Latest from Android Central

At night, in colorWyze Cam v3$36 at AmazonProsCan set up outdoors or indoorsWorks well in extremely low lightFree limited cloud storageAffordableConsNeed to buy outdoor adapter separatelyNeed to buy memory card separatelyDoesn't connect with other devicesAs a basic but solid outdoor security camera, the Wyze Cam v3 is about as affordable as you can get. And it has premium features, including excellent performance to illuminate outside in low light and the option for 24/7 continuous recording with an optional memory card.Indoor, smart homeBlink Mini$25 at AmazonProsEasy set-up and useWorks with other compatible smart home gearCan connect multiple camerasFrequently goes on saleConsCan't use outdoors Requires Blink Subscription to get the most out of itMust buy Sync Module 2 separately to connect multiple camsFor a decent indoor camera that can work with other smart home devices, including multiple cameras in various rooms and is...

Giving players a reason to return to post-apocalyptic New Orleans.Since its launch a year ago, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners has remained at the top of the best Quest 2 games list. While the impressive gameplay is one of the biggest reasons to spend your hard-earned money on this game, Skydance Interactive has seen fit to update the game time and time again.Earlier this year, players got to experience the challenges of The Trial — a totally free arcade-style content update that was separate from the main story — and now Skydance is back with yet another free content update, this time addressing what happens after the end of the game. That's The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Aftershocks.Since this is a free update for all owners of the game — regardless of whether you finished the story or not — I'm going to be taking a look at whether it's worth your time to jump back into the world of The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. Is this an update only for folk...

Potential premium upgrades on the superb TicWatch Pro 3 GPS.What you need to knowItalian YouTuber Andrea Galeazzi showed off the packaging for the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS but didn't show the watch itself.Mobvoi hasn't announced any such smartwatch as of yet.The Ultra will reportedly use the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chip, a slight upgrade on the latest TicWatches.The current TicWatch Pro 3 costs just under $300, making a potential Ultra watch even more expensive.Mobvoi may have plans to release yet another smartwatch to compete against premium brands, as a follow-up to last year's powerful, stylish, and expensive TicWatch Pro 3 GPS. In the linked video below, prominent Italian tech YouTuber Andrea Galeazzi briefly showed off an official-looking box labeled TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS.NotebookCheck first spotted the video, and notes Galeazzi's statement (in Italian) that the watch uses the Snapdragon 4100+ and military certification for damage protection.Current TicWatches us...

All major carriers in the U.S. have some 5G network up and running with the promise of faster speeds and better latency; two must-haves for a good work experience on the go. Some of the best 5G hotspots with Wi-Fi 6 have enabled high-speed networking on several devices at once. If you're looking to upgrade your hotspot to 5G, the Netgear Nighthawk M5 Unlocked is the best overall choice thanks to its great features, including Ethernet and support for AT&T and T-Mobile network SIMs.Best overall: Netgear Nighthawk M5 Unlocked (MR5200)Netgear is known for making great wireless routers and hasn't missed a day in offering some of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers you can get. Netgear dove headfirst into 5G with its Nighthawk M5 hotspot with Wi-Fi 6. While most people get their hotspots directly from a carrier, this hotspot is unlocked with sub-6 5G support on both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. That includes low-band and mid-band Ultra Capacity 5G on T-Mobile.This AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 ho...

An outage caused problems for many viewers in the U.S.What you need to knowThe YouTube platform is had connectivity issues on September 22, 2021, causing some videos to be unavailable.YouTube Studio analytics, description editing, and comments were also unavailable on some videos.The outage looks to have begun sometime after 2 PM ET and ended sometime after 3PM ET.According to user reports, the issue appears to have been cleared up. YouTube did not officially mention the outage on any of its blogs or social media channels, so the cause of the outage is not clear. The original report is below.If you're having issues accessing your YouTube Studio or just watching videos on the popular video streaming platform, you're not alone. Down Detector shows a significant spike in connectivity problems to the YouTube platform in some seemingly random parts of the U.S. after 2 PM ET.In addition to video watching, the outage seems to affect many of the statistics that help creators ...

Leveling up is simple and there are a few easy tricks to help you do it faster.Pokémon Unite is available on Android for everyone to play for free. This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) pits players against one another in 5v5 arena battles where the team that defeats the most Pokémon and scores the most points wins. Players are able to evolve their Pokémon during battle, giving them an advantage against weaker foes. Do so quickly and you can gain the upper hand in a match, leading your team to victory.Here are a few tips we have to level up your Pokémon faster in what's sure to be one of the best Android games in the past few years.Jump to:Level up your Pokémon fastDefeat wild PokemonDefeat other trainersScore pointsGet the last hitUse an EXP ShareLevel up your trainer fastWin battlesHow to level up your Pokémon fastLeveling up in Pokémon Unite is fairly simple and occurs naturally throughout each battle. Players' Pokémon always start of...

Developer Ember Lab seems to have hit the mark with its debut title.I previewed Kena: Bridge of Spirits shortly before E3 2021. At the time, I only had an hour or so with the game, but felt confident that it was shaping up to be something special. After spending some more time with the final build, I'm happy that my initial impressions appear to be right. I haven't wanted to put the controller down since I started. Kena's characters and world hold such a charm that it's hard not to love them, and the gameplay continues to evolve throughout so that progression feels natural and earned.Following the titular protagonist, Kena: Bridge of Spirits asks players to guide troubled spirits who have passed on but are still trapped in the physical realm for one reason or another. As a spirit guide, Kena must help these spirits to cleanse the land of its corruption, manifesting in hazardous fauna and flora. It's fairly straightforward, but it excels in creating compelling characters you want ...

It's unclear why this hasn't existed already.What you need to knowYouTube's latest experiment lets users download videos from the desktop site.When enabled, a download button will appear underneath the video.The feature is available only until October 19, after which Google may or may not choose to pursue it further.One of the benefits of having YouTube Premium is the ability to "download" videos for offline viewing later. However, this feature has been surprisingly absent from the desktop version of YouTube. That is starting to change thanks to a new experimental feature that's available to test out.When visiting YouTube's experiments page, a new item has appeared, allowing users to add a "Downloads" button to the desktop site. Once enabled, the button will appear underneath a video of when clicking the three-dot menu when browsing. It will also show up in the side panel for easy access to the downloaded content, along with a new Downloads page in the settings menu to ad...

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE might be a tablet, but add a keyboard to the mix, and it's a full-on workhorse just as capable as your on-the-go laptop. It's packed with an octa-core processor, 5G connectivity, a 12.4-inch display, and a slim form factor that allows this tablet to keep up with all your work and entertainment needs. Add the inclusion of an S Pen in the box along with Samsung DeX compatibility, and this is a feature-rich tablet worth investing in a keyboard to get the most out of it. If you've decided to opt for this new tablet over the smaller Galaxy Tab S7, here are the best keyboards for the Galaxy Tab S7 FE.A perfect matchSamsung Keyboard Book CoverStaff PickNot surprisingly, the best keyboard for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the official Samsung Keyboard Book Cover. It's designed to be used specifically with this device and the Tab S7+ and boasts a slim design, easy installation via magnets, and a dedicated compartment for the S Pen. It doesn't get more ...

No more battery drain for the Bluetooth speaker during standbyWhat you need to knowSonos Roam has received a new update that fixes a bunch of power management and connectivity issues.The update should extend its battery life a bit longer when the speaker is left idle.Android phones running Android Oreo and up are picking up the new batch of fixes.Sonos has pushed a new update to its Sonos S2 operating system that addresses major power management and connectivity issues with the Roam portable speaker.The latest update includes four fixes, the most notable of which is an improvement in Roam's battery life. After installing the Sonos S2 13.3 update, the Bluetooth speaker should now last longer in standby mode.Previously, the Sonos Roam was plagued with a pre-launch bug that caused its battery to drain much faster than expected when in idle mode. This was a major bummer for a speaker that promises up to 10 days of battery life when it goes into a low-power standby mode.Ac...

It fits anywhere and is surprisingly useful.Besides Android, one of my passions is finding novel ways to use tiny single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. Most of these products have several things in common: they're small, they're not very powerful, they're inexpensive, and they usually run some sort of Linux-based operating system.The Pantera Pico PC is a little different because it comes with Windows 10 Home preinstalled. There is an option to install and use Linux, but out of the box, you plug it in, and you're greeted by the familiar (for most of us) Windows onboarding system. There are other small Windows computers, of course, but the Pantera system keeps one very important thing in mind — it's still cheap.This made it the perfect candidate for reviewing. It's a tiny machine that almost anyone can set up as a miniature server for media, a home theater PC, or even a network firewall if you really want to dive in.Pantera Pico PC review:Price and availabilityW...

Samsung may have decided to kill the Galaxy Note series.What you need to knowA new rumor suggests Samsung's Galaxy Note line may not make a comeback next year.Instead, the company could make the Galaxy S line more "Note-like." Future Galaxy S series flagships will apparently have less rounded corners and edges. Samsung may not release a Galaxy Note 20 successor next year, according to a new tweet from reliable tipster Ice Universe.Update: Note is over, but it's not over. S becomes Note!— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) September 22, 2021If the tipster is to be believed, the Galaxy Note line is "over," and a follow-up to the Galaxy Note 20 may never arrive. Instead, Samsung is apparently going to make a few changes to Galaxy S series to make it more appealing to Note fans.Despite having S Pen support, the Galaxy S21 Ultra failed to lure Note loyalists as it doesn't offer the full suite of S Pen features that the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has. The best Samsung phone of 2021 ...

Google One is arguably our favorite among the best cloud services out there. One of the reasons we like it so much is that it can back up your Android phone and keep an encrypted copy in the cloud. That way, if something happens to your phone, you can restore a copy to a different device easily.A backup to Google One contains app data, call history, contacts, settings, SMS and MMS messages, pictures, and videos. Backups can be run manually, or they can be set to run automatically. We'll show you how to set up automatic backups and how to back up a single time. To get started, download and install the Google One app.How to back up your Android phone and data with Google OneTo create a backup of your phone, you first need to make sure all the data you want backed up will be backed up.Open the Google One app.Tap Storage.Scroll down to Device backupThere are three categories of data to back up: Device data, Multimedia messages, and Photos & Videos. Each category will be l...

When you buy a new fitness tracker, one of the first things you'll want to do is find a band that matches your style. What's more, you want to be sure you're picking a band that will provide you with excellent comfort. Choosing the best Fitbit Charge 5 band requires you to consider a few key factors. Do you need something that can withstand intense workouts? Are you headed to a formal event that requires a fancy accessory? Whatever the case, Fitbit offers some amazing options. Keep in mind these are new proprietary bands, so previous Charge 3 or Charge 4 bands won't work.Perfect for daily wearFitbit Charge 5 Infinity Silicone BandStaff PickSometimes, you're looking for a simple and straightforward design that's comfortable enough for daily wear. If that sounds familiar, you might prefer this Fitbit Charge 5 Infinity Silicone Band. The lightweight silicone material is water-resistant so that it can handle sweat, rainfall, and swimming. The loop-and-peg closure ensures your...

The Surface Duo 2 is what the original should have been.What you need to knowMicrosoft has announced the new Surface Duo 2 at a launch event on Wednesday.The device features a modern chipset, 5G connectivity, and a new Glance Bar to display notifications when the device is closed.Available colors include Glacier white and Obsidian black, and the Surface Duo 2 is available to preorder now for $1500.Microsoft has finally taken the wraps off of the new Surface Duo 2, the company's second-generation dual-screen Android smartphone, at a launch event on Wednesday. The Duo 2 was among several new Surface devices that Microsoft announced at the event.While the original Surface Duo didn't exactly live up to the hype, Microsoft seems determined to address those shortcomings with the sequel. While the design is essentially unchanged from the original, the most notable difference can be seen on the outer chassis; the Surface Duo 2 is equipped with a rear triple camera setup.It fe...

Gotta catch 'em all, or at least the couple of dozen in Pokémon Unite at the moment.Pokémon Unite is officially out for the Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. For anyone who hasn't picked up the game just yet, fans can already begin to look ahead to figure out which potential Pokémon they'll want to use in what promises to be one of the best Android games out.For those unaware, Pokémon Unite pits teams of five trainers against each other, each armed with just a single Pokémon. Pokémon can evolve, hold items to improve their standing, and even learn new moves during battle. Here are all of the Pokémon Unite playable Pokémon characters so far.Jump to:Pokémon Unite rosterRoles and Battle Type systemsAre more Pokémon coming?Pokémon licensesAre any Pokémon free? Pokémon Unite playable charactersOnly 23 Pokémon are currently available in the game, each broken up by one of five types — Attacker, All-Rounder, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter. More P...

The best wireless earbuds of 2021 have arrived — and all my noisy distractions have been vanquished.I live in a middle-floor apartment between a playground and the parking lot, with only a couple of treelines separating me from the nightmare innocuously named I-4. As you can imagine, this means that I deal with a lot of unexpected and unwelcome sounds encroaching upon my awesome abode, from the revving of motorcycles and wail of emergency sirens and of miniature humans.I've been needing to invest in a good pair of active noise-canceling earbuds for months now, and when the Sony WF-1000XM4 showed up on my doorstep, I knew I was in for a treat. Its predecessor, the WF-1000XM3 — Sony, your naming system sucks — was still one of the better true wireless earbuds on the market even two years after launch, and the new ones are significantly smaller while packing even better ANC and sound quality thanks to improvements with the LDAC codec and support for 360 Reality Audio.Of cour...

Best answer: Your PlayStation 4 Pro may get loud due to the fans needing to work harder to dissipate heat. Repositioning and cleaning your PS4 Pro with a can of compressed air is the first thing you should do when you notice it happening.Keep your PS4 Pro clean and comfortableThe most common cause of noise in many consumer electronics is due to a spinning fan, and that's no less true when talking about the PS4 Pro. Fans help move heat away from the PS4 Pro's internal components, as overheating could lead to hardware failures.As such, it's important to keep your PS4 Pro as clean as possible. Be sure to give its external a good wipe down at regular intervals, and for the hard-to-reach areas — such as the cooling vents and inside the disc tray — you can use compressed air to ensure all its airways are unblocked.Another measure you can take is to ensure your PS4 Pro has as much breathing room as possible. Try to position your console in such a way that there are a few inches ...

Realme is currently the fastest-growing smartphone vendor in the world.What you need to knowRealme was the sixth-largest smartphone vendor in the second quarter of 2021.The company's smartphone shipments increased by a whopping 135.1% compared to the same period a year earlier. Realme expects to hit the 300 million sales milestone by the end of 2023.Realme became the sixth-largest brand in the global smartphone market for the first time in the second quarter of 2021, according to data from Counterpoint. The company shipped 15 million smartphones in the April to June quarter, registering an impressive 135.1% growth over the same period last year.Realme is also among the top five smartphone vendors in eighteen markets. In Bangladesh and the Philippines, it is currently the No.1 smartphone brand. The company made its debut in Counterpoint's rankings at No.47 in fall 2018. Just a year later, it jumped to the 15th position. In Q2 2019, Realme entered the top ten smartphone b...

All Pokémon are S+ tier in my eyes. Except Stunfisk. I do not much care for Stunfisk.A new take on a long-established formula, Pokémon Unite pits teams of 5 trainers against each other, each armed with just a single Pokémon. Pokémon can evolve, hold items to improve their standing, and even learn new moves during battle, but some Pokémon have natural advantages over others which is why we're heartlessly ranking them here. But let the record show that if my editor let me, this would be a tier list based on how huggable these cuties are.Tragically for me, we're instead ranking them based on how well they perform overall, along with how they perform in their respective categories of All-Rounder, Attacker, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter.Only a fraction of all (extremely huggable) existing Pokémon are currently represented in Unite—there are just 23, including a limited-time Zeraora. That may be good news for early adopters, though, as a more concise roster makes it easi...

Cheap and flexibleTelloFrom $5/mo. at TelloProsGreat coverage with the T-Mobile networkFlexible plans can save you moneyGreat phone supportVery cheap for light usersConsUnlimited plan limited to 25GBTello makes phone service simple by ditching traditional plans and sticking with a completely custom plan so users don't need to waste money on data they won't use. Hotspot comes with any plan with data and also international calls to more than 60 countries. It also uses the T-Mobile network for great LTE and 5G coverage.International optionsGoogle FiFrom $20/mo. at Google FiProsGreat international roaming optionsFamily plan savingsGood phone supportMultiple networks with approved devicesConsExpensive for one lineUnlimited plan limited to 22GBGoogle Fi has earned an excellent reputation among tech enthusiasts thanks to its flexibility and international roaming capabilities. Fi lets you roam in more than 200 countries for no extra cost...

Color coordination isn't a method limited to organizing closets. You can change the color of your Google Drive folders to manage them better as well. If you use it as your primary cloud backup, chances are it's packed to the brim with data of all sorts. Spotting a folder becomes easier once you're familiar with its color, especially if you have a mess of folders in your Drive storage. Here's how you can change folder colors in Google Drive on desktop and Android.How to change folder colors in Google Drive on desktopThis tutorial applies to the desktop version of Google Drive on browsers. Unfortunately, you cannot change folder colors through the desktop application.Open Google Drive on your computer's browser.Right-click on a folder.Select Change color.Choose any color.If you're not doing this on your laptop or computer, follow the next set of instructions. They will show you how to change folder colors in Google Drive on your Android phone.How to change folder color...

The phone is powered by the same Snapdragon 480 chipset as the Nokia X20 and X10.What you need to knowNokia has announced an affordable new 5G phone.The Nokia G50 features a 6.82-inch HD+ display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery. It is now on sale in the UK for £200.HMD Global has quietly expanded its budget smartphone lineup with the launch of the Nokia G50. The new G50 is the company's first G series phone to feature 5G connectivity. While it doesn't have the specs to challenge the best budget Android phones, it does appear to be more impressive than the Nokia G20.The Nokia G50 sports a large 6.82-inch screen with HD+ resolution and a V-shaped notch for the 8MP selfie camera. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480 chipset, which has been coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. A variant of the phone with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage will also be available soon.The budget Android phone has a triple-camera setup on the rear ...

All you need to know about Sling TV.As one of the most popular live TV streaming services, Sling brings the best of cable to your screens while keeping the price more affordable than competitors like YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. When it comes to cutting the cord and replacing your cable bill with something a bit less pricey, Sling TV should be the first service you try.Streamer's paradiseSling TVFrom $35 at Sling TVYour hub for live channels, movies, and moreSign up for Sling TV today with plans starting as low as $35 per month! Sling TV keeps prices affordable by letting you add on extra channels at your leisure. While there's no free trial available currently, Sling does have several great deals available for new subscribers right now.Sling TV streaming serviceWhat is Sling TV?How much does Sling TV cost? Channels on Sling TVWhat devices support Sling TV?Sling TV dealsWhat is Sling TV?Sling TV subscriptions start at just $35 per month and ensu...

The new Civi series is rumored to succeed the Mi CC line.What you need to knowXiaomi will launch a new line of smartphones in China next week.Xiaomi says the new "Civi" series phones will have fashionable designs and innovative camera tech. The Civi series could replace the Mi CC series that was introduced in 2019. Xiaomi is set to launch a new line of smartphones aimed at younger consumers. The new series, dubbed Civi, will be unveiled at an event in China on September 27.As per a teaser posted by the company on its Weibo page, the new Civi series will offer "fashionable and diversified designs and innovative imaging technology." Sadly, the teaser doesn't include any other details regarding the upcoming smartphone line.According to some rumors, the upcoming Civi series is going to succeed the Mi CC series, which was launched in 2019. Xiaomi's first phone with a 108MP camera, the Mi CC9 Pro, was also part of the CC series. It made its way to global markets as the Mi N...

Install an affordable smart Wi-Fi plug to make your devices compatible with Google Assistant or AlexaThere's a reason why so many of us are constantly swapping out devices for better, smarter ones that can be automated and used with voice assistants. But what if you could do all of that with your existing devices and transform ordinary kitchen appliances, lights, and fans into connected ones? The best smart Wi-Fi plugs will let you do that while also saving you some money at the end of the day. Smart plugs are some of the most affordable smart home products out there, and they're extremely easy to install. On top of making life easier, these are six unique ways a smart Wi-Fi plug can help you upgrade and automate your smart home.1. A smart Wi-Fi plug makes existing devices compatible with voice assistantsMany of us already own a smart speaker such an Amazon Echo (4th Gen) or a Nest Audio, and while it's nice to use these solely for playing music or asking what the weather wil...

Great coverage, prices, and features for less.Tello Mobile is known for having some of the best wireless prices around with a ton of flexibility, but it probably isn't the first carrier that comes to mind when shopping for unlimited data. Wireless providers are a dime-a-dozen these days, especially MVNOs that piggyback off of larger networks and deliver their same coverage for less money each month.Tello's simple plan structure paired with the speed and coverage of T-Mobile's network with 5G makes it one of the best cell phone plans for light users. With so much of the competition focusing on huge data amounts, it's interesting to see how it stacks up against large plans, especially those from brands like Mint Mobile and Visible. If you're looking for an easy way to save some money on phone service, Tello might be the perfect fit for you.Tello review:PlansCoverageData speedPhone selectionCompetitionShould you join?Changelog, May 2021Great choiceTello Mobile...

You can get a surprisingly affordable robot vacuum that'll poke around your home cleaning up some loose debris, but you'll quickly find that these robots aren't always as smart as they're made out to be. Many models simply bump around, chaotically criss-crossing your floors until their battery runs low. This can result in clean floors, but you may find random spots that the vacuum completely missed, and these more basic robot vacuums may not always find their way back to their charging base to be ready for the next job (which could be needed right away if it missed a lot of spots).By the same token, there are some robot vacuums that are almost too smart, unloading their own dust bins, offering stereoscopic vision and even doubling as a security camera. Not that those features are bad to have, but they're more than most of us need. To be sure you're getting a properly smart robot vacuum, there are four features you should seek out at a minimum.Anti-drop sensorThe point of a robo...

Xiaomi's latest value flagship sets a new standard for wired charging, but it falls short in other areas.Xiaomi tweaked its flagship strategy last year: it introduced the Mi 10 series in the summer and followed it up with a value-focused Mi 10T six months later. OnePlus mastered this dual-release cycle over the last seven years, so it made sense for Xiaomi to follow suit.In 2021, Xiaomi's flagship portfolio is stronger than ever. The Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra are among the best Android phones I used this year, and Xiaomi made much-needed changes to its software with MIUI 12.5. The Chinese manufacturer also turned its attention to charging tech; it was outmatched in this area by its BBK rivals — with OnePlus and OPPO delivering 65W charging as standard — so Xiaomi clearly needed a win here.With the 11T series, it has managed to do just that. The Xiaomi 11T Pro offers 120W fast charging as standard, with the 5000mAh fully charging in just 20 minutes flat. The phone is also the fi...

Android Auto now places the navigation bar and turn information from Google Maps closer to the reach of UK drivers.What you need to knowGoogle Maps in Android Auto has gained a new update that optimizes the app for right-hand drive vehicles.The update shifts Maps' key features closer to the driver on British roads.Android Auto also resolves some issues related to right-to-left languages.Google Maps in Android Auto has received a new update that should make navigating with a right-hand drive vehicle a bit more convenient. The app's user interface can now be adjusted for drivers in the United Kingdom and other countries where the driver sits on the right side of the vehicle.In a post on Android Auto's help page, a Google representative said Maps can now reorient by placing turn-by-turn information and the navigation bar closer to the driver. The post reads: Users across the world using Android Auto in their vehicles will now see the user interface orient itself optimall...

Gmail brings its search filters from the web to Android.What you need to knowGoogle has begun rolling out new search filters to its mobile app for Android.The filters allow you to sort emails by sender or time frame.These capabilities were released to Gmail on the web last year.Gmail's search capabilities on Android are getting a significant update that will narrow results to help you find a specific email. The app's new search filters were first rolled out on the web last year, with the goal of simplifying the way you sort through large amounts of search results.The new update to one of the best Android apps introduces a variety of filters that allow you to search through emails by sender or time frame. You can further refine the results by choosing to view only emails with attachments.These search filters will show up right below the search box in the app. You can tap any of the four buttons, including "From," "Sent to," Date," and "Attachments," independently or po...

With so many electronic devices throughout our homes and cluttering our desks, most of us need more than one or two sockets to keep everything plugged in and powered. To protect your gadgets from spikes and electrical surges, you can get a standard surge protector or, even better, you can upgrade to one of the best smart power strips with a built-in surge protector. Similar to smart Wi-Fi plugs but with the addition of several outlets, a smart power strip lets you plug in and control multiple devices with voice commands or through an app. These are the best smart power strips you can get.Energy monitoringKasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300Staff PickKasa Smart makes some of the best, high-quality smart plugs, and its smart power strip is no exception. With six outlets, built-in surge protection, three USB ports, and the ability to turn your devices on and off with Google Assistant or Alexa or through the Kasa Smart app, this smart strip has your gadgets covered.$50 at Amaz...

No, it's not just you getting booted from the Slack app every five minutes.What you need to knowSlack reported a problem with sign-on in the Android app that was logging users out and making it difficult to log back in.This issue is limited to the Android app, so Slack on iOS and desktop platforms is still functioning.Android users using Single Sign-On (logging in with Google) are primarily impacted by the issue.The issue was reported shortly before 4 PM Eastern Time, and while Slack is investigating, they haven't announced a projected time for the fix.In the always-connected, work from home age, we're blessed with the ability to stay connected to work even when we're not chained to a desk, but right now, that connection is interrupted on Android. The Slack app for Android is kicking out users with an "Invalid authorization" if they use Single Sign-On to log into the app — meaning you select "Sign in with Google" when you first open the app. Slack is aware of the issue a...

This week, we make a few quick stops into Epic v. Apple and Activision Blizzard corner before signing the praises of Deathloop for PS5. Nintendo Switch has finally received a software update that enables Bluetooth audio support. Additonally, rumors are swirling about Nintendo Switch Online getting N64 games, and a curious firmware update has been released for the dock accessory of the OLED Switch model.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:As expected, Epic Games has appealed a court ruling in its spat with Apple | iMoreEpic Games pays Apple $6 million as result of Epic v. Apple lawsuit | iMoreDeathloop for PS5 review: A deadly day I didn't want to end | Android CentralActivision Blizzard charged with violating labor laws in union complaint | Windows CentralNintendo Switch finally gets Bluetooth audio support with latest update | iMoreRumor: Nintendo Switch On...

What you need to knowThe Google Pixel 6 Pro appears to have been spotted in a short hands-on video.The device appears to be a pre-production unit, as indicated by the logo.The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro may be less than a month from launch.Google has shown off the Pixel 6 in official press videos, but this may be the first time we see Google's upcoming flagship hands-on thanks to a leaked video.The video was uploaded by Brandon Lee from This is Tech Today and shows what appears to be the Pixel 6 Pro in grey with its curved 6.7-inch QHD+ display showing "Welcome to your Pixel" and some Android 12 Material You-style animations.I think this may be the first hands on video leak of a Google Pixel 6 Pro. FYI: The logo would indicate that this is likely an early production test unit, so that means there may be some differences between what you see here and the actual production device. #teampixel pic.twitter.com/4QSvdktqA7— M. Brandon Lee | THIS IS TECH TODAY (@thisistechtoday) Septemb...

Android 12's new Privacy Dashboard is the one place where you can see exactly what apps are using which permissions and when they are doing it. It's not perfect — Android's permissions can be a little confusing, and Google isn't giving up much information about what each of them means, but it's a great addition nonetheless. Getting there isn't difficult once you know where to look. And remember, the best Android phone doesn't have Android 12 just yet, so you'll need to be using a Google Pixel with the Android 12 beta installed.How to open the Privacy Dashboard in Android 12Open your phone's settings menu.Scroll to the Privacy section and tap the entry.In the new window that opens choose Privacy Dashboard at the top of the list.Once you have the Privacy Dashboard open, you can choose a category to see which apps have used the associated permission. You'll find obvious things like Google Maps using your location and the phone app using your microphone. Still, you might ...

Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid brand owned by T-Mobile that uses the entire T-Mobile network, including LTE and 5G. This carrier has three great plans with plenty of data and also two unlimited plans. The Metro by T-Mobile network has great support for unlocked phones and even allows a 5G connection on every plan as long as the phone supports it. The Google Pixel 5a is the perfect partner for this carrier with excellent 5G support, a low price, and a battery that's big enough to keep you running all day. If you're looking for the best Metro by T-Mobile phones, we've got you covered with more reliable choices below.Best overall: Google Pixel 5aThe Google Pixel 5a, also known as the Google Pixel 5a with 5G, is everything a mid-range Android phone should be. It has great cameras powered by excellent software for flagship-like images and a large battery for all-day battery life. The display is also great with a 6.34-inch 2400x1080 AMOLED display with perfect blacks and rich colors....

Facebook's new Portal Go can go wherever you want it to.What you need to knowFacebook has announced its latest video device, the Portal Go.The new Portal Go features a 12MP camera, a rechargeable battery, and a handle for easy portability.Facebook also announced a redesigned Portal+ with a higher resolution tilting display.Portal Go and new Portal+ are available for preorder and will ship in October for $199 and $349, respectively.Facebook has launched a pair of new Portal video-calling devices on Tuesday, designed to take on some of the best smart displays from Google and Amazon. The new devices include the 10-inch Portal Go and the redesigned Portal+.The new Portal Go could almost be mistaken for the Amazon Echo 8 with its simple design and fabric chassis. However, the Portal Go has a leg up over its Amazon competitor thanks to the rechargeable battery and rear handle, allowing you to take the smart display almost anywhere you want.The device features a 10-inch HD di...

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has two buttons, just like previous Galaxy Watches. Samsung still has shortcuts you can map to the back and home buttons, just like previous Galaxy Watches. There's no way to swap the home and back buttons — those coming from earlier Galaxy Watches will have to get used to Home on top rather than on bottom — but if you want to change the button shortcuts on your Galaxy Watch 4, it's a quick and easy process.How to change button shortcuts on Galaxy Watch 4Swipe down to open Quick Settings.Tap Settings.Tap Advanced Features.Tap Customize buttons. Tap Double press. Tap the **app **you wish to trigger instead. I use Timer because it helps when baking.Click the back button.Tap Press and hold. Tap Power off menu.You can also change your Back button's single-click to a recent apps button, but I advise against it. Doing this means you don't have a back button at all, so if an app doesn't support the "swipe right to go back" — like RadarS...

Get some insight about a book from Reese Witherspoon herself.What you need to knowGoogle has partnered with Reese Witherspoon to bring her book club to the Assistant.Reese's Book Club will bring personalized reading recommendations to Google Assistant devices.Users can access the feature by saying, "Hey Google, read with Reese's Book Club."The feature will work even if you're not a member.Google and Reese Whitherspoon have come together to bring hands-free, personalized reading recommendations to your Google Assistant-enabled devices.Starting today, users in English-speaking countries can access Reese's Book Club from their phone, smart display, or the best Google Assistant speakers just by saying, "Hey Google, read with Reese's Book Club." First-time users will be greeted with an introduction about the service from Reese herself and jump right into learning about this month's book pick.With Reese's Book Club, users can gain insight about monthly book picks with video ...

You can now report specific messages to WhatsApp.What you need to knowWhatsApp is tweaking its messaging reporting feature to better protect users' privacy.The feature will soon allow you to select the messages that you want to forward to WhatsApp. Currently, when someone reports a contact, the last five messages are forwarded to WhatsApp to help moderators understand the context to decide if the person needs to be banned. Earlier this month, a report from ProPublica raised concerns about WhatsApp's content review system and claimed that the Facebook-owned messaging app undermines the privacy of its users.While Facebook denied the claims and stressed the system's importance in "preventing the worst abuse on the internet," WhatsApp has now added the ability to report a specific message with the latest beta version of its Android app.The feature gives users complete control over the messages they want to be forwarded to WhatsApp. As can be seen in the screenshots share...

Rock out without anything but your hands.Have you ever been jamming out to a favorite song and found your fingers pretending like they're playing guitar? Even those of us who have no idea how to actually play guitar — that's me, for the record — have found myself pretending to shred the air along with a particularly fierce guitar solo more than once.Unplugged lets you take your unfounded air guitar skill and hone it into a way to play music. It's a rhythm game with no equal, and that all comes down to the tech being used. It's truly the Guitar Hero of VR, as our Unplugged preview shows, but it doesn't require any kind of special controller. In fact, you won't be using a controller at all. This is purely a hand tracking experience on Quest, which means you'll use your hands one hundred percent of the time.This Unplugged preview was played on an Oculus Quest 2 with access provided by publisher Vertigo Games.A master class in hand trackingUnplugged uses Oculus hand track...

Best answer: Yes. The new Fitbit Charge 5 is equipped with built-in GPS so you can conveniently track your route during activities without relying on your phone.The Fitbit Charge 5 has GPS for easy trackingThere's a lot to consider when searching for a fitness tracker. Many users will be looking for key features such as built-in GPS to enhance their overall experience. Fortunately, the Fitbit Charge 5 has built-in GPS, which means you can leave your phone behind and still track your route with the Fitbit Charge 5.While GPS isn't a rare feature, it's more common on Android smartwatches than fitness trackers. Since many people who shop for a tracker are looking for something affordable that can handle basic tracking, GPS is a nice bonus.The Fitbit Charge 4 was the first in the series to offer built-in GPS. Since then, the company has remained committed to providing more advanced smartwatch-like features on their fitness trackers. When comparing the Fitbit Charge 5 and Charge 4,...

The best MVNO carriers manage to offer a great value with solid coverage by leveraging the network of one of the major carriers. This setup can lead to a wider range of plans and keep you out of a contract if you don't want to be tied to any one carrier. It can also be a good way to try out a new network and one of the best cell phone plans without spending too much money or time moving numbers over. Metro by T-Mobile is the best overall MVNO offering great data options and plenty of ways to save money with multiple lines.Best overall: Metro by T-MobileMetro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and uses the T-Mobile LTE network. Years ago, this would have been a reason to pass on the carrier, but T-Mobile's network has become one of the strongest networks in populated areas in recent times. The network has continued to gain ground in rural areas thanks to its 600Mhz spectrum for LTE and 5G. Even with all of the improvements, you should check the coverage map to ensure you're covere...

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...

The Galaxy Tab S7 tablets pick up new features that were previously exclusive to Samsung's latest foldable devices.What you need to knowSamsung's newest tablets are now updated with new multitasking features ported from One UI 3.1.1.The latest update brings multi-window support and persistent taskbar to Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7, Tab S7+ and Tab S7 FE.These capabilities were previously available only on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3.Samsung has started pushing new updates to the Galaxy Tab S7 series, including a handful of multitasking features first seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3.The new features are rolling out to Samsung's best Android tablets as part of a new One UI 3.1-based update, as per SamMobile. While the firmware update is a minor upgrade from One UI 3.0, it brings with it a couple of handy features from One UI 3.1.1 that should improve your productivity experience with the tablets.One feature being ported from Samsung's foldable lineup is the pers...

The new plan is limited to just one country currently.What you need to knowNetflix is giving Android users in Kenya a chance to watch some of its shows for free.In addition to access to many of Netflix's popular series and films, the new free plan also lets users enjoy personalized recommendations. The free plan will roll out to users in Kenya over the next few weeks. Netflix has introduced a new free plan in Kenya, allowing Android users in the country to watch some of its most popular shows for free.While Netflix did make some of its content free to watch for a limited time last year, this is the first time that the streaming giant has introduced a free tier.The new plan doesn't require users to provide any payment information when signing up. Users only have to enter their email and confirm that they are 18 or over. Although the free plan doesn't provide access to everything that's available on Netflix, it does allow users to enjoy Netflix's personalized recommend...

The Galaxy Watch is still one of the best Samsung smartwatches, even if it's getting along in years, and it deserves one of the best Samsung Galaxy watchbands. Not only to keep it secured to your wrist but also to help customize it to better fit your style. The watch allows you to choose from several watch faces to get the right look for the screen, but you can easily replace the strap using a standard 22mm watch band for the 46mm Galaxy Watch to make it even more you.Meshes with everyoneFullmosa stainless steel watch bandStaff PickSometimes the feel of metal can be calming as well as being more stable than other materials. If you need a band that you know is safe to use, then stainless steel is the ticket. This adjustable mesh-style band is super comfortable and looks great too.$15 at AmazonTotally metalV-MORO 22mm Stainless Steel StrapThis strap from V-MORO comes with heavy-duty stainless steel, and it goes on instantly with the built-in clasp. It's available in...

Philips Hue is one of the most sought-after brands for smart lighting. Though its lights come with a higher price tag than some cheap smart LED light bulbs, they're some of the easiest to install and integrate into smart home ecosystems as well as operate through the newly improved Hue app or voice commands. These bulbs connect directly via Bluetooth or a Hue Bridge, often included in starter kits and worth considering if you want to take advantage of all the smart features Hue bulbs have to offer.Philips Hue 60W vs. 75W vs. 100W: Measuring brightnessThere are many Philips Hue bulbs to choose from when you're just getting started, so one of the first factors to consider is how bright you want your bulbs to be. For instance, a kitchen, bathroom, and office space will need brighter lighting than a dining room, bedroom, or hallway.In the past, most people would look to wattage as an indicator of how bright a traditional, incandescent bulb measures, but this changed with the adop...

Once completed, the building will serve as the New York headquarters for Google's sales and partnership teams.What you need to knowGoogle is buying an office building in New York's Manhattan district for $2.1 billion.The building, which is currently under construction, is set to open in mid-2023. Google expects the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2022. Google is purchasing the St. John's Terminal in Manhattan for $2.1 billion to serve as the anchor of its new Hudson Square campus. The announcement was made in a blog post by Alphabet and Google CFO Ruth Porat.This isn't the first time that Google has bought an office building in Manhattan. It purchased the former Port Authority building at 15th Street and 9th Avenue in 2010 for $1.9 billion. In 2018, the company purchased the Chelsea Market building for $2.4 billion.Despite embracing the new work-from-home culture, Google appears to be continuing to increase investment in office space. The company believes...