebacksClamberjawsClawstridersChargersShellsnappersSnapmawsSunwingsTiderippersTremortusksUnidentified Snake MachinesMachine classesIn the origina...

Google Pay is a fantastic contactless way to pay for stuff when you're out and about. The e-wallet can be used for in-store payments, offers cash back rewards and other benefits, and even shows your vaccine details in some regions. Local payments aside, you can go global with your monetary transactions. Here's how you can send money abroad with Google Pay.Google Pay can only send money internationally from the U.S. to India and Singapore.How to send money abroad with Google PayDownload and install Google Pay on your device.Open the Google Pay app.Search for and select the person to whom you want to send money.Tap the Pay button on the bottom of your screen.Choose Western Union or Wise.Tap Get started to proceed.Fill in all the necessary details about the transfer.Tap Continue after filling everything in.A sign-in prompt from Western Union or Wise will pop up. Tap Sign in to allow access.If you don't have an account, follow the steps to sign up for Western Union or...

Google's latest Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best streaming devices you can buy. Consolidating your services into one Google-Assistant-driven interface is pretty sweet. Chromecast with Google TV comes with a remote, but what if you can't find the remote or if you want to simply use your phone? You've got an app for that, and it's available widely around the globe. You can use the remote control in the app that was previously named Play Movies and TV, now known simply as Google TV. Alternatively, you can now use the Google Home app as well, but the features are limited. Just download either one and you can navigate the interface with your Android phone.Note: This procedure only works if the Google TV device and your phone are both on the same Wi-Fi- network. In cases where no Google TV is detected, the icon will not be where it should be.How to use an Android phone as a Google TV remote (the long way)How to use an Android phone as a Google TV remote (the quick way)Ho...