Latest from Android Central

All three new Kindle e-readers promise up to 10 weeks of battery life.What you need to knowAmazon has announced three new Kindle Paperwhite models.The next-gen Kindle Paperwhite features a larger 6.8-inch glare-free display with adjustable warm light. All three new Kindle devices are now available to pre-order in the U.S. Amazon announced on September 21 its all-new Kindle Paperwhite lineup, including a new Signature Edition and the first Kindle designed for kids. All three new Kindle devices come with refreshed internals that enable twenty percent faster page turns compared to the previous generation.The all-new Kindle Paperwhite has a larger 6.8-inch display with smaller bezels and a 300 PPI pixel density. Amazon claims the display is 10% brighter than the previous-gen Kindle Paperwhite at the maximum setting. It also offers adjustable warm light and a white-on-black dark mode to make reading more comfortable.In terms of battery life, the new Kindle Paperwhite can l...

While there's plenty of things to do on your new Galaxy Watch 4, one of the most important is setting up your wireless payments. Using NFC payments on your phone is okay, but you gotta pull it out every single time, whereas your watch is always out and ready to go. That's why setting up Samsung Pay on your Galaxy Watch 4 is essential. If you're on a Samsung phone, you're already halfway there. If you're using a phone from another manufacturer, download Samsung Pay (Watch Plug-in) to your phone first, as you'll need it for inputting and verifying your card info.How to set up Samsung Pay on your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Swipe up from the watch face to open the app drawer.Tap Samsung Pay.Press and hold the back button to actually open the app.Swipe through the carousel of slides detailing how Samsung Pay works on the watch.Tap the arrow under start using Samsung Pay.Tap OK.Switch to your phone.Sign in if you're not already signed in.Tap Add card.Tap Add credit or debit ca...

Have we reached peak fitness band?While it's not on an annual release cycle like the Apple Watch, Fitbit gives its Charge fitness tracker a refresh every couple of years or so, and the 2021 version offers the most significant changes to the device to date. A new design, new sensors, and a new price point all combine for a compelling package. It also makes it clear that Google is happy to prominently feature basic trackers in Fitbit's lineup, at least for now.You may think I'm coy or that I'm just a basic band fanatic because I was so excited to try out the new Fitbit Charge 5 and give it a proper review, but I'm clearly not alone in my affection for this form factor or device. During the product briefing for the Charge 5, Fitbit told a group of reporters and industry analysts that one-third of its active users wear a Charge device. Given its weight in the product lineup, it's probably no surprise that the company has poured so much of its best design and sensor tech into the late...

Google has some of the biggest AAA games out there on its platform, and the catalog keeps getting bigger and better. With more than a year on the market, dozens of games on Stadia are available to play instantly with no downloads, patches, or updates required. So whether you love shooters, RPGs, online multiplayer, platformers, indies, or something in between, there are undoubtedly games for you on Stadia right now. Here's our list of the best Google Stadia games available to you now!Featured favoriteCyberpunk 2077 for StadiaCD Projekt RED's open-world epic may not be the genre-defining revolution a lot had hoped for, but the Stadia version plays great. While the PS4 and Xbox One editions currently suffer from horrible performance issues and tons of bugs, the Stadia version is comparable to playing on a gaming PC and is arguably the best way to play the game. I enjoyed it quite a lot in my review and am excited to see it get better.$60 at StadiaGather your p...

Pixel sales have been dipping for years. Can the 6 Pro steal sales from an uninspired, unlucky iPhone?Last week's Apple Event was a bit of a snoozefest. On the one hand, the new iPad Mini impressed even the most hardcore Android fans as a compact slate for consuming media. On the other hand, the regular iPad underwhelmed with its still-giant bezels and last-gen chip, the Apple Watch 7 had no major design or sensor updates (and still has no release date), and there were no new laptops or M2/M1X chips to be found.But what really blew me away with its mediocrity was the iPhone 13. As much as I enjoyed the cute Knives Out knock-off home video, the announcement didn't have any other stand-out moments. Instead, it simply moved us through all the requisite beats that every phone release trailer has: A brighter display than ever! Longer battery life than ever before! Faster than competing brands by a vague metric! This phone was mistaken for a "12S" for a reason. This is an off-year ...

The old Google Chat PWA won't be available starting next week.What you need to knowGoogle has announced its latest plan to transition users to the latest Google Chat PWA.Users will be asked to upgrade to the latest Chat PWA version on September 27.The old version will then be shut down starting that day.Google will shut down the old version of Google Chat's Progressive Web Application starting on September 27 as it plans to migrate users to the updated PWA.The search giant announced on Monday that, starting next week, it will start displaying a prompt on your screen if you are still using the legacy Chat PWA, asking you to upgrade to the app's latest version. The in-app banner will show the following message: You are using an old version of Chat. You need to uninstall this old version first, then visit www.chat.google.com to install the new version.To install the latest PWA on some of the best laptops, you can simply head over to Chat's web address, sign into you...

The company has sent out invites to its fall hardware event, which will take place next week.What you need to knowAmazon has announced an event scheduled for September 28.The event will supposedly see the unveiling of a wide range of devices including new Echo speakers, Ring security cameras, and Eero routers.Alexa and other services from the retail giant might also get some updates.Amazon's Echo devices and Alexa digital assistant are about to get some upgrades. The retail giant is set to hold an event on September 28, where it is expected to announce upgrades to some of the best Alexa speakers and new updates to its services.As expected, Amazon's invitation lacks specific details. The announcement for the event, which has been posted on its website, only says it will "share news on our latest Amazon devices, features, and services."That said, Amazon's hardware unveiling last year may provide some clues about what the upcoming event might hold for consumers. Of course,...

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 ...

Surprise your friends with magic wireless charging.What you need to knowIkea has launched a wireless charger that mounts underneath desks and tables.The Sjömärke wireless charger is meant to blend in with your home decor.Ikea will begin selling the charger in October for $40.Even though wireless charging has been around for a while and there are a ton of Android phones that support it, the technology still seems a bit like magic. However, Ikea's latest product wants to further the illusion by letting you mount a wireless charger underneath your desk or table.The new Sjömärke wireless charger uses adhesives to attach to the underside of a desk and keep the device concealed "when you want chargers and cables to blend into the decor to keep the room neat and tidy."Since Sjömärke uses indirect charging, it's recommended that you use it on tabletops and other surfaces with between 8mm and under 1-inch of thickness. Any more or less, and it won't charge. It also won...

Senate Democrats say new rules are in order.What you need to knowSeveral U.S. senators have presented the FTC with a letter urging better privacy protections.The letter calls for a "national standard for data privacy and security."Current enforcement policies were criticized for not doing enough to deter companies from failing to protect consumer privacy.Several U.S. Democrats have reached out to the FTC in a letter calling for better rulemaking on consumer privacy and security.The letter was addressed to the recently appointed FTC Chair Lina Khan and led by Senator Richard Blumenthal alongside eight other U.S. Democrats, including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Cory A. Booker.In the letter, the senators complain that data privacy has become a problem in the U.S. as Big Tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook continue to flaunt their "unchecked access" to private consumer data. Americans' identities have become the currency in an unregulated,...

Custom plansTelloFrom $5/mo. at TelloProsLTE and 5G data on the T-Mobile networkPlans can be customizedLow starting priceHotspot included with every planConsOnly 25GB of high-speed data on the unlimited planTello sets itself apart by only offering custom plans tailored to the needs of each customer. With a choice of data up to 25GB and unlimited minutes and texting, just about anyone can get a great plan on Tello. Tello also lets you upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time, so if you don't get it right the first time, you're not stuck.Great internationalBoost MobileFrom $15/mo. at Boost MobileProsLTE and 5G data on the T-Mobile networkGreat roaming plans for MexicoHotspot data with every planMulti-line savingsConsOnly 35GB of high-speed data on the unlimited planBoost Mobile has an excellent reputation as a low-cost alternative with a ton of data. The two unlimited plans come with 35GB of high-speed data, mobile hotspot data, a...

Google follows the iOS 15 update with updates of its own.What you need to knowGoogle is updating several of its apps for better iOS/iPadOS 15 compatibility.Google apps will take better advantage of Apple's Focus Mode.Users will be able to jump straight into YouTube Music from Spotlight search.Right on the heels of Apple releasing iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 to the masses, Google is updating several of its apps to take better advantage of the iPhone and iPad's capabilities.One of the "bigger" updates comes to iPadOS 15, with the launch of new, larger widgets for Google Photos and YouTube Music. With the new widgets, users will be able to highlight their photos and jump straight into their Memories. With YouTube Music, iPad users will have a view of albums and playlists to easily access tunes from the home screen.The new widgets will arrive in the coming weeks.Another update coming to YouTube Music, which users can try out now, is the ability to jump into the app from the Sp...

It's allegedly been available secretly for months.What you need to knowEden Unearthed is Netflix's first VR game, based upon the show Eden that launched in May 2021.Eden Unearthed is available for Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 headsets for free on Oculus App Lab.Netflix previously launched a few Stranger Things games on Android in Poland.When Netflix announced that it would be making free games for its subscribers, no one was entirely sure what the company's aim was. Netflix released two Stranger Things games in Poland at the end of August but has mostly been hush about its plans. Little changes with Eden Unearthed, a game first spotted by UploadVR and found on the Oculus App Lab for Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 headsets.Eden Unearthed is based upon the Netflix original show Eden that launched on Netflix at the end of May 2021. The show Eden follows the story of two robots living a thousand years after humans disappeared from Earth. During a routine assignment in the...

The Touch Controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 ship with one disposable AA battery each, but once those run out of juice, you should invest in the best Oculus Quest 2 replacement batteries to fill in for them. While the Touch Controllers last much longer than the headset's limited battery, it's still wise to invest in some rechargeable batteries or a stack of disposable batteries to stop your VR sessions from getting disrupted. Here are the batteries and chargers we recommend for your Oculus Touch controllers.Best rechargable batteries + chargerPanasonic K-KJ55MCA4BA 3 Hour Quick Charger with 4 AA eneloop Rechargeable BatteriesStaff PickThese rechargeable batteries store up to 2,000 mAh of power and can be recharged up to 2,100 times. They can be charged completely from dead or partially charged without damaging the energy storage memory. We recommend buying them with the quick charger accessory, which will get your AAs recharged in no time, but you can also purchase the ba...

Better, faster, strongerWhat you need to knowRoku announced updates to its lineup of streaming devices, as well as an update to Roku OS 10.5The All-New Roku Streaming Stick 4K starts at $50, while the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ starts at $70.The company also gave the Roku Ultra LT set-top box a spec bump with improvements to the processor, storage, and Wi-Fi range.Roku has announced several important updates to its product lineup, as well as an improved user experience (UI) with its Roku OS 10.5 rollout. The streaming platform and device manufacturer has unveiled an All-New Roku Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+, spec bumps to its Roku Ultra LT set-top box, and overall platform enhancements to the underlying operating system.The updated Streaming Stick 4K boots up 30% faster than before and adds Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Wi-Fi speeds up to two times faster than previous models.The Streaming Stick 4K+ features all of the above but adds the Roku Voice Remote Pro. The Pro version o...

Do you ever try to ask Alexa a question on your Echo speaker from across the room and get frustrated when you can't hear her response? Whether it's the noises coming from the TV, people talking, dogs barking, babies crying, or the general commotion of your day-to-day life, sometimes it can be hard to hear her. Thankfully, Amazon has recognized this problem and added a simple toggle that lets Alexa adjust the volume of her responses based on the ambient noise near your Echo device. We'll show you how simple it is to enable Alexa's new adaptive volume feature on your Echo devices so that you don't miss any of her replies or responses in the future.How to enable Alexa's adaptive volume feature on an Echo deviceOpen the Amazon Alexa app on your phone.Tap on the More menu at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.Scroll down and tap on Settings.Scroll down and tap on Voice Responses in the Alexa Preferences section.Tap to toggle on Adaptive Volume.You can also enable o...

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are one step closer to launch.What you need to knowA device purported to be the Pixel 6 was spotted in FCC documents.The documents reveal connectivity options for the device, including Wi-Fi 6E and mmWave 5G.Wireless power transfer and UWB support are also listed in the filings.The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have likely been spotted passing through the FCC as the device nears its fall launch window.While the documents don't specifically name the Pixel 6, Android Police points out that devices are listed as "phone," suggesting that they're likely Google's upcoming flagships. Additionally, the documents show support for both the new Wi-Fi 6E standard with mmWave 5G support found on a few of the models.For comparison, the Google Pixel 5a does not support either connectivity option, so it's fairly safe to assume that we're looking at the Pixel 6.In recent promotional material for the Pixel 6, Google has made sure to note that the device "has not been...

The regulators say Google's restrictive trade practices have harmed both device makers and consumers.What you need to knowThe Competition Commission of India has accused Google of adopting anti-competitive and restrictive trade practices in the mobile OS market.The regulator's probe found Google guilty of stifling competition to maintain its dominance in search, app library, and other services. It has also alleged that Google's Play Store policies are biased and arbitrary. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found Google guilty of abusing its dominant position in the country's mobile operating system market. The Indian antitrust regulator began its investigation of Google in 2019.The investigation report, reviewed by The Times of India, says Google stifles competition and innovation in the market by forcing one-sided contracts on both device and app makers. Google requires manufacturers to sign a Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA), which mandates p...

If you're doing a lot of video calls and meetings, you probably want to invest in a webcam. While they aren't as difficult to find in stores now as they were a year ago, they are still in pretty high demand with so many people working from home at least some of the time. Slowly but surely, webcams are coming back in stock. But you don't want to settle on buying anything you can find - you need it to work well. So, we have rounded up the best webcams available on Amazon right now.Trusted brandLogitech C920x HD Pro WebcamStaff PickIn the webcam world, Logitech is one of the most trusted brands, and while this webcam will cost almost twice as much as some of the others, it's worth the price. You get full 1080p resolution along with stereo audio, HD light correction and autofocus, and even the ability to blur your background without any additional equipment.$90 at Amazon$65 at WalmartBuilt-in ring lightVitade 960ATrying to get proper lighting can be tricky beca...

PlayStation 4 owners have no shortage of choice when it comes to storage expansion. Popping out the internal drive is fairly easy, but if you don't want to go through the trouble, there's an alternative that's much more convenient. Just plug a USB hard drive into your PS4, and you'll instantly have all the storage you could ever need. All you need is to pick the right drive for your needs. Here are some solid options for the best PS4 external hard drives available for you today. Keep in mind that the PS4 supports up to 8TB of external storage.Best in size and reliabilitySeagate Game Drive 2TBStaff PickThis Seagate drive is super thin and can fit just about anywhere. Not only that, but it's officially licensed by PlayStation and has a perfect design that will fit right in. This edition comes with 2TB, but for a bit more, you can bump up to 4TB.$70 at Amazon$70 at Best BuyBest in massive storageWD 5TB My Passport Portable External HDDWestern Digital's portable opti...

Google Meet makes it easier to see more people.Update, Sept 20 (12:15 p.m. ET): Google rolls out low-light detection for webWhat you need to knowGoogle Meet is rolling out with an updated design and new features.Participants will have the ability to pin presentations or speaker tiles with more room to show everyone on the call.Google is also rolling out low-light mode for the web application, a new data saver, and the ability to hide your own video from your view.Google Meet has been a big focus since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic since many people transitioned to work-from-home lifestyles. Google has continuously rolled out updates to the video conferencing application, making it easier to manage while working from home. For instance, now you can use Google Meet's virtual green room to check yourself before a call. The latest update adds some useful tools thanks to the power of AI and more efficient design tools to keep users engaged with everyone on the call.In...

New technology works best when everyone commits to it, and in 2021, 5G has gone from marketing hype to a legit feature. In other words, you'll want to find the best 5G phones to future-proof yourself. A ton of support from carriers and smartphone companies is going to flood the market with 5G-capable phones this year. 5G isn't everywhere (yet), but if you live in a place with a 5G network, these are the best 5G phones you can buy, although the Galaxy S21 Ultra tops our list.Best 5G phone overall: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5GThe Galaxy S21 Ultra is the first proper flagship of 2021, and looking ahead, it'll be mighty hard for any company to dethrone the S21 Ultra as one of the best Android phones of the entire year.Samsung got so much right with this thing, and it all starts with the display. The S21 Ultra packs a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel that can hit a max resolution of 3200x1440. Unlike last year's S20 Ultra, you can run the display in that Quad HD setting with...

The phone's inner screen can take quite a bit of damage.What you need to knowA new drop test video shows just how durable Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 really is.Both displays of the phone remain fully functional even after being dropped ten times. The phone's hinge also impresses with its strong durability. Last month, a durability test video from JerryRigEverything showed that while the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a solid improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 2, its screen isn't quite as durable as Samsung claims.Now, Samsung's best foldable phone has now been put through its paces by PhoneBuff in a new video. As you can see in the video below, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 survives the first drop largely unscathed.The phone's cover display cracks on its second drop, but it still remains fully functional. The inner screen, on the other hand, proves to be a lot more impressive.Even when the phone was dropped from 1.5 meters with the screen unfolded, it didn't cause the 7.6-inch panel to c...

Best answer: Philips Hue White and White Ambiance are both smart light bulbs that produce white light. The difference is that while Philips Hue White is set at a single warm white color temperature, Philips Hue White Ambiance bulbs offer 50,000 shades of natural white light.What's the difference between Philips Hue White and White Ambiance bulbs?Though the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance is the best Philips Hue bulb to get, not everyone needs 16 million color options for their home lighting. That's where white light bulbs like the Philips Hue White and White Ambiance come in.You'll find no difference between these two light bulbs when it comes to smart features or capabilities, and both can be dimmed to create brighter or lower lighting. The main distinction is that Philips Hue White light bulbs emit only one shade of white: a soft white light at 2700K. The Philips Hue White Ambiance, on the other hand, lets you pick among a wide temperature range of white light that goes ...

Check to see if you need an umbrellaIn today's world, we've gotten used to seeing the weather change with little notice — and sometime no notice at all. From flash floods and hurricanes to knowing precisely how ungodly hot it is outside, having a trusty weather app on your side can make all the difference. There are a lot of options to choose from if you're looking for the best weather apps for Android, and we've rounded up some of our favorites here.The top 3 apps1. Accuweather2. Today Weather3. 1WeatherMore optionsYahoo WeatherRadarscopeOverdropFluxAppy WeatherMyRadar Weather RadarThese are the best Android weather appsIt's easy to understand why Accuweather is one of the best Android apps after you download it. All of your pertinent information is laid out in an easy-to-view interface, while MinuteCast offers some of the most reliable notifications for when the rain is about to start, or stop.Today Weather is a beautiful application that makes it e...

The "Pixel Fold" could be unveiled as soon as next month.What you need to knowGoogle's foldable Pixel phone will launch before the end of the year, if a new rumor is to be believed.The phone is codenamed Passport and is expected to be powered by Google's in-house developed Tensor chipset. It is likely that the device will debut alongside the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.Google's first foldable Pixel phone could be here sooner than expected, according to reliable leaker Evan Blass. The leaker claims to have heard from a trusted source that Google is planning to launch the device before the end of the year.Heard from someone I trust that the foldable Pixel -- codename: Passport, retail branding: unknown -- will indeed launch before the end of the year. Apparently they've been working on this device for over two years, and if the P6 is any indication, it'll be worth a look.— E (@evleaks) September 20, 2021Google has apparently been working on the foldable device for over tw...

The many reasons I love Android are the same reasons many find it difficult.As someone who has used Android since the original Motorola Droid from 2009, I've seen plenty of operating system iterations over the years — even going so far as the treacherous process of rooting and installing ROMs to get as much as I could from my phones. But Android has come a long way since the OG Droid, and for the vast majority of people — it's great. However, even with its improvements throughout the years, I still have to fix an Android phone or help someone execute seemingly simple tasks on their device. These daily occurrences showcase both the wonderful openness of Android and its downfalls. Phones bogged down because an app is accessing more than it should is a problem on modern flagships as much as it is on underpowered devices.Google has worked hard to find ways to make its operating system more accessible and safer. Sure there was a time when Android wasn't as secure as it should...

OPPO's now sub-brand OnePlus could try to take on Samsung's budget phone market after its integration, but experts say becoming a viable competitor to Samsung is a "stretch." They add the hope is now maybe the partnership will help OnePlus scale up marketing dollars and manufacturing scale, which Samsung has excelled in.In a briefing with reporters, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau detailed further what the integration between the company and OPPO would look like. He said that OnePlus' next flagship phone, slated for early 2022 and likely called the OnePlus 10, will have a newly integrated OS between OnePlus' OxygenOS and OPPO's ColorOS, and that throughout 2022 OnePlus will update a subset of its existing phones to that new, as-yet-unnamed software.Internal documents viewed by Android Central showed the new breakdown of OnePlus' smartphone portfolio by series and region. For higher-end phones, the company will launch new flagship series phones globally, with a new R series phones (regional ...

Time to go mobile.Apex Legends Mobile is an upcoming mobile version of Electronic Arts and Respawn Entertainment's hugely successful free-to-play shooter, Apex Legends. The game is still a ways off, but pre-registration is open, and we have a good idea of what to expect, including some of the characters that'll be available in Apex Legends Mobile. If handled well, it could end up being one of the best Android games available.We don't technically have an exact list of the characters available. With that in mind, EA states that some of the original cast from when Apex Legends first launched will be in Apex Legends Mobile. There's also a handful of characters featured in the promotional materials, so it seems extremely likely those featured Legends will be in at launch.It's also important to note that these characters may play a bit differently than in the console and PC versions of Apex Legends. Their abilities might be balanced a bit differently, or they could have different one...

Global OnePlus and OPPO phones will run a unified OS that's debuting with the OnePlus 10 series.OnePlus has seen upward momentum over the last 18 months; the introduction of the Nord series catalyzed sales in key markets, the OnePlus 9 series continues to be among the best Android phones, and the Chinese manufacturer is making inroads into the North American budget market with the Nord N series.For the last seven years, OnePlus' differentiator has been the software. Its phones use similar hardware to Chinese rivals Xiaomi, Vivo, Huawei, and others, so OnePlus turned to OxygenOS to create a software experience that's one of the best on Android. The software has also seen several changes over the course of the last year — OxygenOS 11 introduced a bolder design aesthetic, and earlier this year, OnePlus announced that it was merging OxygenOS with OPPO's ColorOS codebase to streamline its software efforts following the manufacturer's integration with OPPO.Now, OnePlus and OPPO are...

Sony's veritable army of developers are working on a new slate of games for the PS5.The newest generation of PlayStation gaming is in full swing, with the arrival of the PS5. Sony acquired and closed multiple studios over the last few years, leading to an interesting reshuffle for the following lineup. From bringing in the longtime partners at Insomniac Games to closing down teams like Manchester Studio, PlayStation is a different entity now than it was when starting the PS4 generation back in 2013.With a new generation comes new games, including some of the best PS5 games available. This is a list of everything we know about what the leading 13 development studios at Sony Worldwide Studios are currently working on, or are at least fairly certain to be developing for PS5, PSVR, and possibly PC down the road.Current Sony studios, primary and supportSIE Bend StudioFirespriteGuerrilla GamesHousemarqueInsomniac GamesSIE London StudioMalaysia StudioMedia MoleculeNaughty...

You could set the highest-suction, thickest-bristled vacuum in one spot to work for a minute straight, but if it's working on a dried-in spill or some really stubborn mud, it's probably never going to get the job done. While vacuums can suck up loose debris, there's no getting past the need to get your floors wet and give them a good scrub. Fortunately, just as robot vacuums have come to take the task of cleaning up dust and hair off your hands, mop attachments for quality robot vacuums can let them expand their ability to give your floors a complete cleaning.The typical robot vacuum has a few spinning bristles that help direct dust, dirt, and other debris into the center where it gets sucked up. Though that can do a little bit of work to loosen up some lightly stuck-on messes, you'll probably find over time that your floors start to look dirty even though they may feel clean. The dried-in spills and tracks from wet shoes (especially if you're coming in from snow that's been treate...

Google could be working on two foldable phones to take on Samsung.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly working on another foldable phone with Android 12.1.The rumored device, codenamed "Jumbojack," is in addition to the Pixel Fold that's expected to debut later this year.Jumbojack will supposedly have the same split-screen method as Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3.Google might release another foldable phone soon after announcing the rumored Pixel Fold. Hints of the foldable device, dubbed "Jumbojack," were spotted in the rumored Android 12.1 mid-cycle update by 9to5Google.According to code allegedly discovered in Android 12.1, the upcoming Pixel foldable phone will feature two displays that will presumably function similarly to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3. This means that even when the device is folded, the second screen will be accessible.It's possible that the second foldable Pixel will be unveiled before the release of Android 12.1. The device may also include new featu...

The listing reveals connectivity and charging features that were not available on the original Surface Duo.What you need to knowMicrosoft's upcoming Surface Duo 2 has been spotted in an FCC filing.The listing indicates the upcoming Android device will support 5G, NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and a type of wireless charging probably for a Surface Pen.Microsoft is expected to unveil its Galaxy Z Fold 3 challenger on September 22.Microsoft is planning an event on September 22 to unveil the upcoming Surface Duo 2 and other Surface devices. Ahead of the unveiling, the dual-screen device has made a pit stop at the Federal Communications Commission, with a slew of information pointing to a promising upgrade over its predecessor.The FCC filing reveals a few connectivity improvements for the device including support for 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6 standard, NFC, and Ultra-wideband capabilities, as spotted by Windows Central. The original Surface Duo lacked these features.While most of these details c...

Google looks set to give the Pixel line its fastest charging speeds yet.What you need to knowNew regulatory labels have been spotted, listing the charging speeds for the Google Pixel 6 Pro.The labels show 33W charging is likely to be featured on the Pixel 6 Pro.The Pixel 6 Pro is expected to feature a large battery, 23W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.Anticipation for the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro heats up as rumors continue to swirl about the upcoming Android flagships. The latest tidbit appears to all but confirm the reported charging speeds of the Pixel 6 Pro.XDA-Developers appears to have gotten their hands on a regulatory label for the Pixel 6 Pro from the National Communications Commission in Taiwan, which is its equivalent to the FCC in the U.S.The label shows the rated charging speeds for the 6 Pro, listing 5V/3A (15W), 9V/2A (18W), 9V/3A (27W), and 11V/3A (33W). This would corroborate earlier reports that the Pixel 6 Pro may feature faster charg...

Following an awards show that was mostly virtual last year, the 73rd Emmy Awards will once again be held in person albeit with a smaller number of nominees in attendance and we have all the details on how you can watch this year's Emmys on TV or online.The Primetime Emmy Awards are held each year to celebrate excellence in primetime television programming in the U.S. The awards show is run and voted on by members of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and while previous years have consisted of nominees from actual television, this year's lineup of nominees features more programs from streaming services than ever before.While Jimmy Kimmel hosted last year's Emmys, actor and stand-up comedian Cedric the Entertainer will be taking over the role for this year's awards show. This will be his first time hosting the Emmys but apparently he is a big television buff himself.When it comes to the nominees for the 2021 Emmy Awards, Netflix's The Crown and Disney's The Mandalorian...

Two of the NFL's most well-regarded quarterbacks go head-to-head this evening as Patrick Mahomes's Chiefs travel to Baltimore to face Lamar Jackson's Ravens.Read on for full details on how to watch Chiefs vs Ravens, no matter where you are in the world.Baltimore will need to pick themselves off the floor for this match after falling cruelly short against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.Having led 14-0, the Ravens began to crumble during an error-strewn conclusion, with the Raiders eventually clinching a dramatic 33-27 victory after Derek Carr threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Zay Jones in overtime.There's likely to be a contrasting mood in the Chiefs following their 29-33 comeback victory against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.Mahomes was on target throughout, throwing for 337 yards and providing three touchdowns, including a humongous 75-yard scoring toss to Tyreek Hill as Kansas came back from a 22-10 deficit at half-time.Read on as we explain below how to get a ...

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...

We break down which phones will get Android 12 and our best-educated guesses as to when.Android 12 is on its way, and we couldn't be more excited. Google sent out the Release Candidate version of stock Android 12, meaning the next release will be the final version. Pixel owners can expect to get the official release within a month.Meanwhile, the limited One UI 4 beta has begun, so has the closed OxygenOS 12 closed beta. Smartphone makers are busy incorporating the Material You design and new features into their own Android skins.But you're here to determine which of the best Android phones will get Android 12 — and when. Companies haven't officially announced this information yet, and it will depend on how long it takes to iron out bugs in their respective betas. But we can extrapolate from previous years what to expect. Generally speaking, recent flagships are likely to see stable releases by the end of 2021, while older phones may have to wait until early-to-mid 2022....

Finding the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protector for your device will depend on a few important factors. First, you'll want to be sure you're choosing a product that matches your specific case size (40mm or 44mm). Next, decide what type of screen protector you want. Some popular options include tempered glass for the screen as well as protective cases for full coverage. We've put together a few of our favorites to help you choose.The best protectionSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-Pack)Staff PickWhen you're looking for all-around protection, you'll want to consider this three-pack from Supershieldz. All the features you seek in a screen protector are present. You'll enjoy high-quality tempered glass for maximum scratch protection, high-definition clarity, and hydrophobic, as well as an oleophobic coating to reduce sweat and fingerprints.$8 at Amazon (44mm)$8 at Amazon (40mm)Amazing precisionSPGUARD Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-Pack)...

Wait — is it really a surprise to find pre-release versions of Android aren't quite perfect yet?This past week, Samsung surprised many of us by dropping its first One UI 4 beta, based on Android 12, well ahead of the stable code drop from Google. At the time of writing, we're not expecting Pixel phones to get stable Android 12 until early October. As such, the early version available to Galaxy S21 owners right now is ... well, kind of a mess. Performance issues and bugs aplenty reveal that the current One UI 4 build is further away from stable status than previous Samsung betas, which on the whole have been relatively stable. So if you want to try Android 12 on Samsung's best Android phones, you might want to hold off for a more reliable build.The same pattern is apparent in the Android 12 public beta for Pixel phones. Fairly serious bugs remained right up to the current beta 5 build. And even that version still has obvious user-facing issues, like the broken "at a glance" widg...

Examining where the events of Ragnarok may take players.God of War Ragnarok, the next big game from Sony Santa Monica, is aiming to close out the Norse saga. While the prior game set up a lot of leads, there's still a lot that needs to happen and many iconic characters we haven't even seen yet. If you happen to be unfamiliar with the events leading up to Ragnarok, we have the full God of War timeline and history, which will give you the complete story so far.The 2018 God of War is one of my favorite games of the last several years and if what we've seen of God of War Ragnarok so far is any indicated, this sequel will be one of the best PS5 games available.As a big fan of both God of War and Norse mythology, I decided to analyze the first full trailer for God of War Ragnarok and make some predictions based on what we've seen. After all, the director of the game has confirmed that Ragnarok will feature as an actual event, but that doesn't mean this will be a straightforward story...

The world's best cyclists roll into Flanders this week for a star-studded race befitting an event that is celebrating its centenary.Read on to find out how to get a UCI Road World Championships 2021 no matter where you are in the world.Marking the 100th anniversary of the first championships that took place in Denmark in 1921, this year's event is the first time the race has been held in Belgium for 19 years.After last year's event was scaled back due to the pandemic, its a return to Championships familiar jam-packed schedule for this year's edition, with the team time trial mixed relay, Under-23 and junior categories all returning.Defending road race champion Julian Alaphilippe will be lining up alongside the likes of top tier stars Tadej Pogacar and Peter Sagan, with Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel leading the hopes of the host nation.This year's race should also see keen British interest, with Olympic mountain bike champ Tom Pidcock lining up alongside former world cham...

You no longer have to play Stadia games in an experimental setup on Samsung's recent flagship phones and tablets.What you need to knowStadia is now compatible with more Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets in an official capacity.Samsung's Galaxy S21 and Note 20 devices as well as its recent tablets have gained Stadia support.There's no word on when Google's cloud gaming service will officially support Samsung's foldable devices.Google has expanded the list of devices that are compatible with Stadia. The cloud gaming service now officially supports some of the best Samsung phones, including the Galaxy S21 and Note 20 lineups.There are 11 additional Samsung devices joining the older Galaxy flagships in Stadia's official list of compatible devices. As reported by 9to5Google, these include the company's most recent high-end smartphones and tablets.Samsung Galaxy S21Samsung Galaxy S21+Samsung Galaxy S21 UltraSamsung Galaxy Note 20Samsung Galaxy Note 20 UltraSamsung Galax...

The best Android phones are communication tools first and foremost. Whether used for phone calls, video chats, or direct messaging, these devices are perfect for starting conversations with contacts, friends, and family. One of the best new features in Android 12 is a way to stay on top of the conversations that are most important to you. The new Conversations widget allows you to pin a conversation you're having to a home screen so you can quickly access it (or multiple conversations, as the case may be). We'll show you how to set up this new Conversations widget and give you a few other notes we discovered along the way.How to use Conversation widgets in Android 12You can easily pin a conversation to your home screen by using the Conversations widget.Long press on an empty space on your home screen.Tap Widgets.Tap Conversations to expand the category.Tap and hold the Conversation widget. Drag it to an open place on your home screen.Pinch to (re)size the widget to your li...

One relatively common issue with PS4 DualShock controllers seems to be the jitters (thankfully, this doesn't appear to affect the PS5 DualSense). It's as if your controller has had too many cups of coffee. If you are experiencing this issue, you will find that input from your sticks (usually the left) will start to stutter. When you push the stick forward, instead of seeing smooth movement on the screen, you'll see a movement that starts and stops with no rhyme or reason. Have no fear. Before you toss that dual-stick in the trash and buy another of the best PS4 controllers out there, let's take a look at what you can try to remedy your problem.Products used in this guideBlow out the dust-bunnies: 2-Pack Dust-Off Compressed Air ($12 at Amazon)Adieu dust: AmazonBasics Microfiber Cloth 24-pack ($14 at Amazon)Grime be gone: Babyganics Alcohol-Free Sanitizing Wipes ($9 at Amazon)Get crafty: Joystick Wireless Controller Rocker for PlayStation 4 PS4 Controller ($7 at Amazon)Small P...

It's okay — you can admit to us that you use Apple products.Preorders for the iPhone 13 have finally arrived, with people scrambling to get their hands on the latest and greatest from Apple. It wasn't exactly smooth sailing, though, with many facing errors when trying to order with their Apple Card, Apple Pay, or through iUP upgrade flow.Not only that, but many orders are now expected to arrive in mid-October.Despite the errors, many people were still able to process their orders for the new phone. And while our viewership mainly consists of Android fans, we know there are plenty of readers who use Apple products. In fact, some Android Central staff are fans of devices like the iPad Pro (2021), and we want to know if you've preordered any of Apple's new products.Did you pre-order any of the new Apple products?The iPhone 13 isn't much of a significant change from the well-received iPhone 12. Still, it brings an upgraded A15 Bionic chip, improved cameras with better video ...

All you need to know about FuboTV.Though it may not be the most well-known live TV streaming service on the market, FuboTV is one of the best available. While FuboTV is priced similarly to YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV, it's packed with dozens of additional sports and entertainment channels, making it nearly impossible to find a better place to stream.FuboTVLive sports and entertainmentFrom $65 at FuboTVYour hub for sports, entertainment, and moreFuboTV plans start at $65 monthly and include access to more than 100 live TV channels with your subscription! There's also a tier with only Spanish-language channels available for only $33 monthly. Start your free trial now to check out the service before paying a cent.FuboTVWhat is FuboTV?How much does FuboTV cost? Channels on FuboTVWhere is FuboTV available?What devices support FuboTV?FuboTV dealsWhat is FuboTV?The FuboTV streaming service uses your location to include local channels with your monthly...

What started as a way to ensure every app works on every phone is now how Google maintains control over its own software platform.Google brought one of Android 11's best privacy features to every Android phone the company still actively supports, and it did it through the magic of Google Play Services.Soon, every phone running a version of Android 6 or later will be able to automatically revoke system permissions if you haven't used the app in a while. Android 6 is the cutoff because it's also the minimum version that supports the latest adaptation of the beast that is Google Play Services. It's also quite old, and you're going to find newer software on all of the best Android phones you can buy in 2021, as well as the not-so-great ones.This move is more important for your privacy than it may appear at first glance. In an interview with Google's privacy team, I spoke with product manager and privacy specialist Charmaine D'Silva at length about this feature when it was new. Her ...

Google's "Hold for Me" feature is now available in preview to some Pixel phone users in Canada.What you need to knowGoogle's "Hold for Me" feature is apparently rolling out to some Pixel phones in Canada.The feature waits on hold for you until a real person is ready to talk.It is available in preview for now, so you might not get it immediately.Google appears to be expanding the availability of its unique feature that's meant to sit through a call hold on your behalf. "Hold for Me" has been spotted in preview on some Google Pixel phones in Canada.Some Pixel owners took to Reddit to report seeing the feature, which debuted last year in the U.S. alongside the Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. The capability, which is powered by Google Assistant, handles call holds so you don't have to wait on the line until a real person returns to the call. This comes in handy if you are multitasking and need to call support from your power company, for example.However, the feature is only...