Latest from Android Central

Google calendar is shaping up to be the ultimate work-from-home app.What you need to knowGoogle Calendar adds the option to create notes directly from an event.The document will automatically populate with the meeting/event information.Meeting notes will be automatically viewable to other meeting attendees depending on how you start them.Google is updating the Calendar app that will make it easy to create and share meeting notes straight from an event entry.A new option to "Take meeting notes" will appear on a Calendar event. Selecting the option will automatically populate the Google Doc with the relevant meeting information for easy organization.Upon saving, the document will not automatically share with the other event members, but a prompt will ask if you want to make it available. However, if you create or edit an existing event and select "Create meeting note," the saved document will be available to other members of that event.This distinction is likely to se...

So, you want a keyboard to use with your PS4 or PS5. If you're going to use it with games, know that most PS4 games only support keyboards for sending messages to other players in-game, not as an alternative controller. Because of this, you should probably save your money and don't go all-out on a fancy mechanical gaming keyboard. A compact or lightweight keyboard can sit next to you on the couch while you play games and is just as easy to pull into your lap for a quick message. Here are some of the best PS4 keyboards (that also work with PS5) you can get right now.Small, but completeLogitech K360Staff PickIf you're looking for a simple, wireless, compact keyboard that works and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, you might want to consider this one from Logitech. Its small size makes it ideal for storing away easily as well.From $19 at Amazon $20 at Best BuyItty bittyMacally USB Wired KeyboardThe tactile keys on this one offer a satisfying feel. Since drivers or dongl...

Get it while the deal lasts!Every so often, Amazon will have a deal so good that you just can't pass it up, and today is that day for the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5. For today only, the online retailer is offering the best Chromebook you can buy at its lowest price ever. That means for just $300, you're getting a 13.5-inch 1080p display, loud front-facing speakers, Wi-Fi 6 support, and excellent battery life, all powered by a 10th-gen Intel Core i3.The Flex 5 was initially offered at $410 and normally sees discounts down to $380 or $350, so $300 is probably the lowest price you'll find for this fantastic device, at least for a while.Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5$300 at Amazon $425 at WalmartThe Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a great device for anyone looking for a sleek, easy-to-use laptop with the power of Google's apps and services running everything in the cloud. At its lowest price ever, this laptop is practically a steal.There's a lot to like about the Flex 5. Our Ara Wago...

Best answer: Yes, you can play Stadia games on Google TV. There's a limited list of hardware that officially supports Stadia through Google TV. Still, any device that can run Google TV will play Stadia games in some capacity.Official Google TV devicesIf you've ever asked yourself: Can I play Stadia on Google TV? It's important to note when Google Stadia first launched in November 2019, users could stream games directly to their PC, television, and some mobile devices through the cloud. However, during that time, the only way to play Stadia games through the television was through the company's own Chromecast Ultra device with a Stadia controller.But times change. In mid-2021 when Google announced it was extending Stadia support to more existing hardware. The list of officially supported devices includes the following:Chromecast with Google TVHisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV ProOnn FHD Streaming Stick and UHD Streaming DevicePanasoni...

Evolving into a well-rounded wearable.In 2020, Fitbit announced several updates to existing products and even launched new hardware. One of the most interesting new wearables was the Fitbit Sense, and that means we're diving into our official Fitbit Sense review. It's hard to believe that the Fitbit Ionic — Fitbit's first actual smartwatch — was released over three years ago. Fitbit's come a long way in that short amount of time, finding new ways to refine its hardware design, FitbitOS operating system, and create a compelling narrative as to why you should have a Fitbit watch on your wrist instead of a Galaxy Watch, something with Wear OS, or an Apple Watch if you're an iPhone owner.By late 2020, Fitbit's vision for the future of smartwatches culminated in the release of the Fitbit Sense. It does all of the usual Fitbit things like activity tracking, sleep monitoring, etc., but it comes with a bunch of extra sensors that are designed to help give you a more granular understa...

Google believes the turning on security protections by default is the best way to keep its users safe.What you need to knowGoogle plans to auto-enroll 150 million more users in two-step verification by the end of the year.YouTube creators will be required to turn on two-step verification to access Studio from November 1.The search giant is also rolling out a new feature that allows users to access all their passwords saved in Google Password Manager from the Google app menu. Back in May this year, Google announced plans of enabling two-factor authentication by default for users with "appropriately configured" accounts. The search giant has now confirmed in a new blog post that it will auto-enroll 150 more Google users in "two-step verification" by the end of 2021.However, Google says it will only auto-enroll those accounts that have "the proper backup mechanisms in place to make a seamless transition to two-factor verification." As part of its efforts to prevent unauthori...

The October 19 launch for the Pixel 6 was apparently on the money.What you need to knowGoogle has set a date for the Pixel 6 launch.The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are set to be fully unveiled on Tuesday, October 19.The event site features a transitional theme that can be changed by holding the space bar.Google has finally unveiled the launch date for the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, both of which are set to be fully revealed on October 19 at 10 am PT/1 pm ET.That means the Pixel 6 is two weeks away from launch, and it likely won't reach consumers until later in the month. On October 19, we're officially introducing you to Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro—the completely reimagined Google phones. Powered by Tensor, Google's first custom mobile chip, they're fast, smart and secure. And they adapt to you.The event site features interactive elements to highlight dynamic theming with Material You. Holding the space bar will "change moods," and hovering your cursor over the Pixel...

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.$33 at Amazon (3-pack white-only) $13 at Best Buy $25 at Best Buy (2-Pack white and color)A...

Carli is out this week, so Rebecca leads Jen and special guest Sam Tolbert on an expedition into recent game dev studio acquisitions, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Switch OLED, and more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Netflix makes its first gaming acquisition in Oxenfree developer Night School Studio | Windows CentralSony acquires Bluepoint Games as a PS5 developer for Sony Worldwide Studios | Android CentralDemon's Souls remake crosses 1.4 million copies sold, Bluepoint's next game is an original title for PS5 | Android CentralPokémon Legends: Arceus — Everything you need to know | iMoreAre there gyms in Pokémon Legends: Arceus? | iMoreNintendo 4K kit claims and Switch OLED Models out in the wild ahead of launch | iMoreNintendo Switch OLED Model is a much bigger deal than you think | iMore...

Nest didn't reinvent the doorbell — that was done already. But it's made the best one you can buy.This review was written on March 27, 2018, and reflects the reviewer's thoughts at that time.In retrospect, I should have seen this coming long ago. The idea of a video doorbell isn't all that novel. It's just a basic button, camera, speaker, and mic, with some flashing lights tossed in. That's not all that technologically advanced, right?Nor does such a thing need to do all that much. It needs to show you who's at the door. It needs to allow you to talk to that person, and you talk to them. And it needs to record all this somewhere accessible, should something untoward happen.No. Video doorbells, at their core, really are relatively simple products. So what could Nest Doorbell (wired) — the video doorbell entry from the Google-owned company known for its gorgeous thermostats, cameras, security system (and not-inexpensive prices) possibly do that the other best video doorbel...

Finding the best U.S. wireless carrier can be a bit daunting because they all have a different approach to the same goal. Luckily for the consumers, this competition helps drive these companies to continue to improve their networks and plans. So for most people, all of these carriers are likely to have some coverage appeal, whether it's LTE or 5G. Overall, T-Mobile is the best carrier thanks to improvements in its LTE coverage and the largest 5G network with great mid-band coverage already available.Best overall: T-MobileT-Mobile has continued to improve its network consistently over the past few years, with some of the biggest improvements coming in its 5G network. T-Mobile has used low-band spectrum to start its 5G network and improve its LTE network coverage with mid-band 2.5GHz spectrum, adding more capacity where needed. This mid-band spectrum from its purchase of Sprint has allowed T-Mobile to get a serious lead in mid-band 5G as its competitors must wait for C-band in la...

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 Stadia can be used as a free service, Google offers a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99/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.The free games with Pro can then be played as long as your Stadia Pro subscription is active but are only available to be claimed 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 games were offered on Pro in the past so make sure you claim each game every month.Her...

The latest Mobvoi smartwatch has a lot in common with the TicWatch Pro 3.What you need to knowTicWatch Pro X is Mobvoi's latest Wear OS smartwatch.The smartwatch is powered by a Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset and promises to deliver up to 45 days of battery life.It is now available to pre-order in China for 2,399 yuan (about $372).Google-backed smartwatch company Mobvoi has quietly unveiled a "new" Wear OS smartwatch that appears to be based on the TicWatch Pro 3 (via GizmoChina). The smartwatch, dubbed TicWatch Pro X, is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset and promises up to 45 days of battery life in "Essential Mode."Like the TicWatch Pro 3, the TicWatch Pro X uses a dual-display design with a 1.39-inch 454 x 454 AMOLED screen and a low-power color FSTN LCD panel underneath. There's also 1GB of RAM, 8GB of onboard storage, an SpO2 sensor, continous heart rate monitoring, 20 sport modes, IP68 water resistance, 4G LTE connectivity, NFC support, and built-in G...

An easy-to-use connected kids smartwatch that offers safety features a parent can love.As a parent of a young child, letting your child grow and explore their independence is tough. It's a delicate balance of letting go and holding on to protect them. One way to help satisfy both of those desires is by giving your child a phone, but that introduces a whole new set of issues to contend with. This is where getting one of the best kids smartwatches can come in handy — and the Gabb Watch was designed for this niche category.My 9-year-old and I have been using the Gabb Watch for a few weeks, and we've come to enjoy what it offers. He gets to feel a bit more grown-up because he has a "cool smartwatch" to use, and my wife and I can have some peace of mind knowing that we can still keep an eye on him if we need to. The Gabb Watch is a no-frills connected smartwatch that brings some great safety features that parents will love, but does so in a device that kids will enjoy too.Gabb W...

In just a few short years, big phones have gone from being an outlier to the norm in the smartphone industry. Just about every major device released these days has a larger physical size, and while that's great for watching movies and playing games, it can be a challenge for those who prefer phones to be small and compact. Thankfully, there are still plenty of options out there, including the Google Pixel 4a as our top overall pick. So if you're looking eagerly at that iPhone 13 mini but don't want to switch over to iOS, these are the best small Android phones you can buy.Best overall: Google Pixel 4aRegardless of size, the Pixel 4a is just one of the best Android phones you can buy right now. Admittedly, it isn't the most technically impressive handset on the market, but the value on offer is tremendous.As you'd expect from any Pixel, the Pixel 4a takes incredible photos. Whether you're shooting in broad daylight or trying to take a picture of the night sky using the Astroph...

Much like my compadre, Jerry Hildenbrand, I buy tech across a wide range of popular brands. For me, there's really no such thing as "brand loyalty" as I, too, just want to be able to use "cool tech." But there's one section of the tech market I won't touch anymore: any Android-brand tablet.I'm not here to say that all Android tablets suck; just that most of them do. And it's not even a problem with the hardware, because the Galaxy Tab S7 FE is one sleek and good-looking device. My problem with Android tablets, on the whole, have more to do with the software and Google's decision to basically ignore that Android tablets exist. Google continues to ignore tablets that aren't the iPad.With a foot planted on both sides of the iOS vs. Android fence, I find it interesting how Google straddles the line between the two. On the one hand, Android users get access to new features and redesigned interfaces months (or even years) before iOS users — most of the time, at least. But then,...

Buying a Chromebook can be a tricky purchase sometimes. You're already working from a budget, but you still want to get the most bang for your buck. Right now a Chromebook we already valued for its features compared to its great price tag is actually even less expensive thanks to Amazon's Epic Daily Deals. Grab our favorite overall Chromebook so far this year, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5, on sale for just $299.99. That's a $110 price drop over what this Chromebook was selling for near the beginning of the year and $70 off its most recent street price. It's the best price we've seen and even beats a deal we shared just a couple months ago.Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 2-in-1 laptop | $70 offOne of Amazon's Epic Deals features two Chromebooks down to low prices, and we like them both! The Flex 5 is currently our favorite, but the C330 is a strong contendor as well.$299.99 at Amazon $425 at WalmartThis deal is part of Amazon's new Epic Daily Deals. That means the price is only g...

The new indoor Nest Cam not only lets you keep track of what's happening inside your home but is also designed to match your interior décor.What you need to knowThe new indoor wired Nest Cam and Nest Cam with floodlight are now available to purchase.The Nest Cam starts at $100, while the Nest Cam with floodlight is priced at $280. Both devices were announced alongside other new Nest products in August. Google's second-generation indoor, wired Nest Cam and Nest Cam with floodlight, which were unveiled alongside other new Nest products in August, are now finally on sale in the U.S.The second-generation indoor, wired Nest Cam is Google's most affordable security camera yet, starting at just $100. It comes in four attractive colors: Snow, Linen, Fog, and Sand with maple wood base, which is priced at $120.Like the wireless Nest Cam, the wired model can capture videos at 1080p with "enhanced HDR." Thanks to advanced machine learning, the camera can easily detect people, anim...

Whatever happened to offline play?Once upon a time, portable, wireless devices were designed to be used off the grid. Sure, an electronic device would always need power to turn on, but its basic functions would keep working without the need to plug it into a TV or connect it to the Internet. These days, so many devices are wholly dependent on the cloud to function — so much so that, in the rare event the cloud goes down, the most basic features of these devices stop working.During the six to seven-hour-long Facebook outage on Monday, October 4, many users found themselves in this exact situation. Specifically, Oculus devices — including the Oculus Quest 2 and all Oculus Rift headsets — as well as Ray-Ban Stories glasses had been rendered effectively useless during that time.And so I pose the obvious question: why is a device's basic functionality — especially portable devices like the Oculus Quest 2 and Ray-Ban Stories glasses — tied so heavily to a cloud service logo...

Streaming is now a massive part of the gaming experience, and everyone wants to try and be the next Ninja. To make a living at it, though, you'll need to spend some money to get the equipment that will help you succeed. So we've put together a list of some of the best PS4 streaming equipment and also PS5 accessories that will help you reach the audience you want while retaining some great streaming quality. Don't worry about compatibility. Many of these picks work with the PS5, so you can stream the best PS5 games on the new console.Crystal soundBlue Yeti X USB Microphone for PCStaff PickThe Blue Yeti X is the gold standard for USB microphones. Streaming with one of these produces sharp tones and an all-around great sound. It has a gain dial built-in, a mute button on the front, real-time LED monitoring, and a jack to put your favorite headphones in to monitor your output. It's a must-have for streaming or recording.From $170 at AmazonBest 4K streamingAvermedia Li...

Samsung's Android 12 update is now rolling out — here's what you need to know about One UI 4.Samsung did a fantastic job with the One UI 3.1 update based on Android 11 to most phones in its portfolio, and with Android 12 launching in the coming weeks, Samsung is getting ready with its next major update.Samsung's Android 12 update is One UI 4, and it comes with a slate of new features and a UI refresh. While the design itself isn't too different to the current One UI 3.1, there's a lot to be excited about — Samsung is adding Google's Material You aesthetic for a more colorful look, and there are 60 new features. The best part is that the One UI 4 beta update is now available for the Galaxy S21 series in select countries, so let's find out what Samsung has to offer with Android 12, what phones will get the update, and a look at the new features.Jump to:Beta rolloutEligible phonesNew featuresOne UI 4 changelogLaunch dateThis is the oneSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra...

The second One UI 4 beta is finally here.What you need to knowSamsung has released the second Android 12-based One UI 4.0 beta for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra.Aside from numerous bug fixes and improvements, the second beta build brings a new "RAM Plus" feature to the flagship phones.The update is currently rolling out to users in Korea and Germany.Nearly three weeks after launching the Android 12-based One UI 4 beta program for its flagship Galaxy S21 series phones, Samsung has finally started rolling out the second beta build. If you have signed up for the One UI 4 beta program, you should receive a notification regarding the update on your device soon.Unsurprisingly, the new One UI 4 update includes a ton of bug fixes and improvements. Some of the highlights include improvements to the input accuracy of the Samsung Keyboard, a new microphone mode in video calls to allow users to choose what kind of sounds should be emphasized, general perform...

We don't need the FE anymore if Samsung continues down this path.The situation with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a confusing one. We've seen quite a few renders, press shots, and plenty of leaks of the device. However, there have been rumors of the device being canceled following report after report of delays amid the global chip shortage. Yet now, there's evidence that Samsung is still planning to launch the device, so it's hard to know what to believe at this point.However, even if we don't end up getting a Galaxy S21 FE, it wouldn't be the end of the world. In fact, Samsung has good reason to abandon its Fan Edition plans; and frankly, it should consider doing just that.We already have the Galaxy S21When Samsung launched the well-received Galaxy S20 FE, it was regarded as a full-featured, affordable version of the Galaxy S20. It offered the same design, chipset, and even the same high-refresh-rate display yet at a lower price, which is why it was hailed as a "flagship ki...

You'll only need an email address or phone number to send gifts.What you need to knowAmazon now lets Prime members send gifts to people they care about using only their email address or mobile number.The new feature is currently available only on Amazon's mobile app, with millions of products eligible to gift.Only Prime members in the United States can access the new capability for now.Alongside its early Black Friday deals announcement, Amazon is making it super easy to send gifts to family and friends. The online retail giant has announced a new way for Amazon Prime members to gift someone using only their phone number or email address.The new method supercharges Amazon's existing capability for sending gifts. This means Prime customers don't need to enter a long line of delivery address upon checkout just to have their gifts shipped to the recipients. The process is a piece of cake if they already have their phone number or email address.To get started, simply use Am...

Android and Google's Pixel phones aren't tied together in the way most people think they are.Android 12 is finally here, but you can't have it.That sounds like crazy talk, but it's true, and it makes more sense than you probably think it does. If you're not keeping up to date on the news about Android 12 or Google's Pixel phones, here's what went down: Dave Burke, Google's VP of engineering and head of the Android project, announced that Android 12 was done and available. But (there's always a but) he didn't mean what you might assume, because he was talking about the source code used to build the software we know as Android 12.Later, Google informed us that the Android 12 update would not roll out to Pixel phones on October 4th like everyone expected it would. We reached out directly to Google for clarification, and here's what we were told verbatim: "We're putting the finishing touches on a special release with Pixel-exclusive and Pixel-first experiences on Android 12. This...

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, and the stock levels we've seen so far are 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've seen them stay in stock is maybe 15 to 20 minutes (usually just a few minutes, though), and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a truly difficult task. Sony warned that it will be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, but retailers are promising more are coming, and Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. After spending a few months with it now, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games to the DualSense haptic feedback. You'll definitely want to experience it for yourself...

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 gamesAdventure Quest 3DAnimAAnother 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...

OxygenOS 12 is just ColorOS with a different name — there's nothing original here.I've used OxygenOS from the very beginning, and I wasn't a fan of the changes that were introduced last year with OxygenOS 11. The design aesthetic felt half-baked and a poor imitation of One UI, and the interface lacked cohesion.Well, what OnePlus is doing with OxygenOS 12 is far worse. OnePlus merged the OxygenOS codebase with ColorOS in a bid to deliver faster updates; OxygenOS 11.3 on the Nord 2 gave us a first look at the ColorOS-based future, and it was fine because a lot of the user-facing features — like the launcher — were still made by OnePlus.That's not the case with OxygenOS 12. The Android 12-based interface is essentially just ColorOS 12 with a different name. OnePlus has managed to salvage a few features, but otherwise, the interface is identical to what you'll find on any OPPO phone today. OnePlus' biggest selling point was the differentiated software, and that's no longe...

With the OxygenOS 12 beta now live, here's when your OnePlus phone will get the update.The first OxygenOS 12 beta based on Android 12 is now available for the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, giving users a first look at all the new additions in the latest version of the interface.A big difference this year is that because OxygenOS 12 is built on the ColorOS codebase, it is nearly identical to ColorOS 12. In fact, after using it for a few hours, the only difference I can make out is a few extras like Zen Mode and Work Life Balance.OnePlus says it merged OxygenOS with ColorOS to deliver faster updates, and with the public Android 12 build now available, we'll have to wait and see if it can manage to roll out the stable version faster than last year. OnePlus did a decent job with software updates in the past, but it has struggled over the last two years — the OnePlus 6 and 6T switched to Android 11 just a month ago.Alongside the OxygenOS 12 beta, we got a list of devices that will be upd...

Fast Laughs has been an iPhone exclusive for months.What you need to knowNetflix is rolling out two of its latest features on Android devices.Fast Laughs cycles through various clips from comedy shows and movies in a TikTok-style fashion.Play Something shuffles between movies and shows you might be interested in watching.Months after rolling out its latest discovery features on iPhones and smart TVs, Netflix finally brings Fast Laughs and Play Something to the best Android phones.Fast Laughs is a TikTok-style feature that shows clips from various comedies found on the platform, from Disenchantment to The Happy Place and more. Netflix sees it as a way to discover funny new shows, movies, and comedy specials that you may not have been aware of. Fast Laughs lets you add series, films and stand-up specials to your list, or start viewing them immediately. You can also share the clips individually on Whatsapp, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter - so your friends can get i...

Android 12's source code has come to AOSP. Here's what that means for Pixel owners.Android 12 has (technically) arrived. As predicted, Android developers released Android 12 source code to the Android Open Source Project on October 4.However, that doesn't mean you can use the final version on Pixel phones just yet: in a statement to Android Central, a Google rep told us that "We're putting the finishing touches on a special release with Pixel-exclusive and Pixel-first experiences on Android 12. This will roll out to Pixel users in the next few weeks."Based on that vague timeline, Android 12 won't arrive on your Pixels until mid-to-late October. Given all the recent rumors about the Pixel 6 launching on October 19, the "Pixel-first" Android 12 could launch around the same time. If not then, it should certainly arrive in time for the official Android Dev Summit on October 27, at which Google will be "talking about Android 12 in more detail."Android 12 is "the biggest design cha...

Facebook services are down for users around the world, but they seem to be coming back online.Update, Oct 4 (18:45 ET): Facebook services recovering from outageIf you're having issues sending or receiving messages on WhatsApp, you're not the only one. The Facebook-owned messaging platform seems to be down, and it's not the only one; Instagram and Facebook are seeing outages as well, with users around the world unable to refresh their news feed or see messages.I'm not able to send or receive messages in WhatsApp, my Instagram feed isn't loading, and I'm not able to access Messenger. This isn't the first time Facebook services went down in recent months, and at this moment, it's unclear what's causing the issue. From the error message, it looks like a configuration issue with DNS servers.According to Downdetector, users from all over the world are having issues connecting to Facebook services, so it isn't an isolated incident. Ironically, Facebook's status page is also inaccess...

Available first to YouTube Music users in Canada.What you need to knowYouTube Music's free tier now has access to background listening.The feature was previously reserved for YouTube Premium subscribers.Background listening is rolling out to Canadian users first before reaching other countries and regions.YouTube Music may be one of the best music streaming services around, but there's one particular limitation that has left it lagging behind other platforms. Google is now getting rid of that limitation as it finally lets free YouTube Music users listen to music in the background.Now, users on the ad-supported free tier will be able to continue jamming to their favorite tunes or listen to podcasts while their screen is turned off or while they're doing other things on their phones. Within this, you can engage with the YouTube Music app through an exciting ad-supported, radio-like experience featuring the artists, songs, and albums you love, plus personalized mixes on ...

The second motion comes after the FTC's lawsuit made in AugustUpdate, Oct 4 (15:33ET): Facebook fights back with a second motion to dismiss the FTC lawsuit claiming it has "monopoly power" over social media.What you need to knowThe FTC has filed an amended complaint against Facebook.The complaint asserts that Facebook has held a monopoly since 2011 by acquiring platforms that threaten its position.Facebook maintains that its acquisitions have been reviewed and cleared and that the company does not hold a monopoly.The FTC has filed an amended lawsuit against Facebook on Thursday. The complaint doubles down on the initial accusation that Facebook partakes in anticompetitive behavior by acquiring platforms that threaten its position.The lawsuit was originally filed late last year, but the judge found it provided insufficient evidence of Facebook's monopoly and dismissed the lawsuit, giving the FTC a chance to amend its complaint with more details to make its case.The new...

All hardware that supports Google Stadia.Finding a complete list of Stadia devices can be tricky. Most of the best Android phones support it by default, or you can hook up one of several streaming devices to your TV for a more traditional gaming experience. However, it is not always clear which Stadia-enabled hardware is officially supported or not. Below are all the Stadia-compatible phones, tablets, computers, and TVs today, as well as the devices that have planned Stadia support in the future.Jump to:Officially supported Android phonesUnofficial Android phonesStadia tablet supportStadia on iOSStadia on TVBest way to playAll Stadia Compatible Android PhonesSo long as your Android phone is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or better — and if it isn't, you really should upgrade already — Stadia should technically run on it. If you want it to run Stadia well, Google has a list of officially supported devices that should play Stadia games as intended. You can see...

OxygenOS 12 is here with tighter ColorOS integration and Android 12.Software is a big part of why OnePlus' devices are considered the best Android phones. OnePlus has turned OxygenOS into one of the best software interfaces around, delivering a clean layout with plenty of customizability and timely updates.There's a new dimension to that narrative in 2021. OnePlus is now using ColorOS as the foundation for OxygenOS in a bid to streamline resources between the two entities, and that means there are changes afoot. We got an early look at the integration with OxygenOS 11.3 on the Nord 2, and with the first OxygenOS 12 public beta based on Android 12 now available, we're getting a clearer picture of what this merger has to offer.The OxygenOS 12 beta is now available for the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, and will be included out of the box on the OnePlus 9 RT that's launching later this month. As I revealed earlier in the year, OxygenOS 12 gets a lot of features from ColorOS, a new UI that m...

The first OxygenOS 12 beta based on Android 12 is now available, and here's how you can install it.OnePlus has kicked off the public beta for OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12, and you can install it right now. Like last year, the build is limited to OnePlus' latest phones, so if you have the OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro, you will be able to download the build and get an early look at all the Android 12 features.So if you're rocking the latest OnePlus flagship and want to take a look at what the Android 12-based OxygenOS 12 has in store, here's how you can install the build right now.How to install OxygenOS 12 (Android 12) on your OnePlus phoneThe best way to get OxygenOS 12 installed on your OnePlus phone is to download the build on your phone and use the local upgrade option. Doing so will allow you to make the switch to OxygenOS 12 without losing any data. Here's how to do it:Go to the OnePlus OxygenOS 12 forum post from your OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro. Download the OxygenOS 12 build. You...

Considering that the new Fitbit Charge 5 has a stunning AMOLED touchscreen, you'll want to do what you can to protect it. We've collected some of the best Fitbit Charge 5 screen protectors for you to choose from. So whether you want an ultra-thin screen protector or all-around coverage, there's no shortage of options out there.Maximum coverageKIMILAR Fitbit Charge 5 Screen Protector (8-Pack)Staff PickWhen you're looking for the best Fitbit Charge 5 screen protector for maximum coverage, you'll have met your match with this option from KIMILAR. The thin and flexible material is designed to offer maximum coverage, so no areas of the display are unprotected. You'll also love having 100% touchscreen accuracy as well as a self-healing function.$9 at AmazonExternal surface protectionEZCO Fitbit Charge 5 Screen Protector Case (4-Pack)Perhaps you're not willing to take any chances with your new fitness tracker. If you want to protect the display and the external sur...

OnePlus kicks off the Android 12-based OxygenOS 12 beta, and you can download it right now.With the stable Android 12 version now available, manufacturers are integrating the build into their custom skins. OnePlus is introducing the first beta for OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12, starting with the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro.With OnePlus merging the OxygenOS codebase with ColorOS and working on a new unified OS that's set to launch with the OnePlus 10 series early next year, OxygenOS 12 is the last version of OnePlus' custom skin. The OxygenOS 11.3 build on the Nord 2 gave us a first look at what the ColorOS integration would look like, and OxygenOS 12 takes things to the next level.The interface gets a redesign that's in line with ColorOS 12, offering a cleaner layout with increased spacing and less information density. OnePlus says the interface offers a "safe and chill place" for its users, and that the new design makes the UI easier to use and more readable: Visually, the chan...

Android 11 gets updated while we wait to get Android 12.What you need to knowGoogle rolls out the October update for Pixel smartphones.The update comes with several security fixes for various vulnerabilities.Phones from the Pixel 3XL to the Pixel 5a will start receiving the update now.While Google teased the Android 12 rollout for its Pixel devices on Monday, those on Android 11 are still being treated to an update, although it's not the one most people are hoping for.The company announced on Monday that the Android Pixel Security Update for October is rolling out for its devices. As with most Android Security Bulletin updates this one is meant to keep users safe with fixes for various security vulnerabilities. However, there don't appear to be any noteworthy bug fixes in tow.The update is rolling out for several models from the Pixel 3XL to the new Pixel 5a, although availability will depend on region and carrier. A notification will appear when the update is ready, al...

OPPO joins Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi in delivering three platform updates to its phones.What you need to knowOPPO will deliver three guaranteed Android verison updates to its flagship Find X series.It will also provide four years of security patches to Find X, Reno, F, and K series devices. The brand rolled out the first global beta of the Android 12-based ColorOS 12 for the Find X3 Pro. OPPO introduced ColorOS 12 for its devices in China last month, and the manufacturer is now kicking off the global beta program. The ColorOS 12 global beta gives users a first look at Android 12, and the beta build is now available for the Find X3 Pro in Indonesia and Malaysia.For now, OPPO isn't saying too much about what the global version of ColorOS 12 has to offer, but it should get the cleaner interface the brand showed off for the Chinese variant. The Omoji 3D avatar feature is likely to be a headliner, along with tweaks to customization, floating windows, and more.But ...

Best answer: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud game streaming for Android is available in 26 countries across the world at launch, including those in North America, Europe, and Asia.What is Xbox Game Pass for Android?When Microsoft first revealed its game streaming service, it was known as Project xCloud. Now that it's leaving beta soon, cloud streaming is another feature within Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the company's game subscription service that also bundles Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass, EA Play. Cloud streaming within Xbox Game Pass for Android supports a couple of hundred games at the moment, including popular EA titles and some of Bethesda's greatest hits like Fallout 4, Skyrim, and more.Xbox Game Pass itself is a bit similar to Netflix. For one low monthly cost, members are treated to a rotating catalog of hundreds of games, including Xbox Game Studios exclusives that launch into the service the day they release for everyone else.Every first-party Xbox title from across X...

Not all variants of the Samsung Galaxy S22 will feature the Exynos 2200 chipset.What you need to knowSamsung has confirmed that its next-gen Exynos 2200 chipset will support ray tracing.The chipset will use a GPU based on AMD's RDNA2 architecture.Samsung's Galaxy S22 is expected to be the first phone to come equipped with the Exynos 2200. Earlier this year, AMD CEO Lisa Su confirmed that the company was working with Samsung to bring ray tracing to phones. Samsung has now announced in a post on Weibo that its next-gen Exynos 2200 chipset will be the first to come equipped with ray tracing support.The Exynos 2200 will feature a GPU based on the AMD RDNA2 architecture, codenamed "Voyager." AMD's RDNA2 architecture is used in not just the company's RX 6000 GPUs but also powers the graphics in both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.The chipset itself is codenamed "Pamir" and could be announced sometime early next year. Similar to the Exynos 2100, the Exynos 2200 is rumored...

You'll have to wait a little longer for Android 12.What you need to knowGoogle announced the official stable rollout of Android 12The update comes with a host of new features for the platform, including dynamic theming, updated widgets, and enhanced privacy settings.Google Pixel smartphones will be the first to receive Android 12, with other OEMs following.After months of developer previews and beta builds, Google has finally released the stable Android 12 build to the Android Open Source Project. However, it won't arrive on Pixel smartphones just yet.Pixel owners that didn't participate in the beta program will soon have access to a massive visual overhaul for Android, with the new Material You design language and dynamic theming. With this, your system colors and accents can change based on your wallpaper for a more cohesive look across the OS.This new Material You theming also applies to apps, with Google updating its suite of applications to take advantage of the ne...

Chromebooks are built light, lithe, and long-lasting. Still, as more Chromebooks shed USB-A and card-reading ports for future-proof, multifunctional USB-C ports, users are faced with a choice: You can try to upgrade all your peripherals to USB-C, or you can get a USB-C hub and keep using your USB-A keyboard and ripping photos off your camera's SD cards. Many USB-C hubs also support HDMI monitors, Ethernet, and Power Delivery charging too, so no matter your needs, there's a great USB-C hub out there for you! Here are some of the best Chromebook USB-C hubs you can buy right now.USB-C peripheralsAnker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub AdapterAnker makes a wide, wide array of USB-C hubs, but this one stands out. In addition to having a PD port for pass-through charging, there's also an extra data port for plugging in a USB-C peripheral like a USB-C flash drive or keyboard.$35 at Amazon$35 at WalmartPocket-friendly powerhouseUni USB-C Hub$50 at Amazon (6-in-1)$...

What you need to knowT-Mobile customers will have access to an exclusive 500GB tier of Google One cloud storage.The 500GB plan costs $5 per month with the option to upgrade to 2TB for $10 per month.This plan is available to both T-Mobile and Sprint customers starting October 12, 2021.As part of its partnership with Google, T-Mobile has announced a new exclusive Google One plan. This plan comes with 500GB of cloud storage as well as the other benefits of Google One including backups for photos, video, contacts, and more on their phones. Google One subscribers at this tier can also get 10% back on Google Store purchases.This space will also add to your Google Drive, Google Photos, and Gmail storage and will allow you to easily back up your Android data. and customers can access their files from any connected device.At a price of $5 per month, this 500GB plan sits right in the middle of Google One's other plans with the option to upgrade to 2TB for $10 per month. Google One ...

Smart home is the way.What you need to knowNearly 80% of our readers use smart home products around the house.A small percentage say they have no use for smart home devices, but some are looking into it.Others are less trusting of the companies behind smart devices.Over the weekend, we asked whether or not our readers used smart home products around the house. With big players like Amazon and Google taking the reigns and improving on their offerings and services every year with some of the best smart displays, setting up smart devices is becoming easier than ever.It seems those efforts are paying off. Out of 962 responses, nearly 80% of our readers say they use smart home products around the house, even if their homes are not littered with the devices.While some brush it off as being lazy, one reader, Cheekid33, says that it's more about security. A week ago I was notified that there was activity near my vehicle. I found out that they were attempting to break into...

The Pixel 6 Pro is expected to be one of the most impressive camera phones of 2021.What you need to knowA new leak gives us an early look at the camera performance of Google's upcoming Pixel 6 Pro.Both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are tipped to feature a 50MP primary sensor.Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 6 series at an event on October 19. Google's upcoming Pixel 6 Pro is rumored to be a pretty significant upgrade over the Pixel 5 in the camera department. It is tipped to use an upgraded 50MP main sensor and a periscope lens with 4x optical zoom. The first Pixel 6 Pro camera samples have now leaked online, courtesy of Brandon Lee from This is Tech Today.Since full-size samples haven't been posted yet, it is difficult to judge the quality of the camera from these images. That said, they do suggest Google's answer to the best Android phones of 2021 will retain all the major strengths of the Pixel 5's camera. The photos appear to have plenty of detail, and the colors ar...

Google Street View is one of our favorite parts of Google maps. You may have seen one of the Street View cars driving around taking 360-degree photos of the streets in your town, but did you know it's possible to submit your photos to Google maps? There are two ways to do it, one of which is a lot easier than the next.Submitting a photo sphere is the best way to contribute to Google Maps. They're exactly how they sound. Photospheres are 360-degree views of an area. You can use a 360-degree camera to create one or use the specially built camera app in the Street View app. For some phones, this is the only way to capture 360-degree photos. Phones like the Pixel have a photosphere mode in the built-in camera app.You can create a photosphere with your Pixel phone camera app, like the Google Pixel 5a. You can also create a photosphere with any of the best Android phones using the Google Street View app.How to submit your own Street View images to Google Maps (the easy way)The easi...

The best Android tablet available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. But, of course, it's pricey and not the right pick for someone who prefers a smaller, more portable tablet). Still, as an all-around device, it can't be beaten. For those with different needs (or budgets), a few other picks work just well for media consumption and won't break the bank.What is the best Android tablet for you?There's much more to a tablet than just its display, but it's hard to deny an important role that particular spec plays. The Galaxy Tab S7 has one of the most impressive displays on any device we've used. It's able to get pretty bright and even bears support for Samsung's S Pen stylus. Of course, the Tab S7 also packs incredibly powerful specs elsewhere, and you can even buy a 5G-capable variant for a bit more money.If you really want to go the extra mile, Samsung's larger and pricier Galaxy...