Latest from Android Central

Synology DiskStation DS220+Ideal home NAS$295 at AmazonProsPowerful hardwareOutstanding softwareIdeal as a Plex media serverDual Gigabit Ethernet ports Holds up to 32TB of storageConsNo M.2 slots for SSD cachingNo eSATA port for connecting expansion drivesThe DiskStation DS220+ has everything you're looking for in a NAS enclosure. The Intel Celeron J4025 chipset is ideal for running Plex, and the DSM 7.0 software delivers a vast array of features. The two-bay NAS holds up to 32TB of storage, and if you're buying a NAS for the first time or upgrading from an older model, the DS220+ is the perfect choice.Synology DiskStation DS920+All the extras$548 at AmazonProsExhaustive software featuresPowerful chipseteSATA port lets you connect expansion drivesM.2 slots for SSD cachingHolds 64TB of storage with four drive baysDual Gigabit Ethernet portsConsCostlyThe DiskStation DS920+ builds on the foundation of the DS220+ but offers four drive b...

New name, new features, same excellent service.What you need to knowAmazon launches Alexa Together, a new version of Alexa Care Hub.Alexa Together has many of the same features as Care Hub, with new additions like a 24/7 Urgent Response helpline and support for third-party fall detection devices.A subscription costs $19 per month or $200 a year, but early adopters can get six months free.A year ago, Amazon announced the Alexa Care Hub as a way to give families peace of mind by giving them a direct line to loved ones that may require extra care. Now, Amazon is upgrading that service and giving it a new name, too: Alexa Together.At its core, Alexa Together is the same service that Amazon launched last year, but gains a few new features that will enhance long-distance caregiving.Alexa Together gives aging loved ones access to 24/7 Urgent Response in case something happens. Another helpful feature is the added support for third-party fall detection devices from Vayyar and S...

The new Amazon Glow aims to bring children closer with long-distance loved ones with interactive games, books, and more.What you need to knowAmazon announced an interactive projector with video calling for kids named Glow.Kids can interact with the 19-inch projected display to play games, read books, and more. Glow is currently part of the Day 1 Edition program and requires an invite to purchase.Amazon already makes some of the best Android tablets for kids thanks in large part to its fantastic Amazon Kids+ software. Amazon combines tablets designed for kids and the Echo Show 5 Kids into a completely new product called the Amazon Glow.The new Amazon Glow takes the fun interactivity that a tablet provides but instead of holding a slab of glass, your child will be tapping and swiping on a tabletop. The Amazon Glow will broadcast a 19-inch interactive screen onto a mat that you can place your table, counter, or floor using the built-in projector.Thanks to the ever-expandin...

Don't let connection problems keep you from being the very best.Pokémon Unite is now available on mobile devices, meaning it's no longer confined to the Nintendo Switch and can become of the best Android games available. While the majority of players have a great experience, some inevitably encounter problems. With many possible causes for connection issues, we've compiled a list of fixes that can help get you battling again.Having your game get an error or connection problem is no fun when you're trying to collect all of the Pokémon Unite available. So let's guide you out of your connection errors in Pokémon Unite on Android and back into the battle to be the best.How to fix connection errors in Pokémon Unite on AndroidThe first step in fixing your connection is figuring out why it isn't working. If, for example, you have a poor quality or unstable Wi-Fi connection, it could keep you from logging into Pokémon Unite. We recommend checking a few things:Check if your Wi...

When Google Stadia first launched at the end of 2019, early adopters of the game streaming service could only use the Chromecast Ultra and the Stadia controller to play games strictly on their televisions. It wasn't until earlier this year that Stadia could support more Android TV devices with hardware able to sync compatible Bluetooth, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One controllers. Now players can use their smartphone as a virtual gamepad to play Stadia games on the TV, and here is how to do it.How to use your smartphone as a Stadia controller on Chromecast UltraSwitch to the input for Chromecast Ultra on your television.Find the linking code on your Chromecast's Ambient Mode screen. If there is no linking code, you may have to turn it on in your Ambient Mode settings.On your smartphone, open the latest version of the Stadia app. Next, make sure the Chromecast Ultra and the smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.Tap the Controller icon at the top of the mobile device's...

Video backgrounds have arrived on Google Meet for Android phones.Update, Sept. 28 (4:00 p.m. ET): Video background arrive on Android, too.What you need to knowGoogle Meet now supports image backgrounds on Android phones.The web version of Google Meet has new video backgrounds with a selection of three to choose from.The new features should be available now on Android phones and on the web.Google Meet has received new updates this week that bring new background features on the web and the best Android phones.The first update comes to the Google Meet Android app. Users will now be able to add image backgrounds or a new blur effect to their video calls. This feature has already been available on Google Duo, the company's other video calling app.Google also provides a selection of images for users to choose from, such as office spaces, landscapes, and abstract backgrounds.The web version of Google Meet takes things up a notch with new video backgrounds. This comes as ...

The JP team report on everything announced at the September 2021 Nintendo Direct, including news that Chris Pratt will voice our favorite plumber in an upcoming film. Needless to say, we have thoughts!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Apple rejects Epic's request to bring Fortnite back to the App Store | iMoreActivision Blizzard, CEO Bobby Kotick subpoenaed by SEC over toxic workplace allegations | Windows CentralEverything announced at the September 2021 Nintendo Direct | iMoreN64 and Sega Genesis emulators coming to Nintendo Switch in late October | iMoreDeath Stranding Director's Cut for PS5 review: More light-hearted fun, even for new players | Android CentralKena: Bridge of Spirits for PS5 review — Charming its way into my heart | Android Central...

Lighting up your garden, footpath, backyard, or patio doesn't have to be a significant hassle. Whether you plan on throwing plenty of parties, helping out outdoor security cameras, or you want to be able to see where you're going, investing in some outdoor LED string lights can make things easier. There are tons of options out there, from basic strings to programmable rainbow lights to smart options like the best Govee light bulbs, and it can be intimidating to try and find the right light for you and your home. So here are the top picks for the best outdoor LED string lights.Commercial gradeBanord LED Outdoor String Lights - 48FT Patio LightsStaff PickIf you want to throw parties that light up the night, you're going to need some string lights that can get the job done. The Banord LED Outdoor String Lights do just that with a 48-foot strand that features 15 dangling bulbs to help add some atmosphere to your patio. These commercial grade lights are weather-resistant, so y...

FIFA 22 and The Addams Family also coming to the store in the same month.What you need to knowStadia Pro will add another five games for subscribers to play for free beginning on October 1.The five games are Cake Bash, Control Ultimate Edition, DreamWorks Spirit Lucky's Big Adventure, Hello Engineer - Early Access, and Unto The End.FIFA 22 and The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem are launching for the Stadia store on October 1.Stadia Pro will be adding another five games to its catalog for subscribers to claim and play at no additional cost for the month of October, Google announced in a blog post today.Beginning on Friday, October 1, Stadia Pro members can claim multiplayer construction game Hello Engineer - Early Access, four-player party game Cake Bash, cinematic platformer Unto The End, and Remedy Entertainment's mind-bending shooter Control Ultimate Edition which is alongside some of the best Stadia games.The final Stadia Pro game is DreamWorks Spirit Lucky's Big Adve...

The new Echo Show 15 blends in when you want it to.What you need to knowAmazon launched the new Echo Show 15.The device features a 15-inch 1080p display and can be mounted on a wall like a photo frame.Amazon is also launching its new interface and widgets along with a new Visual ID.Amazon has no shortage of impressive Echo devices in its repertoire, like the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) with its rotating display. However, the company's latest product is probably its most compelling. The new Amazon Echo Show 15 is a large smart display that can be mounted on a wall and double as a digital photo frame.It features a 15.6-inch 1080p display, the largest among the best smart displays, and is powered by Amazon's next-generation Amazon AZ2 Neural Edge processor for faster, on-device speech recognition and processing. Depending on your needs, you can have it mounted on a countertop stand or up against the wall, and it rotates to fit your home decor and better match how you prefer to us...

Amazon Halo gets a proper display, extended battery life, a year of Halo Fitness and Nutrition, and a sub-$100 price.What you need to knowAmazon Halo View is a new $80 fitness tracker with an AMOLED display, a follow-up to last year's Halo Band.It comes with a year's free subscription to Halo Fitness and Halo Nutrition, with "hundreds" of workouts and personalized meal plans and recipes.Halo View will help track your heart rate, body fat percentage, posture, sleep, and other health information. Halo View sports bands come in 15 colors and will cost $15, while metal, fabric, or leather bands will cost $30.The Amazon Halo Band stood out as a new kind of fitness tracker, but not always in the best ways. On the plus side, it was extremely comfortable and lightweight; had useful health sensors like an SpO2, ECG, skin temperature, and electrodermal to track your health in-app; and gave you tons of actionable info to improve your health. On the flip side, its mic drained the batt...

Hey, Alexa, play Ride of the Valkyries.What you need to knowAnnounced today, the Ring Always Home Cam is a drone security camera that can fly around your house to check on multiple areas.It joins the newest group of Amazon Day 1 Editions — and that means you'll need an invite to order one.Past Day 1 Editions fill up their invite lists quickly, so if you have any desire to buy one, ask for an invitation right now at Amazon.Camera drones have been a thing for years, and home security cameras have existed for decades. It was only a matter of time before this chocolate and peanut butter came together in a sweet, easy-to-use package, and today we got that delicious taste with the Ring Always Home Cam, which was teased a year ago and is finally ready to take flight. This drone system allows you to program custom flight paths for regular monitoring as well as use it to follow to where other cameras or Ring Alarm sensors have been triggered. This will let you see if someone actua...

Bose is known not only for comfortable headphones, but for excellent sound quality, so getting a pair of the best Bose headphones might be worth the investment. Bose's Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are the company's most innovative option to date. They feature 11 different steps of active noise cancelation, great battery life with up to 20 hours on a single charge, USB-C charging, and solid sound quality.Best overall: Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 aren't the newest headphones the company has to offer, but they're still, by far, the most innovative.The headlining feature here are the NCH 700s' active noise-cancelation (ANC) capabilities. The outgoing Bose QC35 II had solid ANC but were clearly showing their age. However, the NCH 700 now feature some of the best ANC available on the market today. With new ANC algorithms, they're able to block out nearly all bass/low-end noise and a decent amount of midrange and treble. They also fea...

It's a mouse droid with eyes and a cup holder.What you need to knowAmazon Astro is the company's first home robot and retails for $1,500, with a special introductory price of $999.Sign-ups are available today and the robot is expected to begin shipping later this year.Astro uses on-board processing and SLAM algorithms to intelligently map and navigate around your home.Astro can also be used to make video calls thanks to its large front-facing screen.Amazon's late-September 2021 event unveiled a host of new devices and services, including new Blink cameras, tons of new Ring devices, and now a home robot that doubles as a security dog. Amazon Astro is the company's first home robot and Amazon hopes it's cute enough to keep you from getting the heebie-jeebies.The form factor is similar enough to the mouse droids found in the Star Wars universe, but with a much more pronounced set of wheels, swappable storage compartment on the back, and a rotating, tilting Amazon Echo Show ...

As VR continues to grow in leaps and bounds thanks to headsets like the Oculus Quest 2, the drastic landscape change has created new challenges for developers to hurdle over. The current state of VR development is akin to the Wild West, with immature development tools, difficulty sharing resources, and a totally different landscape of hardware, social media influencers, media outlets with regular coverage, and unfamiliar names and IPs.But, with the exception of the development tools, there's nothing wrong with any of those other hurdles. With the news that developer Fast Travel Games — the name behind titles like Budget Cuts 2, The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets, and Wraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife — will be entering the market as one of the few VR publishers, it's clear that VR is finally growing into its own in every way.Studios like Fast Travel Games and Vertigo Games before it are paving the way for the future of VR in a way a big publisher simply cannot. While big publ...

Blink is coming after Google's Nest products.What you need to knowBlink is launching a new smart home security camera and a couple of accessories.The company launches its first video doorbell with up to two years of battery life.Blink Outdoor gets a few accessories, including a floodlight and solar panel mount.While Amazon has quite a few smart video doorbells from its popular Ring brand, it's now expanding its offerings to its other home security brand, Blink. On Tuesday, the company revealed Blink's first video doorbell as the latest addition to its smart home security offerings.The new Blink Video Doorbell features a sleek design, a 1080p video camera with night vision, and an easy wire-free setup. When powered by two AA batteries, it can last up to two years before the batteries need to be replaced based on how it's used. Or, you can go for a wired setup to connect to your home chime.Like many of the best smart doorbells, Blink Video Doorbell will alert you when s...

What you need to knowThe OnePlus Android 12 Developer Preview has received its first major update.Developer Preview 2 brings improvements to the screen, UI, performance monitoring, and a few Camera improvements.There are still nine known issues, three of which involve cameras and screenshots.Developer Preview 2 is available for OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro users in North America, Europe, and India willing to flash the update OTA locally — which will wipe your local data.We've been eagerly awaiting Android 12's graduation from beta to stable, but we'll still be waiting a while afterward for manufacturer betas to graduate and push out to the public. Take OnePlus's OxygenOS 12, which has been on its first, exclusive Closed Beta for five weeks now; it's only receiving its first update today.Developer Preview 2 brings a small smattering of new optimizations — and new widgets that should fit in more with OnePlus and Oppo's take on Material You — but it's still a long way from gradu...

Ring can now help protect your home from intruders and let third-party professionals act as your virtual security guard.What you need to knowRing has unveiled a host of new home security devices and services meant to keep your home safe from all sort of threats.You can now get intelligent alerts when a package arrives or a motion is detected in your house.Third-party professional companies can also remotely monitor Ring outdoor cameras in your property to give the assurance of on-site security.Applications for Ring's drone security device are now open in the U.S. on an invite-only basis.Ring today announced a slew of new home security solutions designed to protect your property from break-ins and other forms of threats with always-connected devices, automated event alerts, and remote monitoring by third-party professionals.The new Ring Alarm Pro, Virtual Security Guard, and Custom Event Alerts add to Ring's growing portfolio of security solutions. Ring's drone camera tha...

When you look up how to delete your PlayStation Network (PSN) account, you'll see a lot of answers explaining how to delete a profile from your PS5, but that might not be what you want. Instead, you may wish to entirely close your PlayStation account and permanently delete it from existence so that it's lost in the ether. You can do that whether you have a PS4 or PS5, but you'll need to contact Sony to do so.How to permanently delete your PSN accountGo to PlayStation's support website.In the search bar where it asks to type in your issue or question, type close account.Select the link for How to close your account for PlayStation Network.Read the following page detailing what will happen after you close your account and what information you need to have on hand (Online PSN ID, email associated with the account).Click on contact us near the top of the page. Scroll down on the next page and select Account & Security.Select Change Online ID & other account questio...

You'll soon be able to log in to a single WhatsApp account on more than one phone.What you need to knowWhatsApp is working on further improving its multi-device feature.WhatsApp's multi-device 2.0 update could finally allow users to use the same account on a second phone. The feature currently lets users connect to one phone and four other devices. Back in July, WhatsApp finally kicked off its multi-device beta, allowing beta testers to log in to four devices at once. According to a report from WABetaInfo, the Facebook-owned messaging is now working on making the feature even more useful by getting rid of a major limitation.As can be seen in the screenshot above, WhatsApp is working on adding the ability to use an account on a second smartphone. Currently, multi-device only lets you stay connected on one phone and up to four other devices.Once the functionality is enabled and you log in to your WhatsApp account on a second phone, the app will download all your recent ...

Crank up your tunes with our favorite headphones, Sony's WH-1000XM4. These outstanding cans feature class-leading active noise cancelation (ANC) and come with great sound, battery life, and comfort. Jam out to your favorite tunes, talk to Alexa, and even take a phone call without ever having to take your headphones off. Sony has built its reputation on high-end headphones, and these are the best Sony headphones you can buy.Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM4Sony didn't have to rethink its approach with the WH-1000XM4 because the previous WH-1000XM3s were already among the best in the industry, topping some of our own lists. The two biggest reasons were the audio quality and ANC performance, which got decent upgrades with the WH-1000XM4. Sony put in its QN1 processor and dual noise sensor to further improve blocking ambient sound. While it's highly debatable that the results are a giant leap forward from their predecessors, they get help from other areas.Sony could've chosen to make...

Best answer: There are multiple steps to solve your credit card issues, but the first thing to try is removing the information and re-inputting it. This tends to solve most issues. If nothing works, though, you can always grab a gift card instead.Where do I start?Billing InformationTroubleshootRestart from Safe ModeContact SonyAdd funds through PayPal/PSN cards1. Billing InformationThe PlayStation Network seems to make everything harder than it should be, with several stipulations in place that need to be followed. If your credit card won't work on PlayStation Network, start with entering your billing information on PS5 or PS4.To begin, make sure the credit card you're using is either Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or debit cards with an official Visa or MasterCard logo. These are the only ones accepted on the PlayStation Store, so it's a necessary step if you want to buy any of the best PS5 games available through a credit card.Your card checks o...

The standard Pixel 6 may only be slightly more expensive than the Pixel 5.What you need to knowA new leak suggests the standard Pixel 6 will start at €649 in Europe.The Pixel 6 Pro could be priced at €899 in the old continent. It also claims that the Pixel 6 series will be announced on October 19. Last week, Brandon Lee from This is Tech Today gave us our first real-world look at Google's upcoming Pixel 6 Pro. Lee has now revealed a few more details about the upcoming Pixel 6 series phones in a new YouTube video.According to Brandon Lee's sources, the Google Pixel 6 is going to retail for €649 in Europe, while the bigger Pixel 6 Pro will be priced at €899. While it looks like the Pixel 6 Pro will be nearly as expensive as the best Android phones from Samsung, the standard Pixel 6 may only be €20 more expensive than last year's Pixel 5.The Pixel 6's black colorway will apparently be called "carbon," while the green option could be marketed as "fog." Aside f...

Get both Spider-Men looking as stylish as possible.Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is on the way, and from what we've seen so far, Insomniac Games is looking to deliver another high-quality single-player Spider-Man adventure. Both Miles Morales and Peter Parker are here this go around, which means there are suits to collect for both iconic web-slingers! As such, while the game isn't here yet, we're putting together a list of all the suits in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for PS5 that we know you'll be able to unlock.There's no doubt that based on developer Insomniac Games' past experience, this could easily end up being one of the best PS5 games available. Both Marvel's Spider-Man and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales were critically and commercially massive hits, sporting long lists of suits that drew inspiration from the comics and long histories of each character. Note that because this game stars Peter Parker and Miles Morales as co-protagonists, we've divided the list of all suits so far in ...

RevolutionPS5 DualSense controller$69 at AmazonProsLight bars movedAdaptive triggersHaptic feedbackUSB-C chargingBuilt-in microphoneCreate buttonConsSymmetrical thumbstick layoutTriggers are not as ergonomicThe DualSense doesn't completely diverge from the DualShock lineup, but it is Sony's biggest departure in design in well over a decade. The handgrips are more ergonomic than the DualShock 4's, and it adds haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to make it more tactile and add a level of immersion that wasn't present on its predecessor.EvolutionXbox Series X/S controllerFrom $50 at MicrosoftProsImproved ergonomicsImpulse triggersShare buttonAsymmetrical thumbstick layoutHybrid 8-directional D-padCompatible with Xbox OneConsAA batteriesMicrosoft's philosophy appears to be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The Xbox Series X controller is almost identical to its predecessor, apart from a few key upgrades like the share button ...

Lenovo just released the Smart Clock 2 at the beginning of the month. That's great and all, but the real key to that release is the previous generation going on sale. That's where the savings are. You can get the 1st-generation Lenovo Smart Clock on sale for just $34.99 at Best Buy today as part of Best Buy's deals of the day. This deal is only available in Charcoal, although the Grey version isn't too far off at $39.99. This deal is essentially 50% off what the Smart Clock normally sells for, and you can still find it going for as much as $80 at other retailers like Walmart.Lenovo Smart Clock 1st-gen | 50% offThis price is so low you could buy a couple of them and then use the Smart Clock's multiroom tech to play your favorite media around the house. Set up routines, control your home, and more with this valuable device.$34.99 at Best BuyWhen this clock first released back in 2019 we gave it 4 stars out of 5 and a Recommended badge in our review. Daniel Bader said, "Leno...

The phone will be a significant upgrade over the Fairphone 3+.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed nearly all the specs of Fairphone's first 5G phone.The phone will come with a Snapdragon 750G processor, a 48MP camera, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.It is tipped to be priced at just under €600 in Europe.Fairphone is set to take the wraps off its first-ever 5G phone at a virtual event on September 30. Ahead of the phone's launch, a new report from WinFuture has shed more light on its key tech specs and design.The latest leaked renders of the Fairphone 4 5G give us a better look at the sustainable phone's design from various angles. Unlike Fairphone's previous devices, the Fairphone 4 5G will have a "premium" build with a metal frame.As you'd expect, however, the phone's back cover will still be removable. Another key change is the positioning of the fingerprint sensor. Fairphone appears to have embedded the fingerprint sensor inside the power button on t...

Will publish VR games from smaller developers.What you need to knowWraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife developer Fast Travel Games will become a publisher for other VR developers.The publishing arm of the company will be headed by Patrick Liu, who was most recently Head of Games at Mojang Studios.The publisher will focus on smaller developers looking to break into the VR market.Swedish virtual reality game developer Fast Travel Games announced today it will be expanding its business by publishing VR titles for smaller game developers on Oculus Quest 2 and other headsets. The publishing arm of the company will be led by Patrick Liu, a 15-year games industry veteran and most recently Head of Games at Mojang Studios, as Fast Travel Games's Head of Publishing."We've been fully committed to VR since founding the studio in 2016, and in that time we've collected experiences, expertise, and connections that are of huge value to smaller VR devs trying to find success in this market,"...

If you're a gamer who's into Xbox, PlayStation, or both, and plan to get your hands on the PS5 or Xbox Series X (or maybe you were already lucky enough to pick one up!), chances are you'll want the best experience possible. This requires loading up on some great PS5 accessories, including the best HDMI 2.1 compatible cables you can find to support higher resolution, more bandwidth (up to 48Gbps), faster refresh rates, and even dynamic HDR. Here are the best we found to enhance your gaming experience even further!Braided strengthHighwings 8K HDMI Cable - 6.6-FootStaff PickIt's still early days for 8K, but if you have a future-friendly set-up for your intense video gaming sessions, this cable can support it with 8K@60Hz (4K@120Hz) to accurately reproduce every scene in the game in stunning clarity. The braided cord will ensure it won't break or fray, along with the anti-bending design and 24K gold-plated plug part material. The 6.6-foot length should suit most needs, but you ...

It's coming any day now. Google's first foray into creating its own chipset for its own device, is on the way with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. And while a lot is riding on these devices from a market share standpoint, there's also a lot riding on them for Android enthusiasts.LG is gone, HTC is hanging on by a literal thread, and Motorola is just different now. But if you jump back five years, the story was very different. Then, Samsung was still largely leading the charge, but it had much more competition from other phone makers. Meanwhile, Google was just working on its first Google Pixel release, and the OnePlus 3T was making big waves.That's because after seeing the success of the OnePlus One, and subsequent OnePlus 2, the OnePlus 3T offered something quite a bit different. OnePlus' "Never Settle" moniker still held strong thanks to the introduction of Dash Charge while still offering one of the best values that could be found.But OnePlus also offered something that almos...

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

Jabra does right by these budget earbuds, even if a couple things aren't there.Jabra doesn't have as much to prove as other brands do when it comes to making good wireless earbuds. Its pedigree in this arena has already been evidenced by the Elite line that competes against pricier rivals. Up to now, Jabra's budget options would usually be the older versions of their Elite earbuds, much like the Elite 75t currently are right now.The Elite 3 take a more dedicated approach because they're more affordable earbuds off the bat — not because they've been replaced by something else. That makes for an interesting situation, especially considering how many other good earbuds are already available from other brands for less than $100.Jabra Elite 3:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceJabra Elite 3 ...

The update is currently available in just three markets.What you need to knowThe October 2021 Android security patch has started rolling out to Samsung's Galaxy S21 series in some markets.Besides the newer security patch, however, the update doesn't bring any other major changes.The update is expected to expand to other markets over the coming weeks. Samsung has once again started rolling out a new Android security patch to its best Android phones before everyone else. According to a report from SamMobile, the Galaxy S21 trio has started receiving a new software update with build number G991BXXU3AUIE. The update brings the latest Android security patch dated October 1, 2021.The update appears to be rolling out to users in Germany, India, and the Philippines currently. As is usually the case, it will take a week or two for the update to become more widely available. The official changelog apparently mentions the update also brings "improved stability of functions."Once t...

Put on your party hats and get playing some fun games!Party games provide a great way for friends, new and old, to come together, share a laugh, and just have a good time. With the new reality of many of us stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, these games can be a distraction and a source of laughter at an otherwise serious time. Here are our favorites!And when you're ready for more Android gaming goodness, be sure to check out our list of the best Android games!Best social multiplayer games:Among UsBombSquadChwazi Finger ChooserEscape TeamHeads Up!Jackbox Party PackKeep Talking and Nobody ExplodesOut of the LoopPsych!Selfie GamesSpaceteamTicket to RideTriple Agent!Undercover ^^Who Can't DrawAmong UsTo say that Among Us has exploded in popularity recently would be underselling the fad. It's a cute, fun, and interesting multiplayer game that supports 5-10 players where not everyone is as they seem.Your group is meant to complete various ...

It will be HMD Global's first tablet since acquiring exclusive rights to the Nokia brand.What you need to knowNokia teased its upcoming Android tablet, the brand's second such device ever.The device is set to be announced on October 6.It could be the rumored Nokia T20 with modest specs.Nokia is set to announce a new tablet on October 6. The company has released a teaser for the upcoming unveiling, implying that the new slate will be inspired by the Nokia 3310 from 2017.The tablet appears to have rounded edges, similar to Nokia's recent smartphone lineup. Aside from that, the teaser doesn't reveal much about what Nokia has up its sleeve. It only shows a sliver of a slate peeking out from around a corner, alongside the Nokia 3310 in full view.Everything you’d expect from a Nokia phone in a tablet.Coming 6.10.21 pic.twitter.com/uTssAURMMQ— Nokia Mobile (@NokiaMobile) September 27, 2021That said, it's possible that the teaser refers to the same tablet that hit the r...

The phone is set to debut in India next week.Update, Sept 28 (3:00 a.m. ET): Launched in IndiaWhat you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy M52 5G is now official.The mid-range phone uses a Snapdragon 778G chipset and a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.It is expected to go on sale in select markets across Europe from September 28.Samsung has quietly announced the Galaxy M52 5G, a new mid-range phone that is based on the Galaxy A52s.According to the landing page for the Galaxy M52 5G on Samsung's official Polish site, first spotted by leaker Roland Quandt, the phone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The centered hole-punch cutout at the top of the display houses an impressive 32MP selfie camera.Samsung's latest mid-ranger appears to have the same 6nm Snapdragon 778G chipset under the hood as the Galaxy A52s, coupled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. It has a triple-lens camera system on the back, with...

It's a sleek Android TV dongle, but is it worth the price?Update, Sept 28 (1:00 a.m. ET): Available now through Anker or AmazonWhat you need to knowAnker has teased a new Android TV streaming dongle with 4K support.The device will include a Google-designed remote and ship with Android TV 10. It is slated to launch in Japan later this year.Anker's Nebula brand has announced that its first-ever streaming dongle will arrive later this year (via 9to5Google). According to a tweet posted by Nebula's Japanese Twitter account, the device will be called the "Nebula 4K Streaming Dongle" and ship with Android 10.TV等にHDMI接続できるストリーミングデバイス「Nebula 4K Streaming Dongle」を9月頃に販売開始予定！最新のAndroid TV 10.0を搭載し、YouTubeやNetflixを始めとした7,000以上のアプリに対応。最大4K出力の高解像度に加え、Dolby Digital Plus対応の高音質な映像がお楽しみいただけます。#APC21Spring pic.t...

Android 12.1 is set to significantly improve the foldable experience.What you need to knowA look into Android 12.1 shows several improvements aimed at foldables.Many UI elements will make better use of the larger display area.The new features include improved notifications, split-screen, and navigation across the UI.Android 12 isn't even available in stable form yet, but we're already getting a look at the follow-up Android 12.1 if that's what Google ends up calling it. The update is expected to be aimed at the best foldable phones to enhance the UI experience for those devices.XDA-Developers appears to have done a deep dive into many features and changes coming to Android 12.1, which appear to make much better use of the larger displays that foldables often offer.Dual-pane navigation and split-screen appear to be a big focus with Android 12.1. The quick settings panel, for example, can now be shown on one side with the notification panel sitting next to it. Not only th...

Another mid-range Android tablet for you to ignoreWhat you need to knowSpecs and renders have leaked for the Galaxy Tab A8 2021.The tablet is said to be powered by a Unisoc processor and features up to 4GB of RAM.Expected pricing is to begin around $260 with an October release date.Earlier this month, the first renders leaked in regards to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 2021. At the time, some of the specs were revealed, but another leak has cropped up, providing a bit more insight into what we can expect.This new leak comes courtesy of @OnLeaks in conjunction with 91Mobiles, providing us even more renders and specs for the upcoming device. The Galaxy Tab A8 2021 is said to arrive as the successor to the Galaxy Tab A7 and will be "placed in the mid-range segment when launched."In terms of power, the Tab A8 2021 is said to feature a Unisoc processor, which is paired with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and three different storage configurations. Meanwhile, the tablet could feature...

Google could soon make it easier to view your recent search results and current tab at the same time.What you need to knowGoogle Chrome looks set to add a new feature to easily browse your search results in a side panel.The new capability will let you view your current tab and recent search results without having to open a new tab.Chrome's sidebar search has been spotted in the latest build of Chrome Canary.Google is reportedly developing a new Chrome feature that will allow you to open your recent search results in a sidebar. The experimental feature, dubbed "Side search," appears to be similar to Microsoft Edge's sidebar search feature.As per 9to5Google, the experimental feature opens a sidebar to the left of your current tab when you click the Google "G" logo that shows up next to the URL bar. The sidebar panel displays your most recent Google Search results, while the main browser tab displays any results you click.This means you won't need to click the "Back" butto...

Google Meet upgrades live captions with live translations in a new beta test.What you need to knowGoogle Meet has begun beta testing live caption translations.The beta test will be available for English meetings and support four languages initially.Only certain Workspace accounts will be eligible for the beta.Google Meet has started testing a new feature that could improve meetings for teams that collaborate globally.Starting now, Workspace users can beta test the new live caption translations, which takes Google's accessibility feature to the next level with auto-translation across languages. Translated captions helps Google Meet video calls to be more global, inclusive and effective by removing language ability as a barrier to collaboration. By helping users consume the content in a preferred language, you can help equalize information sharing, learning, and collaboration, and make sure your meetings are as effective as possible.For those included in the bet...

Network Address Translation (NAT) is a big part of connectivity for online multiplayer games, deciding how incoming traffic is handled. For gamers, your NAT type can play a huge role in who you can play with, establishing barriers if it's not set up right. There are a bunch of reasons you may have strict or even double NAT types showing on your network, but with the help of port forwarding, you can easily overcome the hurdles. It's not the only method — for many folks just ensuring Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) enabled on their router will be enough. Here's how to change NAT type on PlayStation 4 in order to play online.How to port forward your PlayStation 4The ports you need to open up for your PlayStation to get an open NAT are the same, but the actual process may differ from router to router. The steps are constant but you may need to dig around your router's settings to find what you need.Open the Settings app on your PlayStation 4.Next, scroll down and select Networ...

Unsurprisingly, the Gen 6 watches don't run Wear OS 3 out of the box.Update, Sept 27 (3:45 p.m. ET): Fossil Gen 6 on sale nowWhat you need to knowFossil has announced its next-generation Gen 6 series wearables.The smartwatches will get the Wear OS 3 update sometime in 2022. They are now available to pre-order for a starting price of $299.Fossil, which is known to make some of the best Android smartwatches, today announced the launch of the first wearables powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100+ platform. The Snapdragon Wear 4100+ was introduced in June last year, alongside the standard Snapdragon Wear 4100.Even though it's not as powerful as the 5nm Exynos W920 chip inside the Galaxy Watch 4 series, the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ promises faster app load times and higher power efficiency than the previous generation Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform.Fossil's new Gen 6 smartwatches come in two sizes: 42mm and 44mm. All variants feature a 1.28-inch circular AMOLED display wi...

Regardless of why you need a new TV, you'll end up wanting or needing one at some point. And not everyone wants to throw thousands of dollars at a television, but thankfully, you don't need to. With the advancements in technology, you can get a 4K TV with a bunch of awesome features without needing to empty the piggy bank. Plus, when you find televisions that offer as great of a value as with the Samsung AU8000, you don't need to spend a boatload of dough. These are the best cheap 4K TVs you can get today!Best overall: Samsung Crystal UHD AU8000 SeriesOne thing in the tech world is undeniable — Samsung makes some fantastic displays. It doesn't matter if you're in the budget smartphone market or the high-end television market, you'll find great displays everywhere you go. The Samsung AU8000 doesn't fall on the "high-end" of the spectrum, so you won't find Samsung's QLED panel here, but it still checks a lot of boxes.There's a TV size option for just about every application y...

Google gives you creative ways to stay anonymous.What you need to knowGoogle is launching a set of colorful avatars that can be used as profile pictures.The Illustrations feature a range of topics, from animals to space, technology, sports, and more.The new Illustrations editor will be available on select Google apps with more following soon.Google is giving users the option to use personalized images as profile avatars with the launch of Google Illustrations.The company announced the new collection on Monday as a way for users to set a profile photo that matches their own personal style while providing privacy for those that would rather not use an actual image of themselves. On Google, a single image acts as a reflection of you across a variety of products, like when you send an email, write a comment on a document or share your location with your family on Maps. Of course, people have different preferences of how they want to be represented digitally....But fo...

Your favorite NBCUniversal channels will go dark on Thursday if both companies fail to reach a deal.What you need to knowYouTube TV subscribers may lose access to several NBCUniversal channels if both companies fail to make a new deal.Some 14 channels will go dark if Google and NBCUniversal's carriage agreement isn't renewed by Thursday.When NBCUniversal's channel lineup becomes unavailable, YouTube TV will reduce its monthly price by $10.YouTube TV subscribers may soon lose access to several NBC-owned channels. Google's streaming TV service has announced that NBCUniversal's lineup of channels will go offline after September 30 unless an "equitable" agreement is reached.Google said in a blog post that it has been trying to renew its deal with NBCU. The existing agreement between the entertainment company and YouTube TV is set to expire on Thursday, but both companies are still locked in a carriage dispute, with no new agreement in sight.In a statement, NBCU accuses Goog...

Nothing can turn your great Android phone from state-of-the-art to overpriced paperweight faster than a dead battery. The best portable chargers and power banks can help recharge your tech when life plays keep-away with your power outlets. Portable chargers used to be big, bulky, and slow, but USB-C power banks and Power Delivery charging standards have made things much faster — fast enough to charge laptops, even — and have allowed power banks to get slimmer and better than ever. There are plenty of options in every shape or size, but our favorite is the versatile Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless. Still, there are plenty of other choices that rank among the best portable battery packs. Here are our top recommendations that you can buy today.Best overall: Anker PowerCore III 10K WirelessWhile most portable chargers only let you recharge your devices with wired charging, wireless portable chargers are finally becoming somewhat mainstream. There were several hurdles that ea...

Google says it can't be anti-competitive with Apple around.What you need to knowGoogle is in court disputing a $5 billion fine over the Android operating system.EU courts ruled that Google uses its dominant position to promote and require its own apps and services on Android devices.Google says that the court's decision ignores Apple's presence in the market.Google is in court fighting a €4.34 billion ($5.1 billion) fine issued in 2018 by European Union regulators over Android's market dominance. It's argument: that regulators are ignoring Apple, its biggest competitor.The EU slapped the massive fine on Google after ruling that the company used its dominance to require its own Search and Chrome apps to be installed on the best Android phones in order to gain access to the Play Store.Regulators also found that Google would pay manufacturers to pre-install its apps on their phones to further its dominance in search and discourage manufacturers from selling smart devices...

The phone is a spiritual successor to the Mi CC9.What you need to knowXiaomi has introduced its first "Civi" series phone.The new Xiaomi Civi comes with a Snapdragon 778G chipset, a 120Hz OLED display, and a 64MP camera.The phone will be going on sale in China from September 30 for a starting price of 2,599 yuan (about $403). Xiaomi has rolled out a new "Civi" smartphone series to replace the Mi CC series that it introduced in late 2019. The first phone under the series, dubbed Xiaomi Civi, touts a slick design with a curved display and an ultra-thin frame.Xiaomi Civi comes with a 6.55-inch curved OLED screen featuring FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. It also happens to be HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compliant, just like the best Android phones on the market. Powering the mid-ranger is Qualcomm's 6nm Snapdragon 778G chipset with an Adreno 642L GPU.Xiaomi's latest mid-ranger has a triple-camera setup at the rear, with a 64MP main sensor...

Whatever your fitness goals are, living a healthier lifestyle is easier when you have something to track your activity throughout the day automatically. Fitbits are great tools for this, but with so many to choose from, which one should you buy and why? We think the Fitbit Versa 3 is the best Fitbit you can buy, offering a great blend of features, specs, and design at a price your wallet will love.Best Fitbit overall: Fitbit Versa 3Fitbit makes many fantastic fitness wearables, but if you ask us, the best one you can buy right now is the Fitbit Versa 3.Combining the best bits of a smartwatch and fitness tracker into one, the Versa 3 is lightweight and slim enough to fit onto even the smallest of wrists and not look obnoxiously big the way competing watches can. In addition, it has a gorgeous AMOLED display on the hardware side of things, a battery that lasts over six days on a single charge, and it's waterproof up to 50 meters. Compared to the Versa 2, Versa 3 has a much-impr...