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Sony needs to work on its messaging or risk alienating PlayStation fans.The life cycle of the PS5 so far has been mired by delays and unanswered questions, leading many to be wary of Sony's plans for the console. PlayStation attempted to quell some of those fears during its big 2021 showcase in September, but we were left with far too many questions and very little answers. While Insomniac seems to be having quite a productive time working on Spider-Man 2 and a Wolverine game, many of its bigger studios — barring Sony Santa Monica and Guerrilla Games, which are currently developing God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West, respectively — are working on unannounced projects.PS5 roadmap leaves us with questionsMetroid Dread could save the franchiseAge of Empires 4 developer interviewYou could say that this tactic of not announcing games too early has its merits. Studios may feel less pressure to hit a specific date when the game isn't publicly announced or fi...

Also opens support for more third-party controllers.What you need to knowStadia players can use their smartphones or third-party controllers to play Stadia games on TV.Works with Android and iOS smartphones, and requires the mobile Stadia app to pair.Can be used with Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast with Google TV, or any Android TV device.Google announced today that Stadia players can now use their smartphones as controllers to play Stadia games on a television alongside opening support for more third-party controllers.Any Stadia-enabled device can use a Bluetooth controller or pair an Android or iOS smartphone itself to play games with touch gamepad controls. The process can be done through the Phone Link option in the mobile Stadia app. With the smartphone and TV tied to the same Wi-Fi network, players can choose a controller from the list or "Phone touch gamepad" to control games directly with the smartphone for the TV. Google outlined the entire process in the GIF below....

While others may fawn over the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the most alluring foldable of 2021 is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. As someone who has worn a shoulder holster for almost five years to accommodate ever-growing phone sizes that refuse to fit in my pants' pockets, this is a phone I can actually fit all the way inside my front pocket. However, nothing will transform your splendid new phone into a splintered nightmare faster than a bad fall because it slipped out of your sweaty palms. So get a grip on the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases on the market today.Ring around my heartSamsung Silicone Cover with RingStaff pickAvailable in a wide variety of colors, this case keeps both halves connected via a durable woven strap, and at the end of its loop is a silver flat-edged ring so that you can use it as a ring grip. Given that PopSockets will be almost impossible to place correctly on the Flip, this case gives you a dependable grip as well as an easy way to pull it out of your pock...

Google gives the people what they want.What you need to knowGoogle begins rolling out the YouTueb Music app on its older Wear OS 2 platform.The app will arrive first on select smartwatches from Fossil and Mobvoi, with more coming later.YouTube Music was released as a Wear OS 3 exclusive on the Galaxy Watch 4.Users will be able to stream music offline, and the app will update playlists when connected to Wi-Fi.Google is bringing its new YouTube Music smartwatch app to devices running Wear OS 2, the company announced Monday in a blog post.The announcement comes just a month after the company released the YouTube Music app for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, which is currently the only Wear OS 3 smartwatch.With the app, YouTube Premium subscribers will be able to listen to ad-free, offline tracks and playlists, allowing users to leave their smartwatches at home while going out on a jog. The app also has a Smart Downloads feature that automatically updates playlists with trac...

Next-level trackingFitbit Charge 5$180 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCSpO2 trackingECG & EDA sensorsSlimmer and sleeker designAMOLED displayConsOld bands and chargers don't workExpensive for a trackerSome fitness enthusiasts want the look and feel of an activity tracker while enjoying the features and tracking capabilities of a smartwatch. The Fitbit Charge 5 is the perfect solution. You get a compact, sleek design with premium perks. Some examples include onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, advanced health sensors, and NFC support for Fitbit Pay.Best for basicsFitbit Inspire 2From $99 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringCompact, lightweight designStellar battery lifeReasonably pricedConsNo GPS or NFCNo advanced health sensorsLacks AMOLED displayWhether you happen to be on a tight budget or you're a beginner shopping for your first fitness tracker, you may be searching for something a bit more modest. If s...

Samsung apparently to focus on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 instead.What you need to knowA new report claims Samsung has canceled its October Unpacked event for the Galaxy S21 FE.The company is currently "reviewing" the phone's release. Shortage of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chipset and the higher-than-expected sales of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 are said to be the two main reasons behind the move. Samsung has decided to cancel its planned Galaxy S21 FE Unpacked event, according to a report from South Korean publication Digital Daily. The event was expected to be held sometime next month.Samsung is currently said to be "reviewing" the release of the phone, which means there is a possibility of the Galaxy S21 FE being canceled altogether. The main reason behind the cancelation of the launch event is said to be the shortage of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chipset, which powers Samsung's best Android phones of 2021.The report claims the success of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is also an important rea...

These tips will put you at an advantage against your early game competition.Pokémon Unite may not be your typical Pokémon game like the classic RPGs, but it's a whole lot of fun (and could very well be one of the best Android games out right now). As a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), it's not something we've usually seen from the franchise. As such, longtime Pokémon fans may not know where to get started. Your strategies in Shield and Sword won't help you here, so we've compiled a handy list of tips and tricks we think can give you an early game advantage.Jump to:Play through the tutorialsPurchase useful itemsKnow the battlefieldUse the Super Jump platformPlay to your strengthsLevel up fastResearch your movesPlay through the tutorialsPlayers are required to complete only the first two basic tutorials. There are still four advanced tutorials that players can do at any time, earning 800 Aeos Coins each. The advanced tutorials play through different sc...

The upcoming supervision tools will enable parents to "meaningfully shape their teen's experience."What you need to knowFacebook is pausing the work on building an Instagram experience for kids.The social networking giant plans to use this time to work with parents and policymakers "to demonstrate the value and need" for the product.Facebook will also continue building opt-in parental supervision tools for kids.Facebook announced on September 27 that is temporarily pausing the work on "Instagram Kids" — an Instagram experience designed specifically for users under the age of 13. The company says the move will give it more time to "work with parents, policymakers, and regulators, listen to their concerns, and demonstrate the important of the project for younger teens."While the work on "Instagram Kids" has been paused, Facebook is working on introducing new parental supervision tools that will allow parents to "oversee" their children's accounts. Facebook says it will mo...

A new leak suggests the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus will borrow heavily from their predecessors' design.What you need to knowRenders of the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ have appeared online, offering a first look at the upcoming flagship phones.The upcoming devices will supposedly retain much of the design of their predecessors, unlike the Galaxy S22 Ultra.However, the next Samsung flagship phones may have smaller dimensions than their predecessors.The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra surfaced online last week in a series of renders that showcased a device with more of a Galaxy Note vibe with its S Pen slot. Now, the Galaxy S22 and S22+ have also leaked, showing off a design that's more consistent with the previous Galaxy S devices.Samsung's next flagship phones may be heavily influenced by their predecessors, at least in terms of design. The standard Galaxy S22, for example, looks a lot like the Galaxy S21, as per the leak from @Onleaks in collaboration with...

With its latest DLC, Galaxy's Edge ties in more closely with the Star Wars universe — and gets some long-needed enhancements.When Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge launched late last year, it was a promising but fundamentally limited, unfinished experience. You spend the majority of your time as an anonymous droid repair tech who silently blasts their way through dozens of Death Gang members, droids, and alien monsters. There's only one short "Tale" left on a bit of a cliffhanger, and even the main storyline ended abruptly with no catharsis.Knowing all that, I skipped it entirely, deciding to wait until Part 2 arrived to experience the game as a complete package. And I'm so glad I did. The Last Call DLC doesn't just add two new Tales and several main story missions; you also get tons of new purchasable upgrades, weapons, enemy types, quests, and mini-games.Last Call integrates seamlessly into the original game's narrative, and I was shocked to learn later on how much co...

Gotta know when to fold 'em.What you need to knowThis weekend, we asked our readers which type of futuristic phone form factor they preferred, foldable or dual-screen.The results were close, but over 55% said they favored foldable displays.Nearly 45%, however, said that a dual-screen phone would be their preference.These past two months have seen a flurry of new phone activity, particularly at the high-end among the best Android phones. Samsung showed off its third generation of foldable phones with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, and just this last week, we got a glimpse at Microsoft's Surface Duo 2 dual-screen device.Even though we've been talking about foldables as a category for a while now, there haven't been that many examples to point to beyond these companies, Motorola's RAZR, and LG's dual-screen case (RIP).Naturally, we were curious about what our readers thought made for the best folding form factor, so we asked them. To be honest, we expected these numbers...

Need to charge a dead Galaxy Watch 4? Throw it on a charger and then put on a two-hour movie.When I upgraded from the Galaxy Watch Active to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, I expected an upgrade in just about every way. Wear OS 3 brought us Google Play apps and services while the One UI Watch skin gave us the software fit and polish Samsung is known, and there are more health tracking features than ever, even if the most advanced ones are limited to Galaxy phones. Unfortunately, the battery has only lasted about 24-36 hours on a charge, and recharges are slower than the Watch Active, too.Meanwhile, Apple's upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 is packing a new USB-C-plugged wireless charger that works with Power Delivery for faster speeds. The Apple Watch Series 7 might not be sporting any processor or sensor upgrades, but battery improvements are more important to the product and the people who use it. I just wish Samsung had realized that, too.Smartwatches are meant to be worn all the ...

Dr. Salvador (aka Chainsaw Man) is about to get even scarier.What you need to knowResident Evil 4 VR will launch "exclusively" on the Oculus Quest 2 on October 21, 2021, at 7am PT/10am ET.The port will follow the storyline of the classic game, except with first-person combat instead of third-person. It'll also have new VR-specific controls.Side content like Separate Ways and The Mercenaries won't appear in this port.U.S.-based Armature Studios developed the port with help from Oculus Studios.Capcom has sold Resident Evil 4 on the Gamecube, PS2, Wii, iOS, Android, PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. And we'll see it again with revamped graphics and gameplay next year with the upcoming Resident Evil 4 remake. But no matter how many times you've experienced the story before, RE4 will play fundamentally differently when it launches on the Oculus Quest 2 on October 21.Resident Evil 4 VR will play entirely in first-person, similar to the perspective we got i...

The safety features parents want, packed into a fun and functional watch kids like to use.My 9-year-old son wants a phone, but Mom and Dad aren't ready for that yet — and honestly, neither is he. However, getting him started with some tech, and teaching some responsibility, is something that we all want to explore These are some of the reasons I was exited to put together a GizmoWatch 2 review..Learning things other than just how to use a piece of technology and taking care of his possessions are important, but so is the etiquette of communication through said technology. Thus, a smartwatch with a cellular connection is an excellent first step towards learning those lessons.The list of excellent kids smartwatches is a short one for many reasons. But the GizmoWatch 2 has the tools I need as a parent and is simple enough to help my son learn how to begin using technology properly. Of course, while learning he also found some pure enjoyment from the watch — even if there are ...

Google is offering attractive discounts on home security packages as well.What you need to knowGoogle's birthday sale is now live in several countries across Europe, including the United Kingdom.Customers can get 20% off across a wide range of Google products. The sale is set to end at midnight on September 27. Google is offering a discount of up to 20% on a number of its popular products — including the company's best Android phones as part of its birthday celebration in Europe.Customers in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and a few other countries across the old continent can also unlock bigger discounts on the Pixel 4a, Nest Audio, and Chromecast devices by finding hidden codes throughout the Google Store.To get 20% off products like the Pixel 5, Nest Hub Max, Pixel Buds-A series, Pixelbook Go, and the Stadia Controller, all you need to do is to enter the promo code "GOOGLEBDAY" at checkout. It is worth noting that not all Google products are eligible...

Obviously, having a robot vacuum comes with some considerable perks that just make life better. Going about my day is only that little bit more pleasant while surrounded by clean floors. Walking around barefoot doesn't leave the soles of my feet darkened with dirt, and I'm not regularly faced with the discomfort of small debris building up on the bottom of my foot. And, if I'm being honest, I don't always get all the sand out of my backpack, shoes, or pockets after a day at the beach, but the vacuum takes care of that. But that's just what you'd get from regular vacuuming in general. Having a robot vacuum has had some bigger effects that can't go unmentioned.Pet hair isn't the pest it once wasEven running vacuuming every weekend is hardly enough to keep up with all the animal hair in a household with several pets, especially if one of them is a long-hair cat or a shaggy dog. But, with a robot vacuum, I can schedule frequent cleanings to go around the apartment and keep the pet ...

While there are a great many things that we can finally access on the Galaxy Watch 4 thanks to Google Play: Gboard for better voice typing, a wider array of apps and watch faces, and Google Pay for Wear OS. While Samsung Pay is okay in its own right, Google Pay is more widely available and already has my card info from my Google Play purchases, and it probably has yours, too. That makes setting up Google Pay on the Galaxy Watch 4, the best Android smartwatch around, an absolute breeze.How to set up Google Pay on your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4As a warning, Google Pay requires a lock screen on your watch — just as it requires a lock screen when you use it on your phone. So you'll only have to unlock the watch when putting it back on your wrist after having it off for charging, showering, or other activities you don't want it on for (like gutting a pumpkin or dressing a turkey).Open the Google Play app on your Galaxy Watch 4.Tap the search icon.Speak or type Google Pay.Tap th...

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series offers users a complete package when it comes to smartwatches. There's a lot to like, from running the latest Wear OS 3 software to the durable, well-designed hardware. In fact, you may love wearing this watch so much that you never want to take it off — except to charge, of course. But when you wear the smartwatch so much, it's bound to collect some grime on it, especially when you get in a good sweat during workouts. This means you'll want to be able to clean it really well, but how to clean the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 may not be clear to you. Not to worry — we've got you.How to clean the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4The Galaxy Watch 4 has vaulted onto the list of best Android smartwatches and is getting a lot of wrist-time. Unfortunately, while there are some really great UV sanitizers, those won't get the dirt or other debris that may accumulate in some of the nooks and crannies of the watch.As for the steps to clean the smartwatch, the process...

Best answer: Philips Hue gradient lights emit multiple colors of light and are often found on light strips, while regular Philips Hue lights such as non-gradient light strips and light bulbs can emit 16 million different colors but not all at once.What's the difference between Philips Hue gradient and regular lights?Philips Hue has some of the most popular smart light bulbs around, but it doesn't stop there. If you're looking for smart lighting that's more original than a Philips Hue White Ambiance A19 bulb, Philips Hue has a collection of gradient lights. Gradient lights are most commonly featured on Philips Hue light strips, where you'll see the word gradient in the product name. These light strips aren't the same as standard Philips Hue light strips, such as the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus.What sets a gradient light apart from a regular light is its ability to emit multiple colors at once and create a rainbow or ombre effect. On a light strip, this means that the gradient li...

Apps can be better than ever on the Galaxy Watch 4, but it doesn't matter if developers don't bring their A-game.I've had my Galaxy Watch 4 for a month now, and while I've never been more sure I made the right call buying this watch, with my own money, I've had some trepidations about recommending it to family members. Battery life and charging speeds lag behind the competition, and some of my coworkers returned theirs after experiencing overheating issues.My nitpicky approach to buying anything tech-related comes from my father, who is even more choosy about his phones, laptops, and accessories than I am. He's been asking about the Galaxy Watch 4 since its announcement in August, but I didn't want to tell him to buy a $250 watch if it wouldn't do the one thing he wants in a smartwatch: work with his golfing app. Now, he's tested my Galaxy Watch 4 while golfing and palling around Walt Disney World with me, and while the watch performed quite well, his app still lacks some importa...

Last week, the iPhone 13 lineup was finally available to the public. But the phones aren't cheap. The 13 Pro Max with 1TB of storage starts at $1,599. That's nearly the same price as the Samsung Z Fold 3 with 256GB of storage, priced at $1,799.While the iPhone boosts extraordinary photo and video capabilities, faster charging speed, and more storage, Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich says Samsung made all the right changes with the Z Fold 3 by "finally giving people a good reason to consider a foldable phone without making serious concessions."Which one would you choose? Do you prefer the iPhone 13 Pro Max or the Samsung Z Fold 3?While I have no intention of getting either phone, I was curious to find out what all I could buy for the same amount of money these devices cost.Best budget phoneThe first thing I wanted to figure out was how many budget phones I could get instead of buying these high-end phones?The Google Pixel 4a, which starts at $349.99, is considered one...

Arguably the most competitive division in the NFL right now, two of the AFC North's biggest guns go head-to head in Pittsburgh on Sunday.Read on for full details on how to watch Bengals vs Steelers, no matter where you are in the world.Pittsburgh come into the game looking to improve following an timid week 2 showing against the Raiders which saw them crash to a 17-26 defeat.That loss undid much of the positivity surrounding their impressive season-opening victory over the Bills, but the Steelers nevertheless will have approached today's game knowing that they've had the Bengals' number in recent years.The home side will have also drawn confidence from Cincinnati's week 2 defeat against the Bears, and how they made hard work of beating the Vikings in Week 1, having been in control only to get pushed out to overtime.Any sort of positive result for the Bengals in this game will likely be determined by how much protection is offered to Joe Burrow, with the beleaguered quarterbac...

Having hit some form after a horrendous start to the season, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can maintain their winning streak this afternoon against their great rivals.Read on to find out how to get an Arsenal vs Tottenham live stream from anywhere in the world.The Gunners faithful had been on the verge of becoming mutinous after losing their opening three fixtures of the new campaign.However, recent back-to-back wins over Norwich and Burnley have eased the tension and a derby win here today could see Arsenal leapfrog over their great local foes, which would likely shift the pressure Nuno Espírito Santo's way.The new Spurs boss made the perfect start to his tenure in North London, with the club sitting pretty at the top of the table after three 1-0 wins of their own.But two 3-0 defeats on the trot to London rivals Crystal Palace and Chelsea has seen them drop to seventh, making a third successive loss in the capital today unthinkable.Read on to find out...

The event is likely for new Nest devices and updates to Google Maps and Travel.What you need to knowGoogle is rumored to be holding an event on October 5 to announce new hardware products.The company could unveil new Nest products as well as updates to Google Maps and Travel.However, there's no mention of Google Pixel 6 being unveiled at the event.Google's October event schedule may include more than just announcements for Android 12 and the Google Pixel 6 series. According to a CNET post that has since been removed (a cached version is available here), the company plans to hold an event on October 5 for a few hardware unveiling and updates to some of its services.XDA Developers' Mishaal Rahman managed to grab some screenshots of the post before it was taken, revealing a few important details. First, it suggests that Google will introduce new Nest smart speakers and smart home devices on that day. The last time that Google unveiled a Nest product was in early August with ...

UFC is back in its hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend with a stacked card that in addition to featuring two title fights, will also see the long-awaited return of Nick Diaz and we have all the details on how you can watch UFC 266 on TV or online.At the top of the card, Australia's 32-year-old former Rugby League star Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski will take on the American 30-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Brian "T-City" Ortega in a featherweight title fight. Volkanovski and Ortega were originally scheduled to fight back in March but Volkanovski had to pull out of the match after contracting Covid-19.Going into tonight's fight, defending champion Volkanovski has a 19 fight win streak with 11 wins by knockout and three wins by submission. Ortega on the other hand won his last fight by decision during the fifth round against Chan Sung Jung back in October of last year. Before that though, he suffered a loss by TKO in the fourth round against Max Holloway all the w...

It doesn't seem to support voice chat on Android at the moment.Pokémon Unite is all about teamwork as 5v5 matches take place to see which team reigns supreme. While it supports voice chat on Nintendo Switch, this, unfortunately, isn't the case on mobile. Neither the Android nor iOS versions feature any voice chat functionality, limiting a team's ability to communicate effectively.This is especially disappointing when cross-play is supported, allowing mobile users to play with people on Nintendo Switch. The Pokémon Company hasn't stated whether or not voice chat is in the cards to be added at a later date. For now, players can only communicate using the text chat system within Pokémon Unite.Players can send out simple messages to teammates, communicating things like which role they will go for and where on the map they're headed. These are all pre-written options, but players can also type out a message of 49 characters or less to relay to their team.If you want to start...

Let's face it, living in the Android world is fantastic. Android users have many options when choosing the devices and software customizations that truly make our devices personal and unique. We often get these features years before other platforms do, if they ever do at all. However, one area that has been a pain point has been messaging and video chatting with our Apple-loving friends. Even though there are loads of good alternative apps, these folks still tend to prefer using iMessage and FaceTime. Well, the good news is, we won't be left off of those FaceTime calls any longer. So let's jump in and learn how to use FaceTime on an Android phone.How to use FaceTime on an Android phoneNow, this option is relatively new, having been released by Apple with its iOS 15 update in the fall of 2021, but it works on any of the best Android phones, budget devices, and even Windows PCs. Your Apple friends will have to initiate a video call, but your part as the recipient is pretty easy....

The battle of the foldable.This week, Microsoft finally took the wraps off the Surface Duo 2 with plenty of upgrades all around. The device features a largely similar slim chassis, but the internals have been greatly improved to better compete with some of the best Android phones of 2021. Compare that to last year's Surface Duo, which featured a previous-gen chipset at launch and a measly camera setup, and Microsoft seems to have a winner.But the Surface Duo is going against a heavyweight contender, the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which features a folding OLED display as opposed to a dual-screen. So naturally, we want to know which type of phone you'd prefer.Do you prefer foldable displays or dual-screen phones?A case can be made for either display type. Foldables are great when you want to watch fullscreen content like videos and movies but can also be suitable for viewing large, full screen. That said, the experience there isn't perfect, and Google and Samsung have been trying to imp...

Drive with friends or shoot at their cars with a paintball gun.What you need to knowRec Room will add Rec Rally, a six-car, multiplayer off-road racing game.The drivable vehicles can also be used for a road trip with friends or vehicle-on-vehicle combat with a paintball gun.The new driving feature and game come to the game across all platforms later this month.Social app and multiplayer video game Rec Room will add drivable vehicles for players to use on Oculus Quest 2, other VR headsets, PC, and consoles later this month, the developer announced during its annual Rec Con community event today.According to the developer, the vehicles can be used for a variety of possibilities such as going on a road trip with friends or using a paintball gun while in the driver's seat to shoot at other cars in vehicle-on-vehicle combat. Each vehicle will support dual-wielding objects while driving and has fully optimized controls across all platforms, including a clean intuitive feel on s...

PlayStation VR is increasingly becoming a larger platform, especially with the upcoming PS5 VR release. But no matter where you play your VR games, whether they be on PS4 or PS5, you're in for an incredible experience. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's easy to get overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games slated to hit PSVR in the coming months. We look forward to adding some new titles to our best PlayStation VR games list, and we hope some of these catch your eye, too.Jump to:Song in the SmokeAfter the FallPuzzling PlacesStrideZenithWandererPuzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation OdysseySong in the SmokeAfter watching the trailer for Song in the Smoke, we were reminded heavily of Far Cry Primal. The prehistoric wilderness on display here is all about survival, forcing you to battle deadly predators for precious resources that might just keep you alive. Craft weapons, set up camp, and go out hunting for your nex...

I'm persistently pining away for another petite Pixel.We're firmly in the midst of another busy techtember, that time of year when the biggest names in the game — including Samsung, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon — unveil their fancy new devices that will lead the industry forward over the next many months. Of course, one of the events that I'm most looking forward to is the upcoming Google Pixel 6 launch, as it promises to be one of, if not the most significant Pixel event ever.Make no mistake. I'll be first among those lining up (virtually, anyway) to get my hands on one of these new phones (I adore that lemon/lime green one!), but I'm a little put off by their sizes. The "regular" Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch display, while the Pixel 6 pro has a massive 6.71-inch display. These are sure to be fantastic for consuming content and productivity purposes, but they're also likely to be hard on the hands and plenty in the pockets for many people.The Pixel 4a has been one of my favorite...

None of the parts that are yours will work without the parts that aren't.The Lithuanian Defense Ministry wants you to "throw away" your Chinese smartphone. Seriously — it advises you not to buy any smartphones made by Chinese companies and to throw away the ones you might already own because of the software that powers them.This stems from research that shows how flagship phones from Xiaomi, which are also some of the best Android phones, built for the European market, can detect and remotely censor things like any expression of freedom for Tibet or Taiwanese independence. Of course, this isn't all of the story. As many of us understand, this is normal for products sold in China — even Apple and Google bow to Chinese regulators when necessary. As we've seen before, sometimes Western software versions from Chinese brands leave tracking and censorship tools in place.To be perfectly clear: We reached out to Xiaomi directly, and a company spokesman adamantly denied actual wrong...

Unquestionably the big game of this weekend's Premier League schedule sees Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola lock horns in what could be an early indicator of which way the title could be heading this season - read on to find out how to get a Chelsea vs Man City live stream from anywhere in the world.Chelsea have picked up where they left off from last season, with the Blues reheating 13 points from a possible 15 so far this campaign, while looking far more potent up front thanks to the addition of Romelu Lukaku.Defending champs City, have meanwhile made something of a stuttering start to the new campaign, with their goalless draw with Southampton heightening the sense that Pep's men have yet to fully hit their stride.While keeper Edouard Mendy and Christian Pulisic are set to miss out for the home side, City have even greater selection issues to contend with, with John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Oleksandr Zinchenko among a long list of stars doubtful for this game.Read on to ...

VR preservationists and rooting fans, rejoice.What you need to knowOculus CTO John Carmack tweeted on Friday that the company would release an "unlocked OS build for the Oculus Go."This will allow people to "repurpose the hardware" after Oculus stops providing official updates.The policy is specific to the Go for now, but would hopefully set a "precedent" for future VR hardware down the road, such as the Oculus Quest.Try using an old video game console like an N64, and as long as the power source is intact, it'll work like it did decades ago. But with newer consoles and games, it's not always clear whether it will keep functioning properly once the developer stops supporting it. Once the manufacturer shuts down the servers for over-the-air (OTA) updates and store purchases, it limits the console's uses — especially for a digital-only console like the Oculus Go, which was discontinued in 2020 and will lose support after 2022.This doesn't matter to most VR superfans, who,...

But only for certain countries.What you need to knowGoogle is offering discounts on the upcoming Pixel 6 if you make purchases on its online store.The discount only applies to certain countries where the Pixel 6 will be sold and may expand to others.Google has yet to announce a price for its upcoming flagship but is expected to pride more details in October.There's no shortage of hype in the run-up to the Google Pixel 6 launch, especially around Google's birthday. And even though we're likely a month from the full reveal, some Google is already offering discounts on its upcoming flagship to celebrate turning 23.9to5Google spotted the offer on the Google store in a few different Asia-Pacific countries where the Pixel 6 will be sold, offering what looks to be the U.S. equivalent of $50 off the price of the device.In Australia, purchasing anything from the store will reward you with "$70 off the upcoming Pixel 6 phones," and the company even throws in a 15% discount code...

EU legislators are giving Apple some serious side-eye as they propose the standardization of USB-C charging for all phones. But would the law even make sense?Your Android Central pals also talk about upcoming new Android features, Pixel 6 leaks, the Surface Duo 2 announcement, and more. Be sure you listen all the way to the end of the episode this week!Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:The EU wants to make USB-C charging mandatory for all phones, including iPhones | Android CentralWhat's new on AndroidNew Android features coming this seasonUpgrade your drive with Google as your copilotThe Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is the best foldable you're not going to buy | Android CentralIndian antitrust regulators accuse Google of abusing Android's dominance | Android CentralGoogle's second Galaxy Z Fold 3 contender could launch with Android 12.1 | Android CentralThe Pixel 6 Pro looks stunn...

August makes the highest-rated smart locks around. The best August smart locks are not only easier to install than many other smart locks, but they're also just plain smarter. Their ability to understand when a door can open and close, as well as automatically locking and unlocking your doors whenever you leave or return home, makes August smart locks a dream to use. These locks are so smart they even support remote biometric verification. But, with so many of them, how do you pick the right lock for you? We've got the answers.Best overall: August Wi-Fi Smart LockThe August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is August's 4th-generation smart lock, adding in one significant advantage without throwing away what makes August's locks so good. As the name suggests, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has Wi-Fi connectivity built right in. That's a significant departure from previous-generation smart locks from the company, which have all required an additional August Connect Bridge to get them connected to th...

There's definitely an Echo in here somewhere.What you need to knowA report from Bloomberg details several new devices Amazon is reportedly working on, some of which may debut this year.Amazon wants to be in more places around the home, including a wall-mounted 15-inch Echo Show and an Echo Robot with a screen that follows you around.An Echo TV soundbar with a built-in camera could make video calls easier, and an improved Echo Auto might solve some of the original product's issues.While Amazon has been a bit quiet as of late, a new report out of Bloomberg (via The Verge) suggests the lull is about to end. Contained within are leaks of several new Amazon devices, including an Echo wall-mounted display, Echo TV soundbar, upgraded Echo Auto, and even an Echo Robot that follows you around the house.These products are powered by Amazon Alexa and designed to get the virtual assistant into more places than ever. Some, like the Echo Robot, may never see the light of day. A robot w...

The whole shebangNest Cam (2021)$180 at Best BuyProsSet up either indoors or outdoorsWorks with plenty of accessoriesReceive customized motion alertsAvailable in multi-packsBattery-powered, no wires neededConsSignificantly more expensive Need to subscribe to Nest Aware to get the most out of itWhile it's the much more expensive option, the Nest Cam (2021) offers a host of features that add to its value, including Wi-Fi, the ability to distinguish among people, animals, and cars, 24/7 live view, and more.Like day at nightWyze Cam v3$36 at AmazonProsSet up either indoors or outsideExcels in extremely low lightFree limited cloud storageVery affordableLocal storage option via microSD cardConsAn outdoor adapter is required separatelyNeed to add the cost of a memory cardNot as good for full smart homeThe Wyze Cam v3 is a much simpler solution without the bells and whistles. It can record locally with separate add-ons and just might...

Pick a character and play. You have 21 to choose from.What you need to knowBandai Namco recently announced a new entry in the Tales series coming to mobile, called Tales of Luminaria.This game is now available for pre-registration on the Play Store, though it doesn't have a solid release date yet.Luminaria will have 21 protagonists, each with a distinct story that reveals more of the world.For all you Japanese RPG fans who have been waiting for a good mobile title, you're in luck: The recently announced Tales of Luminaria is now available for pre-registration on the Google Play Store. This mobile title promises to have just as much gameplay as its console-based cousins, with lots of playable characters and a rich, interesting world to explore.The game was first revealed at Gamescom earlier this year, with a short trailer previewing the game. Luminaria is the second mobile Tales title, the first being Tales of Crestoria. For those who can't wait for the mobile version,...

Meng may be freed, but Huawei is still in hot water.What you need to knowHuawei executive Meng Wanzhou could soon be released from custody.Wanzhou has been detained in Canada for three years on charges of bank fraud.As per the agreement, Meng would not have to plead guilty to the charges.The case against Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou may soon come to a close as the U.S. Justice Department and Huawei reportedly come to an agreement to have her released from custody, The New York Times reported.Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, was detained in Canada in 2018 on behalf of the U.S. over allegations of bank fraud. She allegedly misled banks about Huawei's dealings with Iran, although the company denies these charges.The case against Wanzhou only exacerbated tensions between the U.S. and Huawei, which seemed to come to a head during President Trump's time in office, blocking U.S. companies like Qualcomm and notably Google from working with the telecommunica...

A microSD card for your Android phone lets you easily move your files, photos, and music from device to device without having to rely on steady Wi-Fi or costly data. An Android microSD card also lets you load your phone up with more apps, music, and movies, which is especially useful if your device doesn't come with a lot of internal storage. But which ones are the best? Here's a good selection from which to choose.Best blendSAMSUNG (MB-ME32GA/AM) microSDHC EVO SelectStaff PickThis is our preferred card because it's reliable, fast, and goes on sale frequently. And it offers blazing fast speeds at up to 100 MB/sec. read and 90 MB/sec. write.From $8 at AmazonUltra affordableSanDisk 128GB Ultra MicroSDXCSanDisk has more powerful cards, but the Ultra is the right answer for most, offering up to 100MB/s read speeds.From $8 at AmazonGo proPNY 64GB PRO Elite Class 10 U3 microSDXCThis card is an excellent choice for power users who intend to use the card for sto...

Best answer: No. Fitbit introduced a new proprietary charger with its latest tracker. So you won't be able to use the Fitbit Charge 4 charging cable with the new Fitbit Charge 5 tracker.Time for a changeWhenever a successor is released, there's always the question of accessory compatibility. In the case of the new Fitbit Charge 5, most people will want to know whether the previous Charge 4 charging cable will work with their new device. Unfortunately, the answer is no.Fitbit has released a new proprietary charger and its latest fitness tracker. While this is frustrating, especially for users who own the Fitbit Charge 4 and want to use the accessories they already have available, it's not the craziest concept to grasp.When you take a closer look at the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Charge 4, it's easy to see there were many positive improvements made to the physical design. In fact, it's an entirely different shape than its predecessor. Not to mention that the Charge 5 is also signi...

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...

S is the new Note.What you need to knowThe first renders of the Galaxy S22 Ultra have appeared online.The renders show a device that looks strikingly similar to the Galaxy Note 20.The Galaxy S22 Ultra will reportedly feature a built-in S Pen slot.The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has appeared for the first time in a series of CAD renders, showing a device that looks strikingly similar to the Note 20.The images were posted in collaboration with Digit and known leaker @Onleaks, showing the Galaxy S22 Ultra with a similar chassis to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, from its rounded edges to its boxy frame, but with a slightly different camera hump on the back with a quad-camera array.However, the most exciting part is that the renders show that the device will include a dedicated slot for an S Pen, suggesting that Samsung is preparing to merge the S and Note lineup. According to Digit/Onleaks, the device will feature a 6.8-inch curved display with a significantly im...

How often have you wished you could quote something cool you found on the internet to a friend? Sure you can copy and paste it, but that takes away the literary effect. There is a cool quote card feature in Chrome Beta that allows you to create and share quote cards. Here's how you can enable quote cards in Google Chrome Beta.How to enable quote cards in Google ChromeTo follow this tutorial, you need to have Chrome Beta installed on your phone.Open Chrome Beta on your phone.Type chrome://flags into the address bar.Search for the WebNotes Stylize flag.Change the WebNotes Stylize flag settings to Enabled.Relaunch Chrome Beta.Open any webpage.Highlight a piece of text.Tap Share.Tap Create card.Choose a card template.Tap Next.Once you have created a card in the theme of your liking, you can go ahead and share it through any app on your phone. Alternatively, you can also save it as an image to your phone or copy the quote card image.Try out more featuresThe q...

The phone is set to debut in India next week.What 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 a 64MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and...

The search giant has so far paid around $9.4 billion in fines in the last 10 years.What you need to knowGoogle is allegedly offering to enter a settlement with the EU over an ongoing antitrust investigation.The EU is looking into whether the company is favoring its own online advertising platform to the disadvantage of competitors.The search giant could be fined up to $18.2 billion if the EU decides to junk the settlement offer.Google is reportedly seeking to settle a new antitrust probe by the European Union into its digital advertising practices. Reuters reports the settlement might help the search giant avert another hefty fine that could amount to $18.2 billion.In June, the European Commission launched an investigation into Google's online advertising technology business for possible violations of EU competition rules. Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's executive vice president in charge of competition policy in the region, stated at the time that Google ma...

Best Answer: NBC's Peacock streaming service offers a free tier that allows you to stream shows and movies on-demand at no cost. If you choose to sign up for a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus paid subscription, you can unlock even more content.Peacock offers one of the best values on the market right now. After all, how many streaming platforms do you know of which have a free streaming tier? Unlike Netflix, Disney+, and other popular services, you don't need to pay a cent to start streaming Peacock. The platform also offers Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers, which provide access to exclusive content for a small monthly fee. If you're wondering what the difference is between Peacock Free vs. paid, or how to sign up, we've got the scoop.PeacockStream it freeStarting for free at PeacockWatch new shows and movies for freePeacock's free tier gives you access to a collection of new and classic series, as well as a rotating lineup of films and live programming. You ...

The perfect controller for the PlayStation VR (PSVR) depends on the type of game you want to play, your preferred playstyle, and how much immersion you want for your game. Shooting games are the most popular style of game in the VR community, and the PlayStation Aim controller adds a level of immersion you can't get with your Move controllers. Check out all your options here!Best overall: PlayStation Aim ControllerThere are plenty of games for the PSVR that revolve around holding a gun to shoot your enemies. While you can play all of these games with the Move controllers, and some of them with the DualShock controller, the PlayStation Aim controller offers the best immersion for your shooting games.Once you put on your PSVR headset, you're met with a whole new world. Instead of playing in a first- or third-person view while staring at a TV screen, you're playing with the screen directly on your face. This places you into the experience first hand, with the ability to turn, do...