Latest from Android Central

The Galaxy Tab S8+ is still available for preorder, but that may change soon.What you need to knowSamsung has put the Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra preorders on hold.The move was motivated by "overwhelming demand," according to the company.Despite this, you can still preorder the tablets from other online retailers such as Best Buy.The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series is easily the best Android tablets on the market, but you might be out of luck if you're trying to preorder the tablets right now. Samsung has paused preorders for the vanilla and Ultra models on its online storefront due to an "overwhelming demand."As spotted by XDA Developers, both the regular Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra are marked as sold out on Samsung's website just two days after the products' announcement. Here's what a company representative had to say regarding the device's status: We are thrilled by the consumer response to our new Galaxy Tab S8 lineup. Due to the overwhelming demand in the las...

Google also introduced other online safety features in observance of Safer Internet Day.What you need to knowGoogle announced new updates and expansions to its existing online safety features.Guest Mode on Google Assistant will be available in nine additional languages in the coming months.The Google Fi app will soon allow you to share your location with friends and family members for free.Beginning next month, you'll be able to turn on Google's account-level enhanced safe browsing.Last year, Google unveiled an incognito-style feature for Google Assistant called Guest Mode, which prevents your interactions on Nest speakers and displays from being saved. The feature was initially available on a few languages, but that's changing soon.Google announced this week that Guest Mode is coming to nine more languages over the coming months. It's adding support for Danish, Indonesian, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Brazil), Swedish, Thai, Mandarin (Taiwan), and Hindi (via 9to5Google...

Congrats on your new Samsung Galaxy S22! Your wonderful new flagship is powerful, pretty, and...delicate. Sure, IP68 water resistance is great, but this is still a slab of glass and aluminum wrapped around the fancy new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and those wonderful, wonderful cameras. You need to protect it with a wonderful Galaxy S22 case, but while you're at it, there are a few key ways to elevate your Galaxy experience.The new signature lookGalaxy S22 Series Silicone Cover with StrapThis strappy case is looking like the one to beat for the Galaxy S22, as Samsung will be working with big-name brands like Disney to create fun swappable straps. The strap is also functional and serves as a phone grip.$40 at Samsung (S22) $40 at Samsung (S22+) $40 at Samsung (S22 Ultra)Strong, yet stylishPoetic NeonThis heavy-duty case uses a flexible, impact-absorbent inner sleeve, while a hard outer shell offers a firm grip and stability. Both the S22 and S22+ have eight colorway...

For all you lonely souls out there.What you need to knowTinder launches its latest feature dubbed Fast Chat: Blind Date.The app will match people based on commonalities and put them in a timed chat.They can decide to "like" the person or move on to another match.Fast Chat: Blind Date is available now in the U.S. and will arrive globally soon.Are you looking for a last-minute Valentine's date? Tinder wants to give you a shot by launching a new feature on the dating app — Fast Chat: Blind Date.The name is pretty self-explanatory, as it's Tinder's way to make blind dates cool again.The feature works by having users answer questions about themselves, after which it will pair them with someone with who they have things in common. After they're paired up, they will enter a timed chat, although neither person can see each other's profiles; they will only be able to view their answers to certain multiple-choice questions.Once the chat is over, each participant will have th...

After replacing Google+, Currents will disappear into Google's Slack competitor app.What you need to knowGoogle is "planning to wind down Google Currents," an enterprise app meant to allow coworkers to share ideas and information with one another.Google will import Currents into Google Spaces, a workroom app that syncs with your Google Workspace apps, by 2023.Currents only left beta in mid-2020, making it particularly short-lived.Google loves to throw apps at the wall, see what sticks, then scrape up the failures and throw them onto the successes as a garnish. It's taken that approach with its messaging apps, reader apps, and productivity apps, among others. On Thursday, Google announced that Google Currents would be the latest tool to get frankensteined onto another service.Currents, originally the branding for a social magazine app replaced by Google Play Newsstand in 2013, later became a G Suite app where users could "have meaningful discussions and interactions" by sh...

Google clears a major regulatory hurdle.What you need to knowThe UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted Google's Privacy Sandbox commitments.The CMA opened its investigation into the proposal in early 2021.Google will consult with the CMA on a regular basis to ensure it's compliant.Following an investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Google has announced on Friday that the regulatory body has approved its controversial Privacy Sandbox commitments.The approval will ensure that Google's work into Privacy Sandbox will remain fair and not harm competition. Google says that its proposal to replace third-party cookies "will apply in the same way to Google's advertising products as to products from other companies."Additionally, Google will work with the CMA and Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for regulatory oversight and input as it develops the initiative to ensure that it's compliant and will wait to implement any change...

No matter which smartphone you buy these days, it's essential to get a case for it, and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is no exception. The Galaxy S20 FE offers everything — from powerful hardware to great cameras — at a very attractive price. Moreover, it's a smartphone that'll easily last you years, provided you get one of these best Galaxy S20 FE cases to give it the protection it deserves. And while you're at it, you may also want to check some of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors to shield that 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen from all kinds of damage.Funky 3D effectsCaseology Parallax SeriesStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax is one of those cases that have become a favorite for many. The unique 3D design on its back improves grip and ergonomics, while the rest of the case gives you the protection you need. Caseology also ensures this case can be used with many of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors while still maintaining support for wireless charging.From $16 at...

Google makes it easy to send a Google Chrome tab from one device to another via a handful of different methods. To share tabs in Chrome, you will need Chrome 77 or later on your devices, a synced Google account that you're signed in to, and open tabs you want to share. Once you've sorted out those requirements, these are the steps you need to take to send a Google Chrome tab from a desktop to an Android device.Chrome tab sharing via QR CodeOne of the easiest ways to share a Chrome tab between devices is by creating a QR Code for the tab you want to send. Here's how to do that.Navigate to the webpage you want to send. In the address bar at the top of the page, click the Share icon and select QR Code. The QR Code will be generated and displayed at the top-right of your browser.On your Android device, tap the three-dots button at the top right of your screen.Select the Share button and select QR Code.When the QR code is displayed under the Share tab, tap Scan and point t...

One of Sony's biggest franchises will indeed be making a full return on PS5. Here's what we know so far.Gran Turismo has been one of Sony's biggest franchises since the days of the very first PlayStation. The tagline, "the real driving simulator," has always cut straight to the core of what Gran Turismo is all about, and generally speaking, has received much praise over the years.But it's also hard to believe that the PS4 has gone by entirely without a new, full Gran Turismo game. Gran Turismo 6 launched on the PS3, and while PS4 owners have at least had GT Sport, it's fair to say the reaction has been mixed at times, and it's not quite the same as a full sequel.That's what we seem to be getting on the PS5 and PS4 this year. Here's everything we know about Gran Turismo 7.Jump to:When does it release?Resolution and frame rateWill it support PSVR?What circuits will be present?What cars will it include?What are its features?Will it be on PS4?Gran Turismo esports and ...

More enemies and weapons to shoot them with coming too.What you need to knowAfter the Fall is a virtual reality shooter with four-player co-op and competitive multiplayer for Quest 2, PlayStation VR, and VR on PC.The game will receive a new Horde mode with the Frontrunner Season alongside new maps, enemies, and weapons in mid-February.After the Fall will get a physical PS VR release called the Frontrunner Edition in March.Virtual reality zombie shooter After the Fall will be receiving new content with more modes, maps, enemies and weapons with the upcoming Frontrunner Season starting sometime this month.After the Fall developer Vertigo Games revealed today almost all of what will be coming in the game's first season of content. The season will kick off by adding a new Horde mode, where up to four players defend a contained area against multiple lanes of Snowbreed enemies and survive as long as possible.The Horde mode can be played on two new maps coming with the season,...

Like most of Samsung's top-tier smartphones, the Galaxy S10 has aged quite well. So even if you buy one (new or refurbished) today, the 2019 flagship will most likely serve you well for the next year or two, provided you get one of the best Galaxy S10 cases to protect its gorgeous glass and aluminum body from getting damaged. And while you're at it, we also suggest taking a look at the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors, as they'll help keep the phone's 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen safe.Reliable everyday protectionSpigen Tough Armor caseStaff PickFeaturing a dual-layer construction, Spigen's Tough Armor case comes with a soft TPU shell and a hard polycarbonate exterior. It uses "Air Cushion" technology and conforms to the MIL-STD-810G standard, giving your Galaxy S10 maximum protection from hard falls and damage.From $16 at AmazonSlim yet durableOtterbox Commuter Series caseOtterbox's Commuter Series case sports a sleek yet rugged design that allows it to s...

Get lost in these big worlds on a small screen.Role-playing games are wonderful, story-driven experiences that complement the mobile gaming experience nicely. Despite the relatively tiny mobile screens we're used to (yes, 5.7 inches is still small by gaming standards), RPGs allow us to get lost in fanciful worlds for a while. In the case of some games, especially those ported over from PC, that "while" could be 20, 30 hours, or even more! This makes the best RPGs worth their price in the Google Play Store.Unfortunately, like most game genres, there are some mobile duds. We've hand-picked the best of the best to save you the trouble of digging.If you're looking for more than just RPGs, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Android games out there!The gamesAdventures of ManaAnimAAnother Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and SpaceArcane Quest 3Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of AmnThe Banner SagaBattle Chasers: Nightwar Chrono TriggerCrashlands Eternium...

Nearly 50,000 Twitter users and counting complained that their app or web version was down.Update, Feb 11 (10:30 a.m. ET): Twitter's issue has been fixed.What you need to knowTwitter experienced a widespread outage as of 9 A.M. PT on Friday.Downdetector is also reporting spikes in outages for other sites and services like AWS and Facebook, though at a much smaller scale.We've confirmed the outage took place across the U.S. and in the UK.Is Twitter down for you? You're not alone. Starting at 12 ET on Friday, February 11, both the Twitter website and app have crashed for a large number of users. As of publication, Downdetector lists over 45,000 users who report an issue with the service.About 50% of the complaints refer to the Twitter web version and 40% to the app. Some of our staff have noticed the site is down for them, but that the Twitter app is still live.On a smaller but still-significant scale, a spike of 500 users report a recent AWS outage on Downdetector. F...

What 2FA is, why it's important, and why you should use it.You see a lot of talk on the internet about two-factor authentication (or 2FA as it's commonly called), and most of the time, you just see people like us telling you to use it.We'll continue that trend and start this guide by telling you to use 2FA whenever and wherever you can. However, we're also going to let you know what it is and why you must use it. Ready to learn more? Read on.Lock it downYubico Yubikey 5 NFC$45 at AmazonKeep your accounts extra safe with a physical 2FA keyEveryone should be using two-factor authentication (yes, you!), and one of the best ways to start is with the Yubico Security Key. This USB key fits in any USB-A port and securely saves 2FA login codes for your Google, Facebook, Dropbox, and other online accounts. It's also extremely durable and can be attached to a key ring for easy transportation.Jump to:Understanding two-factor authenticationIt starts with your password...

Yae Miko is the new five-star Electro catalyst user, joining a growing roster of playable characters.Genshin Impact 2.4 may have just released a month ago, but miHoYo is already looking toward Update 2.5, never content to just let one of the best Android games sit idle. Inline with its regular update cadence, 2.5 arrives on Feb. 16. Though miHoYo is only adding one new playable character this time around — Yae Miko — there will be plenty of activities to do to keep players busy. Here's everything we know about Genshin Impact Update 2.5 so far.Genshin Impact Update 2.5: When the Sakura BloomUpdate 2.5 continues to focus on Inazuma, both above and below ground. MiHoYo notes that "darkness of unknown origins" is looming in Enkanomiya, and this is going to be a formidable threat to travelers. To help throughout the journey, players will be given a new item, the Bokuso Box, able to repel the darkness and its corrosive effects. Elsewhere, the Raiden Shogun's quest continues, ...

Keep track of your menstrual cycle with ease.Staying on top of your menses is not just essential for birth control or conception purposes. It also helps you catch unusual patterns and irregularities that may or may not be related to underlying conditions. The best period tracking apps allow you to track your cycle and provide useful, insightful information about your reproductive system. The greatest apps learn from the data collected and can aptly provide sound predictions based on records.If you want to take things a bit further, it helps that many of the best Android smartwatches and fitness trackers offer the same women's health features. So, for example, you can track your menstrual cycle on popular wearables from Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin, and the data logs are stored on your phone, streamlining the entire tracking process.The Top 3 apps1. Period Calendar2. Glow3. ClueMore optionsFloMy CalendarPeriod TrackerMayaFitbitGarmin ConnectWhat are the bes...

The whole packageFitbit Charge 5$120 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActive Zone MinutesECG & EDA sensorsImproved designA week of battery lifeConsExpensive price tagNeed Fitbit Premium for some featuresIf you have a "go big or go home" mentality regarding your fitness tracking experience, you'll appreciate what the Fitbit Charge 5 brings to the table. It might as well be a tiny but mighty smartwatch with all its perks. You get onboard GPS, advanced health sensors, NFC payments, and more.Bits and piecesAmazon Halo View$65 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart rate and SpO2 monitoringCompact, lightweight designAffordable price tagA week of battery lifeConsNo GPS optionsBland designNeed Halo membership for most perksSome users prefer simplicity when buying a fitness tracker, and that's where the Amazon Halo View delivers. You'll have the basics such as activity/sleep tracking and heart-rate monitoring, but the Halo membership ...

If you're buying the Fitbit Inspire 2 or already have one, you might be thinking about swapping out the band for something else that expresses your style or fits your activity. After all, there are tons of stylish options available, so why not have more than one look to change things up? Whichever style you choose, make sure it will provide maximum comfort. So we found some of the best Fitbit Inspire 2 bands for you to consider.Soft as can beWepro Silicone Fitbit Inspire 2 BandStaff PickThe Fitbit Inspire 2 bands from Wepro are made of flexible elastomer silicone that's lightweight, sweat-resistant, and easy to clean. You get three bands in a pack and can pick the colors that match your style. So whether you want to have a couple of extras or like to share with family and friends, there are enough bands to go around.From $7 at AmazonBreathe easyMaledan Fabric Inspire 2 BandPerhaps you'd prefer a fabric Inspire 2 band. This option from Maledan is soft and bre...

Valentine's Day isn't just about getting that perfect gift for your sweet crush or significant other — it's also about spending some real quality time. More and more, gamer couples are choosing to do just that by playing co-op games. It makes for the perfect date night, with most requiring teamwork and communication for success. It'll bring you two closer, and you'll have loads of fun. Need some ideas? These PlayStation 4 Valentine's Day video games are great places to start.Jump to:Lovers in a Dangerous SpacetimeOvercooked! 2Don't Starve Together Divinity: Original Sin 27 Days to Die Borderlands 3Call of Duty: WarzoneMinecraftLEGO Marvel Superheroes 2A Way OutHuman: Fall Flat It Takes Two Lovers in a Dangerous SpacetimeWhat better way to celebrate love than by fighting the forces of anti-love? Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is one of the ultimate co-op games, forcing both players to rely on each other to succeed. Players navigate various levels in a sp...

Unlike the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the upcoming Edge 30 Pro won't include a silo for its "Smart Stylus."What you need to knowMore renders of the upcoming Motorola Edge 30 Pro have leaked.The latest renders give us our first look at the stylus and smart folio case for the flagship phone. It is expected to debut alongside the vanilla Edge 30 later this month. Last month, a leak had revealed that an upcoming Motorola flagship could come with a next-gen "Smart Stylus." The first render showing off the stylus has now surfaced, courtesy of veteran leaker Evan Blass.As you can see in the render above, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro will not include a dedicated slot to hold the stylus. Instead, Motorola will offer a stylus and folio case for the phone. In addition to the render showing off the case, Blass has also shared an official-looking render of the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. Previous leaks, however, had referred to the device as the Edge 30 Ultra.The Motorola "Smart Stylus" is rumored t...

For the love of love, please play Florence.It's that time of the year, folks. Some love it, some hate it, and others just wait for the candy to go on sale the day after. That's right, I'm talking about Valentine's Day. Say what you will about the corporate marketing machine, but Valentine's Day had me wondering what games I could russle up in the Play Store about love. Well, let me tell you, it is SLIM pickings out there.Between generic dating sims the likes of which make for the worst mobile game ads and ones that mimic real life dating apps too accurately, it's tough to find games that actually tackle love and relationships in a meaningful way. So let's all thank the heavens for Florence, the only Android game about love that's worth playing. This one gets an instant spot on ye olde list of best Android games.Designed by Ken Wong of Monument Valley fame and published by Annapurna Interactive (the same folks behind Donut County), Florence follows the life and growth of 25-...

Wi-Fi 6 has taken over as the primary standard for the best new Wi-Fi routers, but Wi-Fi 5 still has plenty of speed for many people. Commonly known as 802.11ac routers, Wi-Fi 5 routers can often be found for a much lower price than the best Wi-Fi 6 routers. However, if you're looking for the best bang for your buck in Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 5 routers are still worth considering. The Netgear Nighthawk R6900P is one of the best Wi-Fi 5 routers with solid speeds and great software support.Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 R6900PThe Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 spent years as one of the most recommended routers with reliable software, great support from Netgear, and plenty of performance for most homes. The R6900P model is the best of the AC1900 Nighthawks, with MU-MIMO support added in to handle even more devices without dropping out. The AC1900 connection breaks down to 600Mbps at 2.4GHZ and 1,300Mbps at 5GHz. The USB port is also now USB 3.0, so you can easily connect high-speed storage...

Google's 2nd-generation Pixel Stand isn't cheap, and it doesn't charge your phone nearly as fast as proprietary systems like One Plus' Warp Charge Wireless. But it does have something to offer if you have a Pixel 6 — it allows your phone to do more than just sit there while it's charging. You will need to tap a few buttons and allow a few things to get the most from the Pixel Stand, but don't worry, it's really easy.How to set up your Pixel Stand (2nd Gen)Plug the stand into the wall using the included cable and charging block.Place your Pixel on the stand, and you should be prompted to start the setup process. If not, open the settings and look in connected devices for Google Pixel Stand.Tap the button that says Next on the screen that appears.If you have smart devices connected to Google Assistant, you can control them from the display while the phone is charging. To get started, choose Turn on from the next screen.Choose the devices you want to be shown. You can choose ...

This is up from 10 million copies sold back in 2019.What you need to knowHorizon Zero Dawn first launched in 2017 on PS4.In 2020, a PC port was released as Sony began branching more into putting games on PC.Horizon Zero Dawn has reached 20 million copies sold across PS4 and PC. The sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, is slated to launch on Feb. 18, 2022. Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn has sold over 20 million copies across PS4 and PC, PlayStation Studios head Hermen Huslt confirmed via Twitter on Friday.Horizon Zero Dawn first launched for PS4 in 2017, with a PC port arriving in 2020 as Sony has started to put more and more games on PC, including Days Gone and God of War. Previously, Horizon Zero Dawn hit 10 million copies sold on PS4 back in 2019, with no new milestones given in 2020 or 2021.This news comes as the sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, is almost here, as it is slated to launch for PS5 and PS4 on Feb. 18, 2022. Sony also released a new cinematic trailer for H...

Nothing previously ruled out the possibility of adding digital assistant support to the wireless earbuds.What you need to knowNothing has announced the rollout of digital assistant support to the ear (1) wireless earbuds.The latest firmware update brings support for Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa.You'll need to triple-tap the stem of either bud in order to summon the default voice assistant.Nothing ear (1) launched last year with a few missing features you would otherwise expect to see in a pair of wireless earbuds. For example, there was no support for any kind of digital assistant, and Nothing even told Android Central's Harish Jonnalagadda that it had no plans to add that feature.However, the company has now remedied that limitation. In a surprising move, Carl Pei's startup announced on Twitter that the three major voice assistants including Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa are now available on Nothing ear (1).Alexa, play "Nothing Else Matters"Yeah, it's time to sa...

The Note is more than a single product now — but it's still a shame that the brand itself has to die.For the past ten years, the Galaxy Note brand has been synonymous with the very best smartphone hardware from Samsung. And, as the company has previously boasted, Note fans are among its most loyal customers. Case in point: in 2016, the Note brand survived one of the most disastrous product launches in history. The damage likely would've been terminal for a less prestigious product line. This year's "Ultra" is technically and visually distinct from the other S22s.Before Samsung complicated things by also releasing a plus-sized Galaxy S in the spring, the fall launch of the Note was an annual highlight for enthusiasts. It was the original "big screen" phone, back when people joked about big phones looking like "talking into a piece of toast." While the S-series sold in larger numbers, the Note would boast quicker performance, bigger batteries, superior cameras, expansive dis...

Realme registered the highest growth amongst the top five smartphone vendors.What you need to knowIDC's latest worldwide quarterly mobile phone tracker has revealed that India shipped 161 million smartphones last year.Shipments were up 7% compared to the previous year, despite pandemic-related challenges. Xiaomi remained the No.1 smartphone vendor in the country, with a market share of 25.1%. Smartphone shipments in India jumped 7% in 2021 to reach 161 million units, according to the IDC's latest worldwide quarterly mobile phone tracker. The growth is quite impressive as the pandemic continued to create disruptions throughout the year.IDC expects the Indian smartphone market to remain flat YoY in the first quarter of 2022 due to low seasonal demand and the ongoing third wave of COVID-19. The research firm also noted that the share of the premium segment in the country doubled to 4% in 2021, growing by over 100% YoY. However, this growth was mainly driven by higher Apple...

Samsung Galaxy S21 FEMainstream choice$600 at AmazonProsStunning 120Hz AMOLED screenGorgeous design that's easy to hold and usePowerful internal hardwareVersatile camerasIP68 water resistance and 15W wireless chargingAndroid 12 with three version updatesConsNo MicroSD card slot Not a great valueThe Galaxy S21 FE continues Samsung's momentum in the value flagship category. The phone offers powerful hardware backed by great cameras, a modern design, and the latest version of Android out of the box. It doesn't miss out on the extras either, and while you're not getting an outstanding value right now, that will change soon.OnePlus 9Stellar alternative$600 at AmazonProsStriking design120Hz AMOLED is fantastic in daily useRobust internal hardwareHasselblad-tuned cameras are great65W fast charging with 15W wireless chargingWill get three Android version updatesConsWireless charging only in select marketsNo IP protectionThe OnePlus 9 laun...

Minor tweaks to Google Assistant and Alexa by borrowing from each would make for a great service.Digital assistants have become a norm in our lives over the past few years, thanks to Google Assistant and Alexa. Even though both options can accomplish many of the same tasks, these voice assistants are quite different. I have primarily been a Google Assistant user in my smart speaker space. Still, I recently have started to incorporate more Amazon Alexa devices into my home since I reviewed the Echo Show 15. In this time, I have found ways I'd like to blend Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.Before I get into it, let me get this out of the way first — the things I'm about to list are admittedly minor, because Google Assistant and Alexa both work very well. Still, neither is perfect and both have plenty of flaws where the other excels. My goals in combining the two are areas I think each can improve the other as the services currently exist — not the perfect world versions. To h...

Worried about misplacing your Android phone or (worse yet) having it stolen? Ease your fears and set up a tracking system before your worst-case scenario strikes. You'll get the best results if your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi signal, but GPS and mobile networks will still manage to pinpoint a fairly accurate location. You must also have a Google account for virtually all of the tracking services available, whether they are built-in or downloaded.Jump to:Find your phone using GoogleFind your phone using a smart speakerFind your phone with third-party appsBlock your phone's IMEIHow to locate your phone using GoogleMost Android phones now come with Find My Device built right in. This service automatically tracks your phone's location, so if it ever goes missing, you can hop on your laptop or a friend's phone and find its last known location, ring your phone if it's nearby, or lock and/or erase your phone if you fear it has been stolen.The most important thing you c...

The phone was supposed to begin shipping last year.What you need to knowOnwardMobility's BlackBerry 5G phone may never see the light of day.The U.S. startup's license to use the BlackBerry brand name has apparently been canceled. The news is yet to be officially confirmed by OnwardMobility. In what can only be described as bad news for BlackBerry loyalists, CrackBerry founder Kevin Michaluk has claimed that OnwardMobility has pulled the plug on its BlackBerry 5G phone project. Michaluk wrote in a post on CrackBerry forums: The majority of new businesses fail, so don't think it's that shocking of a surprise. I'm sure the people involved set out with good intentions and put in some real effort to make things happen (don't think you would go through the effort and put your names on the line with a plan to fail), but obviously were not able to execute.While the post doesn't include details on what actually went wrong, a report from Android Police suggests OnwardMobility'...

Here are the answers to all your questions about YouTube TV.If you're considering abandoning a traditional cable plan, YouTube TV is a viable alternative. While the service is one of the spendier streaming options and is only available in the United States, its selection of live channels and on-demand content make it a top contender. With that in mind, we've gathered everything you need to know about YouTube TV to make an informed decision.YouTube TVLive TV and sportsWatch all your favorite channels without cable$65/mo. at YouTubeYouTube TV provides access to your favorite shows across 85 live channels, without the cable drama. You can also record new episodes to view later and add premium channels to your monthly plan.YouTube TVWhat is YouTube TV?How much does YouTube TV cost?Channels on YouTube TV?What devices support YouTube TV?Account limits and profilesAre there any YouTube TV deals?What is YouTube TV?YouTube TV is one of the most expansive c...

The service will let you trade ad views for credits, but it'll use eye-tracking technology to ensure you watch those ads.What you need to knowMoviePass, the movie ticket service that shut down in 2019, will relaunch in the summer.Stacy Spikes, the service's cofounder, has returned to the helm after being fired by MoviePass' previous parent company.The new MoviePass will offer various subcription tiers and adopt a virtual currency model to let users earn credits for movies by watching ads.MoviePass will also be opened up for equity investment, allowing members to own a stake in the company.The pandemic has not only reshaped how businesses and educational institutions operate over the past two years, but also the movie industry. Many theaters have closed their doors, at least temporarily, but a movie ticket service that shuttered before the pandemic is relaunching with a different approach.MoviePass will make a return this summer under a new leadership, with co-founder Sta...

It's the second major patent case that Google has lost in recent months.What you need to knowGoogle will have to pay $20 million as a result of the EcoFactor patent lawsuit.EcoFactor sued Google in 2020, claiming that its Nest thermostats infringe on its patents.Google is reportedly planning to appeal the verdict.In January, Google lost a patent suit against Sonos and had to revamp its smart home controls.Google lost its second major patent case in as many months after a Texas court found that it's infringed on a patent from EcoFactor, a smart home energy management company.The suit was filed in 2020 in which EcoFactor claimed that Google's Nest Thermostat line infringed on two of its patents. However, the court found that only one patent was infringed upon, one that has to do with the method in which Google's thermostats turn off HVAC systems to save energy.EcoFactor specifically calls out Google's Early-On feature, which calculates when it should start heating or coo...

You have to really like Wear OS to buy this.What you need to knowTAG Heuer launches its latest luxury Wear OS smartwatch.The Connected Calibre E4 is powered by the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and will be updated to Wear OS 3.The smartwatch starts at $1800 and ships in early March.Are you a fan of Wear OS? Do you like luxury smartwatches? Then the new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 might be the smartwatch for you, that is if you're willing to dish out the dough for one.The new smartwatch is built using premium materials, including titanium and steel cases depending on the model and size, ceramic bezels, and sapphire crystal screens. It comes in 42mm and 45mm case sizes with a selection of sleet, leather, and rubber straps.The style has changed to reflect a sportier look while retaining the elegant design that would definitely put many of the best Wear OS watches to shame. TAG Heuer touts a thinner chassis, at least on the 42mm model, whereas the 45mm model has a 30% larger bat...

Not exactly subtle, eh?What you need to knowGoogle shows off Android 13 "Tiramisu" codename in the first developer preview build.Google stopped publicly assigning dessert names with Android 10.There don't appear to be many changes in the first build, but that could change as we dig deeper.Google has released the first Android 13 developer preview for Pixel smartphones, giving us a taste of what we can expect from the upcoming version. Given that it's an early build, we shouldn't expect too much just yet, but Google did surprise us with some nice dessert.In this first build, Google seems to go back to its old ways by giving us the dessert name as the Android version. Taking a look at the settings, our Alex Dobie noticed that Google lists the version as "Tiramisu." While we've known for some time that this would be the designation, Google did away with publicly naming OS versions after desserts with Android 10, only to continue using them internally.Typically, Google will...

The television series gets adapted to VR.What you need to knowPeaky Blinders: The King's Ransom has been announced and will be coming to Quest headsets in 2022.The virtual reality title is based on the BBC TV series Peaky Blinders.The game is being developed by a studio behind various Doctor Who games.Peaky Blinders, the BBC historical fiction and crime drama television series, will be getting its own game set entirely in virtual reality sometime this year.The VR title will be called Peaky Blinders: The King's Ransom and will be coming to Quest 2 headsets and Quest platform in 2022. It will be a "dark" action adventure game set in the streets of 1920s Birmingham and London with players seeking to join one of the most powerful British gangs.The game will include iconic locations from the series, such as the Garrison pub, Charlie's Yard, and Shelby's Betting Shop. Titular characters like gang leader Tommy Shelby and his brother Arthur Shelby Jr. will appear in the game an...

As a Stadia Pro member, you can claim new free Stadia Pro games each month.Google launched Stadia a little over a year ago, giving players access to some of their favorite games without owning a console or gaming PC. While you can use Stadia as a free service, Google offers a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99 per month, which gives subscribers access to special discounts, upgraded 4K streaming options, and one or more free games to claim per month. Once you claim a game in Pro, it's yours to keep as long as you're subscribed, similar to how PlayStation Plus works.As long as your Stadia Pro subscription remains active, you can play any free Pro games you claim. But you can only claim specific games for a limited time, so make sure you're checking back every month as we update the list of games available. If you cancel or suspend your Pro subscription and then decide to resubscribe in the future, all previously claimed games will return to your library. Also, some of the best Stadia ...

Disney+ established itself as one of the best, most family-friendly streaming services on the market right now. However, it's possible that Disney+ might not be the best service for you and your family right now. With that in mind, we've put together this list of steps you can take to cancel Disney+.How to cancel Disney+Disney+ makes it easy to cancel your subscription if you decide that you no longer want to use the family-friendly streaming app. Here's what you need to do to cancel Disney Plus:Using a computer or mobile browser, navigate to the Disney Plus website.Login to your Disney+ account. Select your Profile.Under profile, select Account.Under Subscription, select your Disney+ subscription.Select Cancel Subscription. You will be prompted to share your reason for cancelling, fill out the survey (optional) and complete cancellation. It's worth pointing out that if you signed up for Disney+ through a third party, you'd need to cancel your subscription vi...

Celebrating the skin you're in.What you need to knowGoogle shows off its latest Super Bowl ad ahead of Sunday's game.The ad highlights the Real Tone camera technology Pixel 6 camera that provides accurate representation for people of color.Google partnered with Lizzo to preview her new song, "If You Love Me."Super Bowl LVI happens this Sunday, and Google is giving us a look at its "Seen on Pixel" ad for the big game, which features Lizzo and focuses on the Pixel 6 camera. More specifically, the ad is about the Real Tone technology featured on the Pixel 6 camera.Real Tone is a feature Google highlighted at the launch of the Pixel 6, which is used to accurately represent people of color in images. We have an explainer on how Real Tone works on the Pixel 6, but in a nutshell, the camera evaluates the subject's skin tone using AI and machine learning to produce an image without making one's skin too dark, washed out, or shiny.We partnered with @Lizzo to help us show the wor...

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a curved AMOLED display covered with Gorilla Glass 6, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need a great screen protector. Curved glass is inherently more vulnerable than flat, and the Note 20 Ultra's massive screen leaves many opportunities for scratches and potential cracks. So you should buy one of the best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra screen protectors for your new, expensive phone.The glass wayVenoro Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickVenoro is a name we often rely on for quality screen protectors for all major phone releases, and with the Note 20 Ultra, it's showing up to the plate yet again. This single-screen protector is of the tempered glass variety, offering incredibly scratch resistance, a 99.99% transparency rating, and a super slim design at just 0.3mm thick.$10 at AmazonUltra-soft, auto repairUniqueMe TPU Screen Protector (4-Pack)Made of soft TPU, this pack includes a pair of bubble-free, case-friendly protectors ...

The new photo picker API provides a secure way for you to give apps access to photos and videos stored on your phone.What you need to knowThe first Android 13 developer preview is now available.It brings updated privacy features, themed icons, improved language controls, and new developer tools. Unsurprisingly, the first developer preview is limited to Google Pixel phones. Google on February 10 released a developer preview of Android 13 for Pixel phones. As you'd expect, the new release doesn't introduce too many user-facing changes. Like last year, Google is focusing on three main themes with Android 13: privacy, security, and developer productivity.Google says it developed Android 13 with privacy and security at the core. The first developer preview introduces a system photo picker, allowing users to share local and cloud-based photos more securely.It works similarly to Android's document picker that lets users share specific documents with an app without the app re...

A Sensible upgrade to the premier Fitbit smartwatch?Jump to:Announcement & release datePriceDesignNew features and specsThe Fitbit Sense burst onto an already crowded smartwatch scene in late 2020, promising advanced health metrics and tracking features in a premium wrist-wrapping package. While it eventually delivered on most of its early promises, the wearable stumbled a bit out of the gate. When it launched, it lacked some of its most anticipated features like an ECG app, Google Assistant support, and audio responses from smart voice assistants.The original Sense was a thing of beauty, and thankfully, Fitbit and Google have maintained an update cadence that not only brought those aforementioned features to the watch but added new ones like the ability to personalize low and high heart notifications, additional language options, and improved reliability of notifications and UI performance.But in the 18 months or so since the Sense and Versa 3 launched, Fitbit...

YouTube TV is also planning to introduce a few interface changes to make its app easier to use.What you need to knowYouTube TV will finally add picture-in-picture support to its iOS app later this year.The feature has been available on Android for quite some time now. YouTube TV will also widen surround sound support "over the next six months." YouTube TV could finally gain a few highly-anticipated features this year. Speaking with The Verge's editor-in-chief Nilay Patel on The Vergecast, YouTube chief product officer Neal Mohan confirmed that picture-in-picture support will be added to the YouTube TV iOS app " in the next few months."The ability to watch YouTube TV while using other apps using picture-in-picture has been available on the best Android phones for a long time now. On iOS, however, the feature is limited to the regular YouTube app currently.Another highly-requested feature that could reach more YouTube TV users later this year is surround sound support. Ev...

Bringing Yu-Gi-Oh! from across multiple generations to the masses.I've been a fan of Yu-Gi-Oh! ever since I was a little kid, waking up early every weekend to watch the 4Kids-dubbed anime. I started collecting the cards around the same time, and I've amassed well over 1,000 over the years. Though it's been quite some time since I've indulged in a real duel (I dropped after Yu-Gi-Oh! GX aired), I'll come back to it from time to time over video games. Previously this meant loading up Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist on my Xbox, but now it means playing Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on my Android phone.Even though you've likely heard of Yu-Gi-Oh!, you may not know exactly how the game works. The short of it is that it's a card game featuring monster, spell, and trap cards, each with their own unique powers and effects. Each player starts out with a specific amount of life points — this can vary, but is usually 4,000 or 8,000 — and the first person to reach zero life points loses. A monst...

Don't hold out for Xiaomi launching its phones officially in the U.S. anytime soon."When will Xiaomi launch phones in the U.S.?" That's the first question I asked Hugo Barra seven years ago. At the time, Xiaomi was just getting started in India — having launched the Mi 3 a few months earlier — and was already seeing a lot of user interest. Barra joined Xiaomi to oversee the global expansion, and at the time, he indicated that the brand would be strategic about the markets it enters, with India being the key focus outside China.Seven years later, Xiaomi is the world's third-largest phone manufacturer, with an official presence in over 50 countries. While Xiaomi made its debut in the U.S. back in 2016, it only sells its ecosystem products like power banks, projectors, streaming dongles, smart LED bulbs, and wireless earbuds. Xiaomi's phones are not officially available in the U.S. — and that isn't likely to change soon.The primary reason for Xiaomi not selling its phones in...

Ideal running companionGarmin Forerunner 245$230 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSLightweight designAdvanced running metricsTraining status, load, effectPulse Ox & Body BatteryConsLacks altimeterNo Garmin PayMusic version costs moreIf running is your main passion, you can't go wrong with this GPS running smartwatch. Not only will you have access to advanced running dynamics, but you'll also enjoy extensive training features, a Pulse Ox sensor, Body Battery energy monitoring, and more.Perfect lifestyle watchGarmin Vivoactive 4From $250 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSPulse Ox & Body BatteryGarmin PayTwo size optionsMusic comes standardConsLacks advanced running dynamicsShorter battery life in GPS modeFor those who enjoy many different sports, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 may be a better fit. This attractive lifestyle watch is equipped with over 20 sports modes. You also get two size options, a touchscreen, an altimeter, and Garmin Pay....

This week, we deliver a special edition of the show as Jerry, Nick, Ara, and Michael Fisher share their thoughts on everything released at Samsung's latest Galaxy Unpacked event.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Samsung Galaxy S22 hands-on: Smaller, flatter, and very Note-worthy | Android CentralThe Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus are official with an eco-conscious design, better cameras | Android CentralSamsung's new Galaxy S22 Ultra takes a Note from the past to bring the S series into the future | Android CentralSamsung Galaxy S22 gets more guaranteed Android updates than Google's Pixel 6 | Android CentralSamsung Galaxy Tab S8 series is here with an Ultra model to take on the iPad Pro | Android CentralWhy the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra's notch isn't a big deal | Android CentralSamsung Galaxy Watch 4 gets a big update, but Google Assistant is still months away | Android CentralSponsors:...

After several internal delays, Google may finally announce the long-rumored Pixel Watch in just a few months.From the beginning of Google's wearable strategy, it has always relied on other OEMs to carry the hardware torch for its software. However, since Wear OS 3 arrived last year, the calls for an official Google Pixel Watch have only grown in number.Unfortunately, leakers have promised an imminent Pixel Watch arrival since 2016, and we learned in 2019 that Google had given up on making one because its prototype "didn't work that great," quashing those rumors. Then, after Google IO 2021 revealed the new Wear OS ecosystem, leakers promised the Pixel Watch would arrive alongside the Pixel 6, only for Google to (allegedly) delay it again.So with leakers now promising a 2022 Pixel Watch release, we may be setting ourselves up for disappointment once again. But dive into the leaks, and you'll find legitimate and consistent evidence that a new watch will arrive soon. Here's what we...

More players can now pre-register to join in the fun.What you need to knowThe Harry Potter franchise is a massive ordeal that has seen a plethora of games and spin-off releases.On Thursday, Warner Bros. Games and NetEase announced the latest title — the free-to-play Harry Potter: Magic Awakened.Harry Potter: Magic Awakened combines MMORPG and collectible card game elements into one massive game.First released in select Asian markets in late 2021, players in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania can now pre-register to play.Harry Potter is a complicated and long-running franchise, one that still captivates millions of people all around the world. Companies are always looking for new ways to capitalize on the Harry Potter brand, and the latest effort comes from Warner Bros. Games and NetEase. On Thursday, they announced the global rollout of their latest title — Harry Potter: Magic Awakened.Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is equal parts massively multiplayer online role-p...