Latest from Android Central

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. It doesn't help that stock levels remain 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 here at Android Central have seen PS5s stay in stock is between 15 to 20 minutes (often just a few minutes, though). That's also at random times, so finding a PS5 is a truly challenging task. Sony warned it would be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, if not further, but retailers promise more are coming and that Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called the system a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. And after spending over a year with the PS5, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games to the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive trigge...

It previously turned Google Assistant-powered smart displays and speakers into a pesky bedfellow.Update, Jan 19 (3:56 a.m. ET): Google has fixed the issue with the Assistant's white noise sound.What you need to knowGoogle has changed the ambient white noise sound on Nest devices.However, the new sound has clearly irritated many Nest users due to its "quieter" or "muffled" sound.As a result, many customers have been unable to sleep.Google Assistant is capable of a variety of tasks, including lulling you to sleep by playing white noise. However, a recent change to that feature is causing significant annoyance for many Google Nest device owners.Several users expressed their displeasure with the company's decision to change the white noise sound on the Google Nest community forum page and Reddit (via 9to5Google). The change has made it difficult for many people to sleep, which defeats the purpose of the feature.The general consensus among those who've complained is that t...

The 11T Pro is one of the few Android phones to support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ standards.What you need to knowXiaomi 11T Pro has finally been launched in India.The value flagship was launched in Europe in September last year. It features a 120Hz AMOLED display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, and 120W wired charging. Back in September last year, Xiaomi unveiled its first value flagship with 120W charging, dubbed the 11T Pro. Four months after its launch in Europe, the phone has finally made its way to the Indian market.The Xiaomi 11T Pro has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a claimed peak brightness of 1,000 nits. Powering the phone is Qualcomm's 5nm Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.On the back of the Xiaomi 11T Pro is a triple-lens camera system with a 108MP ISOCELL HM2 main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP telemacro lens. Like the best Android phones...

Xiaomi's latest value flagship sets a new standard for wired charging but falls short in other areas.Xiaomi tweaked its flagship strategy in 2020: 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.As a result, Xiaomi's flagship portfolio is stronger than ever. The Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra are among the best Android phones, 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 first in a rebrand th...

But there's one curious caveat to YouTube's new annual subscription plan.What you need to knowYouTube introduces an annual Premium subscription option for individual plans.The plan is available for new subscribers in the U.S. and several other countries.It won't auto renew-meaning users will have to purchase another plan when it ends.YouTube Premium has a lot of nice perks that viewers can pay monthly for, but now Google is providing a 12-month subscription option for those that prefer to pay a bit less.9to5Google spotted the new plan which is detailed on Google's support page. Of course, as with most annual plans, you'll have to pay the lump sum up-front, but you'll get a per-month discount which brings the cost down to $108 for the year. That's compared to the $144 per year you'd fork over per year by paying monthly. That's not a bad deal.However, there are some notable caveats to consider before making the switch. First of all, it's not a recurring plan, so once it...

Yet another preventable "crisis".What you need to knowAT&T and Verizon have announced that they will delay C-band 5G rollout around some airports until an undetermined date in the future.The spectrum in question is from 3.7 to 4.0 GHz and is responsible for delivering next-gen 5G speeds to phones.Airline officials claim that this spectrum will interfere with older altimeters on many commercial and domestic planes, citing "catastrophic disruption" if the 5G towers were to go live.Airplane mode on your phone might become much more important if airline officials' claims turn out to be true. The mid-band 5G spectrum from around 3.7-4.0 GHz was scheduled to go live on January 19 after several previous delays. That rollout is being delayed yet again, writes Reuters, after airline officials issued a letter to the FAA, FCC, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and President Biden himself on January 17. That's less than two days before the scheduled deployment.T-Mobile does ...

Google manages to edge out other Android manufacturers with the Pixel 6.What you need to knowOokla's Q4 2021 mobile report finds T-Mobile to be the clear winner in speed, latency, consistency, and 5G availability.T-Mobile had the fastest median download speeds at 90.65Mbps compared to AT&T at just 49.25Mbps and Verizon at 44.67Mbps.T-Mobile saw massive improvements in 5G speed from 135.17Mbps in Q3 to 187.12Mbps in Q4.Ookla has released its Q4 2021 mobile broadband report and T-Mobile has won every category as well as becoming the fastest provider in the majority of U.S. states. Ookla is the creator of the popular Speedtest app giving it access to a massive amount of network performance information. In the fourth quarter of 2021, all of that information pointed to T-Mobile being the clear winner in all tested categories.The main test, download speed, shows T-Mobile with 90.65Mbps for its median download speed. Keep in mind that Ookla has switched to median speeds comp...

What you need to knowFCC's Auction 110 concluded in November 2021 with nearly $22 billion in bids for the mid-band spectrum.AT&T was the biggest winner with $9 billion in winning bids leading Dish Network with $7.3 billion. There is 100MHz available between 3.45GHz and 3.55GHz, with each bidder allowed up to 40MHz.Wireless carriers have spent and are continuing to spend billions of dollars on precious mid-band spectrum, which is key to building a fast and competitive 5G network. As reported by Light Reading, Auction 110, nicknamed the Andromeda Auction, resulted in nearly $22 billion in bids in November, with the FCC releasing the names of the winning bidders in January 2022. The biggest winner was AT&T, with $9 billion committed and 1,624 licenses won. Dish Network also showed up in a big way with $7.3 billion, and 1,232 licenses won.The list of winners includes several other wireless companies like T-Mobile with $2.9 billion and 199 licenses and UScellular with $5...

The Senate is set to debate on Thursday about the bills.What you need to knowThe Senate will debate a new bill that targets Big Tech on Thursday.The bill prohibits companies from giving their own products preferential treatment.Both Google and Apple have issued statements against the bill.This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to open a debate on two proposed bills that were introduced last summer. However, Big Tech companies such as Google and Apple aren't too happy about the implications that the bills may have on how they run their businesses.The American Choice and Innovation Online Act and Open App Markets Act would prohibit companies from giving their products and services preferential treatment on their own platforms. This would potentially level the playing field for competing services and allow users greater choice. However, neither Google nor Apple agrees that this would benefit consumers.In a blog post on Tuesday, Google's president of global affair...

There's a certain big headline in gaming news this week. Alas, we recorded a few days ago before the announcement went public about Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard for beaucoup bucks! You can rest assured that we WILL be talking about that in our next episode.But for now, there's plenty of other things to discuss — Game length, Xbox One bring discontinued, blatant Wordle ripoffs, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Phil Spencer: Xbox has changed some things about working with Activision | Windows CentralDying Light 2's Techland revealed a 500-plus-hour completion time — controversy followed, but why? | Windows CentralXbox One line is discontinued and not being manufactured, says Microsoft | Windows CentralReport: Sony will continue to produce PS4s through 2022 to offset PS5 supply issues | Android CentralDeveloper...

YouTube to increase focus on creators.What you need to knowYouTube's global head of original content has announced her departure.Going forward, the company will focus less on YouTube Originals and more on creator funds.YouTube will continue investing in Shorts, Black Voices, Live Shopping, and more.YouTube is changing how it approaches content as the global head of Originals, Susanne Daniels, prepares to exit the company in March.On Tuesday, YouTube's chief business officer, Robert Kyncl, announced plans to "reduce our YouTube Originals slate." Instead, the company will focus its efforts on helping creators through its programs such as its Black Voices and YouTube Kids funds."Today there are more than 2M creators in the YouTube Partner Program and our creator community has never been more successful: we've paid more than $30B to creators, artists, and media companies over the last three years." Kyncl said in a statement posted to Twitter."However, with rapid growth co...

Aloy is back in action for the next generation.One of the biggest games revealed at the June 2020 PS5 showcase was Horizon Forbidden West. Developed by Guerrilla Games, this PlayStation title brings the custom Decima engine and everything it's capable of to next-generation hardware.Aloy returns as a protagonist, heading into the former western U.S. There are new threats, new machines, and new lush lands to explore. It's currently set to release on Feb. 18, 2022. Here's everything we know about Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 so far.Jump to:What is Horizon Forbidden West?Check out its trailersStory, gameplay, and featuresDoes it have multiplayer?Is it coming to PS4?Is it coming to PC?What we'd like to seeWhen does it release?What is Horizon Forbidden West?Horizon Forbidden West is a sequel to Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn, released in 2017. It's an action role-playing game in the 31st century, in a world where humanity now exists in tribes and gigantic me...

Good phones with a mixed bag of experiences across users.What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they experienced recent problems with their Pixel 6.Nearly 70% indicate that their Pixel 6 has worked fine prior to the January 2022 update.The January update is meant to address problems that arose with the December update.While it's fun to complain about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and all the software bugs these phones have seemingly come across, the experience has not been the same for everyone. That's why we asked out users if they were experiencing problems with their phones lately.Of nearly 900 responses, almost 70% stated that their Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro has been working just fine. That's been the case for some Android Central staff, who still consider the devices to be some of the best Android phones on the market. However, nearly 30% of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users probably wouldn't agree, indicating that they have been having problems.One reader, Gordon L...

The devices received their last and final update in November of last year.What you need to knowOnePlus has confirmed that the official software support for the OnePlus 6 and 6T has ended.The handsets aren't on the list of smartphones slated to get three years of software updates as part of OnePlus' new maintenance schedule.Both phones ended up with Android 11 when they received their final update in November 2021.It's no secret that the OnePlus 6 and 6T won't be treated with some Android 12 love, and after three major updates and more than three years of security support, both phones will no longer receive software updates.A OnePlus representative confirmed in an official forum post that official software support for the company's best Android phones in 2018 has come to an end (via XDA Developers). Both phones have had their run. The OnePlus 6 came with Android Oreo out of the box, and the OnePlus 6T followed six months later with Android 9 Pie. OnePlus also stated that i...

Backward and forward compatibility comes with a hefty price tag.The Orbi RBKE963 from Netgear is an incredible mesh system with expansive coverage and stellar speeds. This mesh kit manages to be a jack of all trades thanks to its quad-band Wi-Fi 6E connection enabling real-world speeds beyond what was possible with Wi-Fi 6 alone. On the spec sheet, this looks a lot like Netgear's last generation flagship with a 6GHz band tacked on, but in practice, the increase in speed is much more dramatic than the specifications make it seem.In practice, the RBR960 router and the RBS960 satellites have received substantial hardware upgrades over the previous generation. This includes the upgrade to 10Gb Ethernet on the router and 2.5Gb Ethernet for LAN. The satellites also get upgraded with a 2.5Gbps port that can even be used for the mesh connection. With the upgrade to AXE11000 Wi-Fi 6, this is one of the fastest home Wi-Fi solutions money can buy.The Orbi RBKE963's nodes also look better ...

Garmin is finally adding touchscreens to its Fenix line.What you need to knowGarmin's highly-anticipated Fenix 7 series smartwatches are finally here.The rugged multisport watches bring a new touchscreen design, advanced training tools, and a multi-LED flashlight. Garmin's Fenix 7S and 7 watches start at $700, while the 7X models start at $900. Garmin refreshed its smartwatch lineup at CES 2022 earlier this month with the launch of the Venu 2 Plus. Just weeks later, the company has now unveiled the Fenix 7 series of rugged multisport smartwatches.Like Garmin's best smartwatches, the new models have been built for rugged reliability. The watches use premium materials such as titanium and sapphire, and come in three different sizes. One of the biggest upgrades that the Fenix 7 series brings to the table is the new touchscreen design. However, Garmin hasn't gotten rid of buttons. The touchscreen interface only complements the 5-button interface. There are also new protective...

Android 12 is out on Pixels and most recent Samsung phones, while other OEMs trail behind.After about eight months of Android betas, Android 12 officially rolled out to the Android Open Source Project on October 4, then arrived on eligible Pixel phones a few weeks later. But the Android 12 saga is far from over. Samsung, OnePlus, and other smartphone makers are hard at work rolling out stable Android 12 releases to their most recent phones, and Google itself is developing a new Android 12L OS, with betas planned through at least February 2022.Pixel owners will want to know the top Android 12 tips and tricks for their new Android 12 phones. Other Android users are wondering when their phones will get Android 12, and how their specific OS will differ from "stock" Android 12. Android tablet and foldable owners will be wondering how Android 12L will affect their experience. Maybe you're just curious how Material You works.Whatever you need to know, we're here to help solve all of...

Both models are part of HP's all-new Fortis lineup of education-focused laptops.What you need to knowHP has unveiled two new education-focused Chromebooks.The HP Fortis 14" G10 is powered by Intel processors and offers optional 4G LTE connectivity.HP's Fortis 11" G9 Q is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c-powered Chromebook that promises "ultimate portability." HP has rolled out two new Chromebooks that combine a rugged design with advanced wireless connectivity and "immersive interaction."The Fortis 14" G10 Chromebook is "purpose-built for cloud-native learning." The Chromebook is powered by Intel processors and comes with Wi-Fi 6 support and optional LTE connectivity. It is also ruggedly designed, with MIL-STD-810H compliance. One key feature that gives the Fortis G10 an edge over the best Chromebooks in the budget segment is its full-skirted anchored keyboard, which is resistant to spills and dust.The rugged Chromebook features a 14" diagonal display that "gives students the f...

PowerhousePlayStation VR2See at PlayStationProsHigher resolution OLED displayEye tracking110-degree Field of View Controllers based on DualSense techUSB-C compatible120Hz refresh rateConsUnknown priceWiredRequires a PS5PlayStation VR2 is the next evolution of virtual reality for consoles. Taking advantage of the PS5's power, it should deliver performances that weren't possible on the original PSVR. With upgraded specs and a new set of Sense controllers, PS VR2 could be everything players have wanted. What remains to be seen is how expensive it will be and the types of games that come to it.Old techPSVR$334 at AmazonProsOLED displayLarge game catalogComfortable to wewarConsOutdated PlayStation Move controllersInferior specsMultiple cables requiredPSVR is a great option to enter the virtual reality space on PlayStation, but it's not for everyone. Several wires along with the PlayStation camera make it less than ideal, and its s...

It has turned Google Assistant-powered smart displays and speakers into a pesky bedfellow.What you need to knowGoogle has changed the ambient white noise sound on Nest devices.However, the new sound has clearly irritated many Nest users due to its "quieter" or "muffled" sound.As a result, many customers have been unable to sleep.Google Assistant is capable of a variety of tasks, including lulling you to sleep by playing white noise. However, a recent change to that feature is causing significant annoyance for many Google Nest device owners.Several users expressed their displeasure with the company's decision to change the white noise sound on the Google Nest community forum page and Reddit (via 9to5Google). The change has made it difficult for many people to sleep, which defeats the purpose of the feature.The general consensus among those who've complained is that the new white noise is "much quieter" and sounds "muffled." Another complaint is that it loops every 10 min...

Board games have been going through a renaissance over the past decade, and it doesn't take a lot of digging in the Google Play Store to see that's the case on Android as well. If you're having trouble getting everybody together under one roof or just don't have any more shelf space for another box, pick up your Android phone or tablet to grab these board games.It should be noted that finding highly-rated board games on the Play Store is an uphill battle. Whether it's because new updates broke the UI, fundamental aspects didn't get ported over correctly, or the spirit of the original was lost in translation, many of the board games here barely pass my muster. However, there are a few gems.We've also included a couple of great apps to have on hand when you do get the gaming crew together. And when you're done here, be sure to check out the best Android games!The gamesAI Factory Limited gamesAmong the StarsArmelloBetter SettlersCarcassoneThe Castles of BurgundyChwazi F...

The global Redmi Note 11 may differ slightly from the one launched in China a few months back.What you need to knowXiaomi's Redmi Note 11 series phones will make their global debut next week.The phones were launched in China in October last year. It remains to be seen if all three models will make their way out of China.Xiaomi's Redmi Note 11 series, which is currently limited to China, will soon make its global debut. The Chinese smartphone maker today confirmed on Twitter that the global variants of the Redmi Note 11 series phones will debut at an online launch event on January 26.This year, our #RedmiNote11Series is ready to #RiseToTheChallenge!Join us to witness the launch of this legend on January 26th at 20:00 (GMT+8)! pic.twitter.com/uAhHatRcN5— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) January 18, 2022Sadly, no other details have been confirmed by Xiaomi yet. As we've seen in the past, the global variants of the Redmi Note 11 series devices may not be identical to their Chinese coun...

The Samsung FE phones and tablets cater to patient, frugal shoppers. Why not cater more to the irresponsible impulse buyers, too?The Galaxy Note 10+ Star Wars Edition.The greatest trick Samsung ever pulled off was convincing people its "Lite" phones and tablets were actually "Fan Edition" devices. But the last two Samsung FE devices — the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE — have taken the shine off the FE label a bit.The excellent Galaxy S20 FE, still one of our best Android phone picks despite its age, gave us unrealistic expectations for Fan Editions. But Samsung told Goldilocks in reverse with its FE tech: It started with the just-right phone before releasing the decent-but-underpowered Tab S7 FE and the solid-but-overpriced S21 FE.So instead of spending so much time worrying about the Galaxy S21 Lite in all but name, I wish we'd spent more time noting the absence of other Limited Edition phones instead. Because Samsung and other OEMs seem to have seriou...

The experimental feature is rolling out to the Philippines, Brazil and Spain.What you need to knowTwitter has expanded its test feature for flagging misleading tweets.The experimental capability is being rolled out to Brazil, Spain and the Philippines.The test kicked off in August of last year to explore ways to identify and remove misinformation on its platform.Over the last few years, Twitter has launched several initiatives to combat misinformation on its platform, including a crowd-sourced content moderation tool called Birdwatch and a labeling system to remove false COVID-19 tweets. The service is currently experimenting with a new method of removing misleading content from the site.Twitter has announced the expansion of a test feature that allows users to report content that they believe is misleading. The experiment began in August of last year in the United States, South Korea, and Australia. After tapping the report tweet button, participants would be able to fla...

New leak reveals an upcoming OPPO flagship phone with a Hasselblad-powered camera.What you need to knowReal-world images of OPPO's upcoming flagship device have emerged online.The OPPO Find X5 Pro could include a camera system with Hasselblad branding similar to the OnePlus 10 Pro.The leak also revealed more details about the phone in line with previous rumors.OPPO appears to be following in the footsteps of its sister company OnePlus. A new leak has disclosed an unsurprising similarity between OPPO's upcoming flagship phone, dubbed the Find X5 Pro, and the OnePlus 10 Pro in terms of camera.The new leak has surfaced on CookAPK, revealing what appear to be real-world photos of the OPPO Find X5 Pro. The images show the phone's front and back panels, which correspond to Steve Hemmerstoffer's (@OnLeaks) leaked renders.#OPPO Find X5 Pro- Snapdragon 8 Gen1- 2K 120HZ refresh rate LTPO 2.0 display- 50MP IMX766 OIS + 50MP IMX766 + 13MP S5K3M5- 5000mAh battery80 watt wired chargi...

It will start shipping in April.What you need to knowLogitech announced its stylus for USI-enabled Chromebooks.The Logitech Pen is rechargeable and promises up to 15 days of battery life on a single charge.Its soft silicone body and tri-lobe shape provide a comfortable, non-slip grip.The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) was formed back in 2018 to develop a standard for cross-device stylus compatibility, with several OEMs throwing their weight behind the effort. HP and Lenovo are among the companies that have produced touchscreen Chromebooks with support for USI stylus since then.On Tuesday, Logitech announced its answer to the best stylus for Chromebook, compatible with USI standards. The Logitech Pen is priced at $65, which is quite more expensive than most stylus available in the market, such as the Lenovo USI Pen.When choosing a stylus that fits the tiny hands of your kids, it's often best to go with one that has a wider grip. The Logitech Pen has a silicone grip an...

Samsung's 4nm Exynos 2200 has hardware-accelerated ray tracing and variable rate shading.What you need to knowThe Exynos 2200 is now official, with the chipset featuring AMD's RDNA 2-based Xclipse GPU.The GPU includes ray tracing and variable rate shading, and is designed to deliver 'console-quality' visuals on mobile. Samsung says the Exynos 2200 is in mass production, and we should see the chipset in the Galaxy S22. Two years ago, Samsung partnered with AMD to overhaul the GPU on its Exynos chipsets, and we're seeing the first realization of those efforts today. The Exynos 2200 is now official, and the chipset has a host of exciting new features as Samsung takes on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.The big highlight is that the Exynos 2200 is the first Samsung chipset with AMD's RDNA 2-based GPU. The architecture is key here because that lies at the foundation of current-gen consoles like the PS5. Dubbed Xclipse 920, the GPU offers the first hardware-accelerated ray tracing...

The Galaxy S21 FE may be fashionably late to the party thanks to supply issues and all this nonsense (waves dismissively at 2021), but it's here at last with a small price cut and a larger screen. Whether you're picking one up from Samsung or your carrier, your new phone deserves the best protection at the best price, which is why we've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases for you to choose from, whatever your style or budget.Vibrant gripCaseology Nano PopStaff pickThis case has the perfect blend of compact yet cushioned, flashy yet functional. Caseology's Nano Pop Series offers robust protection around the S21 FE's sweet, sweet cameras while staying slim and stylish.$17 at Amazon $17 at WalmartReady to workSupcase Unicorn Beetle Pro SeriesThis mil-spec rugged case uses its size to hold a wide, stable kickstand that works in both portrait and landscape mode. The built-in screen protector has a special circle of adhesive to ensure you still get crystal clea...

The latest Android version now lets you disable 2G for added security, but your phone may not support it.What you need to knowGoogle has quietly rolled out a setting in Android 12 that allows you to disable 2G on newer smartphones.The feature improves security because 2G lacks strong encryption, which attackers can use to intercept communications.However, many Android phones may not support the kill switch.While the best 5G networks in the U.S. including T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless continue to expand their coverage across the country, most smartphones still allow for interoperability with 4G/3G/2G networks. There are instances when your device tries to connect to available 2G networks, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation notes this poses a security risk.Fortunately, Google added the ability to disable 2G modems on Android phones, though this may have gone unnoticed by everyone. The 2G kill switch, according to the EFF, is a useful feature that should protect devices ...

In just a few short years, big phones have gone from being an outlier to the norm in the smartphone industry. Just about every major device released these days has a larger physical size, and while that's great for watching movies and playing games, it can be a challenge for those who prefer phones to be small and compact. Thankfully, there are still plenty of options out there, including the Google Pixel 5a as our top overall pick. So if you're looking eagerly at that iPhone 13 mini but don't want to switch over to iOS, these are the best small Android phones you can buy.Best overall: Google Pixel 5aRegardless of size, the Pixel 5a is just one of the best Android phones you can buy right now. Admittedly, it may already be showing some age, especially from a design standpoint, but it's still tremendous value.As you'd expect from any Pixel, the Pixel 5a takes incredible photos, taking Google's computational photography prowess into its own performance. Whether you're shooting ...

Google just has not made an iMessage competitor because "none of the internal Google divisions have a definitive responsibility for messaging"Instead of complaining about Apple's iMessage service and pushing the company to adopt RCS, Google could easily fix its problem by creating a unified messaging platform, but experts say the company has been "chronically plagued" by too many cooks in the kitchen and have simply not prioritized this.Last week a Wall Street Journal article detailed how Apple has locked-in U.S. teens with its iMessage service. In response to this, Google's senior vice president Hiroshi Lockheimer tweeted: "Apple's iMessage lock-in is a documented strategy. Using peer pressure and bullying as a way to sell products is disingenuous for a company that has humanity and equity as a core part of its marketing. The standards exist today to fix this."Apple's iMessage lock-in is a documented strategy. Using peer pressure and bullying as a way to sell products is disin...

The device will supposedly be called the Pixel Notepad.What you need to knowGoogle has reportedly picked a name for its rumored foldable smartphone.The device may be called the "Pixel Notepad," though Google reportedly considered naming it the "Logbook."It is rumored to be significantly less expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.Despite earlier rumors claiming that Google had ditched its Pixel Fold plans, there are strong indications that it is ready to dabble in the foldable space. The most recent Android 12L beta build contained hints about how Google's foldable would look, giving us some OPPO Find N vibes. A new report sheds light on its name and price point.According to 9to5Google, the search giant's foldable phone will be called the "Pixel Notepad" rather than the Pixel Fold, which has been rumored to be canceled. Display Supply Chain Consultants analyst Ross Young revealed late last year that Google abandoned its plan for a 2022 foldable device announcement due...

Legacy Google Voice is biting the dust next month.What you need to knowGoogle is shutting down the legacy Voice service for personal accounts in February as part of its transition to the new app.However, some of the Google Voice's longstanding features on the web won't carry over to the new experience.These include carrier call forwarding, ring scheduling, Do Not Disturb timer and more.Google's handy service for using a phone number other than your own personal number is going through a major shakeup. The legacy Google Voice website is shutting down in February for personal accounts and some of its long-time features are going away with it.In an email to the few remaining users of the legacy Voice, he search giant detailed the web features that will be phased out as it transitions consumers to the new experience (via 9to5Google). A standout feature that will bite the dust is the carrier call forwarding capability."Carrier-forwarded calls from your linked number automati...

When your PlayStation or peripherals do things you've never seen before, it's understandable to get worried. The DualShock controller light doesn't usually flash white. There are two main reasons you might see the flashing white light on your DualShock controller: either the battery is dying, or the controller failed to connect to your PlayStation console. Both these things are fixable. We just need to troubleshoot the problems so you can get back to enjoying your games with the best PS4 controllers available. Here's how to get started.Jump to:Check your USB cableReset your consoleReset the controllerStart in Safe ModeUsing a DualShock 4 on PS5Products used in this guideAmazonBasics PlayStation 4 Controller Charging CableDualShock 4 Wireless ControllerCheck your USB cableUSB cables can be fragile. One of the most straightforward fixes is replacing your old USB charging cord and replacing it with shiny new ones. Just some basic USB charging cables work well wi...

The Motorola 'Frontier' could have a 200MP camera and support 125W wired fast charging.What you need to knowThe key specs of a future Motorola smartphone have been leaked.It could be a new flagship device with crazy specs such as a 200MP camera, 125W fast charging support, and next-gen Snapdragon 8 chipset.The device is codenamed Motorola "Frontier," with a few similarities to the Motorola Edge X30.Motorola used to manufacture smartphones that mostly were nothing to write home about until it released the flagship Motorola Edge+ in early 2020. The company could be stepping up its flagship efforts with a future device that appears to have crazy specs and internals.According to the German website TechnikNews, Motorola is already working on a next-generation flagship device, which looks like a worthy challenger to the best Android phones arriving this year. Codenamed "Frontier," the upcoming smartphone is said to have a 200MP main sensor built by Samsung.Motorola was rumore...

This week, Ara, Nick, Jeramy, and Chris Wedel survey the smartwatch landscape and offer suggestions on the best ones for fitness. They also talk about Samsung's blown Exynos 2200 launch schedule, Spotify's blown lossless streaming, and how a judge has dealt a blow to Meta regarding an FTC lawsuit.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Samsung misses its initial Exynos 2200 launch schedule — here's why | Android CentralSpotify delays its long-awaited feature for premium users indefinitely | Android CentralJudge deals a blow to Meta, allows FTC antitrust lawsuit to move forward | Android CentralGoogle Nest speakers are losing this handy feature due to Sonos ruling | Android CentralPopulation: One developers roll out the fix to the communications issue | Android CentralNew Android 13 features could make your lock screen more useful | Android CentralFuture Wear OS smartwatches will fina...

Best answer: Google Stadia launched in 2019 as a way for players to access the games they love without needing a console or dedicated gaming PC. Since its initial launch, Stadia's modest amount of playable games continues to grow, with a ton of new titles available in the months to come and many more on the horizon.Full Google Stadia game list (new titles in bold)A Place for the UnwillingARK: Survival Evolved Assassin's Creed Odyssey Assassin's Creed OriginsAssassin's Creed SyndicateAssassin's Creed UnityAssassin's Creed ValhallaAttack on Titan 2: Final BattleAVICII InvectorBaldur's Gate III Early AccessBloodstained: Ritual of the Night Borderlands 3Cake BashCelesteChronos: Before the AshesControl Ultimate Edition Cosmic Star HeroineCraytaCthulhu Saves ChristmasCyberpunk 2077Darksiders Genesis Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition Darksiders III The Darkside Detective The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the DarkDead by DaylightDestiny 2Destroy All Humans...

Better value and better performance make Chrome OS tablets a no-brainer.While there are some great Android tablets out there, I don't know why you'd buy one outside a disposable Fire HD for your kid. Yes, seriously. Samsung may be better about updating its tablets nowadays, but they still aren't supported the way Chrome OS devices are. I've yet to see a "Productivity mode" on any tablet that holds a candle to Chrome OS, either.If you're in the market for a tablet and you want it to be something you could work off of for a few hours — or a few days while you wait on a replacement laptop or for your Macbook repairs to be done — you should be looking at Chromebook tablets like the HP Chromebook x2 11 and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5. You'll save money, save headaches, and have a more versatile device.Don't believe me? Keep reading.Reason #1: 8 years of platform and security updatesSamsung is promising four years of security updates for most of its phones and tablets sold...

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a foldable phone with many promises. S Pen support makes it a natural choice for creators on the go who want to sketch out ideas wherever the muse strikes them. The improved durability and water resistance mean that you don't quite have to baby the Fold 3 the way you did the Fold 2 (just don't take it to the beach or the desert). Of course, you can bolster that protection with a great case, and these are the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases we've been able to find so far.Protect everythingSpigen Tough Armor Designed for Galaxy Z Fold 3 5GStaff PickMost Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases leave the phone's hinge totally exposed, but Spigen provides a few options with that extra bit of protection. The Tough Armor's version should still sit flat on a desk in tablet mode. It also offers a nice lip around the outer screen and the camera.$50 at AmazonGet the Note experienceSamsung S Pen Folio CoverWhile the Galaxy Z Fold 3 supports the S Pen, it doesn...

With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to pick the best Android phone from AT&T's selection. However, if you're a little overwhelmed by all of the options and want some help determining which AT&T phone is the right for you — you've come to the right place. Here are some of the best AT&T phones available right now.Best overallGoogle Pixel 6Staff PickThe Pixel 6 is one of our favorite Android phones on any carrier, thanks to its flagship-tier performance and mid-range price tag. The customer CPU in this phone drives the 90Hz 2400x1080 display with ease and processes images in a snap with great colors and low-light performance. The Pixel 6 supports AT&T's current and upcoming 5G coverage and even supports Wi-Fi 6E.$20.56/mo. at AT&TBest overallSamsung Galaxy S21 UltraNeed a powerful Android phone that can do it all? Look no further than the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It has a big, brilliant 6.8-inch display, a Snapdragon 888 processor...

A Google executive teases future capabilities coming to Google TV.What you need to knowA Google executive discussed the company's plans for Google TV in the future.Google intends to integrate smart home, fitness, and video conferencing features into the interface.There's no fixed timeline yet, but these capabilities could arrive sometime this year.Google TV may soon be able to do more than just play movies and TV shows. Rob Caruso, Google TV's director of product management, has recently revealed what's next for the smart TV interface.In an interview with Protocol, Caruso said that Google wants to improve smart home controls on Google TV, citing as an example the recent updates that made it possible to access smart home controls via the power menu on the best Android phones.Another "big area of exploration" is fitness capabilities. Caruso teased the possible integration of Google's services and devices such as Google Fit and Fitbit as well as third-party systems into th...

You can view a lot with the Amazon Halo View, but do you want to?Fitness enthusiasts had mixed reactions to last year's Amazon Halo band, and it's clear that Amazon considered that when creating its new Amazon Halo View. Not only has the device changed, but Amazon also focuses on introducing new experiences to the Halo membership that helps users work out and nourish their bodies. So will it succeed?Some of the best fitness trackers out there offer well-rounded experiences without being tied to a membership program. While you get a year of Halo membership free with the purchase of your device, prepare to pay a monthly subscription fee after that. In some cases, you might still be able to enjoy plenty of features without opting for a paid membership.However, the Halo View becomes a shell of itself without the Halo membership. Non-members will only be able to log activity sessions and track their metrics such as heart rate, steps, calories burned, time awake/asleep, and sleep tem...

The best cases for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra need to balance protection and profile, style and substance — and do it all without breaking the bank. The Note 20 Ultra is one of the most cutting-edge phones on the market, but it's also one of the largest and heaviest phones released in 2020. Combine that with the luxury price tag Samsung demands, and you have a recipe for disaster if you dare take your new phone out into the world naked. So skip the public smartphone indecency and get yourself a great case. Here are the best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases to keep it like new for years to come.Grippy and goodSpigen Liquid Air Armor Designed for Samsung Galaxy Note 20 UltraStaff PickWhile Spigen's Rugged Armor might be more popular, the Liquid Air is so much more appealing, both in hand with its deeper texturing and visually with a uniform look. It isn't nearly as bulky but still retains impressive sturdiness.$13 at AmazonRough and tumbleArmadilloTek Vanguard Series Case...

Ever since Samsung introduced the S Pen with its lineup of Note phones, the accessory has become a favorite for those who like to handwrite their digital notes. But the S Pen is about more than just writing letters; it gives a finer point for precise selection of items on the screen, and in some instances, it can be used to access device shortcuts. Samsung makes some of the best Android tablets, and these are the Galaxy tablets that support the S pen.Cream of the cropSamsung Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-FiStaff PickThe Galaxy Tab S7 brings excellent hardware and a fantastic software experience to fans of Android tablets. The S Pen performs wonderfully thanks to the 120Hz display, so all of your doodles flow effortlessly from the pen tip.$510 at Amazon$510 at Best Buy$499 at WalmartThin is inSamsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with S PenIf you want a tablet with a premium build, thin design, and typical fantastic Samsung display but don't want to break the bank, then the Gala...

Samsung Health is the fitness tracking app pre-installed on the best Samsung Galaxy phones, and all things considered, it's pretty great! Whether you're using it in conjunction with a Samsung smartwatch like the Galaxy Watch 4 or on its own, the app has tools for tracking your daily activity, food, sleep, weight, and more. So if you need some help getting your profile put together and want to know how to set up Samsung Health, you've come to the right place.How to set up Samsung Health on your Galaxy phoneOpen the Samsung Health app on your Galaxy phone.Tap the circle icons if you agree to personalized health data processing and notifications (optional), then Continue.Tap Continue and Allow.Review the Processing of location information and then choose to Cancel or Agree.Tap the three lines in the upper-left corner.Tap Profile.Tap Gender.Tap Next.Select your birth date.Tap Next.Select your height.Tap Next.Select your weight.Tap Next.Tap the ⓘ icon to get mor...

Not everyone is having problems with their Pixel 6.The Pixel 6 bugs are pretty well-documented at this point. While the hardware is mostly great and a big improvement over previous Pixel models, the software experience has been pretty problematic for many Pixel 6 owners. That's a bummer, too, given how much Google hyped up the software side of things thanks to its new Tensor chipset powering the AI behind it all.Of course, no phone is perfect. Even the best Android phones have seen their fair share of problems, especially following the Android 12 update. That said, some users don't seem to be experiencing issues as often as others. For example, Android Central staff members who use the Pixel 6 seem to have fewer problems than those with the Pixel 6 Pro.We're wondering how this translates outside of our small test group. Do you own a Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro? If so, have you experienced any of the major bugs?Has your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro experienced any problems recently?Pa...

House Select Committee says the tech giants provided "inadequate responses to prior requests for information."What you need to knowA subpoena was issued by the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack to four major technology companies.Alphabet, Meta, Twitter, and Reddit have been asked to provide more information about misinformation, domestic extremism, and efforts to influence the 2020 election.The Select Committee had previously requested those records, but claimed it had received insufficient responses.Parler was one of the social networking firms that bore much of the blame for the January 6 Capitol attack last year. Its mobile app was removed from the Google Play and Apple App Stores due to a lack of moderation and, more importantly, because supporters of former President Donald Trump used the platform to plan the violent riot.The big tech companies won't be spared from answering for their role in the horrible event as well. The House Select Commi...

Yae Miko is the new five-star Electro catalyst user, joining a growing roster of playable characters.Genshin Impact 2.4 may have just been released, but miHoYo is looking toward Update 2.5 over the next month, never content to just let one of the best Android games sit idle. Going by its update cadence, 2.5 should arrive around Feb. 16. Though miHoYo has only revealed one new playable character so far — Yae Miko — there are plenty of leaks that point to what players can expect in the upcoming update. Here's everything we know about Genshin Impact Update 2.5 so far.Genshin Impact Update 2.5: New characters headlined by Yae MikoYae Miko is confirmed to join the growing roster as a playable character in Update 2.5. She was first introduced in Update 2.0 as the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine in Inazuma. Over the course of Chapter 2's Archon Quest, players learned she's an old friend of the Raiden Shogun and can take on the form of a fox.Yae Miko: Yae Miko is a five-sta...

If the only thing you liked about Stardew Valley was the fishing, then this is the perfect game for you.I don't know what it is about giant space whales that so deeply resonates with me, but as soon as I see one in any video game, I'm in it for the long haul. That's how Fishing Paradiso managed to hook me, with a celestial whale informing my spirit that I've and gone to heaven. Great news, right? Well, heaven's cool and all, but is it really as cool as you personally would like? Maybe there's a way that you can mold heaven into your own perfect paradise?The bizarre setup was interesting enough, but what ultimately reeled me in (pun intended) were the gorgeous pixel graphics, the story, and the absolutely wonderful soundtrack. Don't be surprised when you see Fishing Paradiso show up on our list of best Android games soon.After landing squarely in heaven, your silent protagonist gets a narrative guide in the form of Birdy, a peppy little blue bird who takes you under its wing...

The new features announced at CES 2022 are a good start, but why can't we have Fast Pair and Nearby Share on every device?Whether it's iMessage integration in macOS, quick file sharing via AirDrop, or the instant pairing of AirPods, the advantages of buying into Apple's ecosystem across multiple device categories are clear. Yet despite Google's dominance in mobile around the world and the growing popularity of Chromebooks and Android TV, the company hasn't been able to offer as seamless an experience when using all these devices alongside each other.That's about to change in 2022, as Google looks to make the disparate parts of its ecosystem work better together — and to integrate more closely with Windows offer Apple-like functionality between phone and computer.At CES 2022 earlier this month, Google announced a raft of new features designed to plug this vital ecosystem gap, with the main focus on Android and fast pairing. The new features are far-reaching: Everything from ...