Latest from Android Central

All the best movies streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all of HBO's exclusive content. It features a rotating lineup of hundreds of television series and movies from Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and more. HBO Max will also launch brand new films from WarnerMedia in 2021 without waiting for them to play in theaters first. Here are the best movies on HBO Max right now, from new drama and comedy films to the best in action franchises and classic films.The best movies on HBO MaxJust added on HBO MaxBest action filmsBest comedy filmsKids & family filmsBest documentary filmsMovies and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind new releases and old favorites on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC, among other studios. Subscribe now to check out new blockbusters or your longtime faves.Just Added on HBO MaxWarnerMedia announced at the end of 2020 t...

Google started rolling out a new "Memories" album for Google Photos on iOS devices last year. Android devices started getting the feature in 2021 followed by a "Memories" widget. The widget feature launched on iOS first, followed by Android this month. While many will appreciate random trips down memory lane, not everyone is a fan. If you don't want to see specific unwanted memories, here's how you can hide them.How to hide unwanted memories in Google PhotosOpen Google Photos on your phone.Tap your profile picture on the upper right corner.Tap Photos settings.Tap Memories.Tap Hide people & pets to hide memories with specific people or animals.Tap Hide dates to hide memories from certain days.Once you've hidden memories of certain individuals and pets or specific dates, you won't see those unwanted memories in Google Photos anymore. If you'd like to change the frequency and type of memories, you can find the notification settings and advanced settings in the sam...

The Zenfone 8 is the ideal choice if you're looking for a compact phone in 2021.Between the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Find X3 Pro, and the OnePlus 9 Pro, I've used the best Android phones of 2021. This has been a standout year for tech in general; I used over 50 phones already, and I'm looking forward to switching to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 shortly and the Pixel 6 Pro later in the year.But there's one device in particular that has stood out: the ASUS Zenfone 8. At the outset, there's nothing to suggest the Zenfone 8 is any different to other value flagships; it is powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset, has a 120Hz AMOLED panel, and the camera is decent enough. If anything, its limited availability means it flew largely under the radar following the global unveil a few months ago.But what the Zenfone 8 gets absolutely right is the size; with phones constantly getting taller and heavier, compact devices have been left behind. The Pixel 4a is the only other phone I've used recently that is ...

MediaTek surpassed Qualcomm as the top smartphone SoC vendor in Q3 2020 for the first time.What you need to knowMediaTek reportedly held 43% of the smartphone SoC market in Q2 2021.Qualcomm's market share stood at 24%. The global smartphone AP (Application Processor) grew 31% YoY in the April to June quarter. MediaTek continued to lead the global smartphone SoC market in the second quarter of 2021, according to the latest research from Counterpoint.Data from the market research firm reveals the Taiwanese chipmaker held a 43% share of the market in the April to June quarter, thanks to a growth in shipments of low-end 5G chips. Unlike Qualcomm, MediaTek didn't have any major supply constraints either.Qualcomm's market share stood at just 24%, mainly due to "component supply constraint and lower yields at the foundry." During the same period last year, Qualcomm led the market with a market share of 28%. MediaTek was just behind Qualcomm with a 26% share. Since the compan...

Creative keeps the Outlier Air worth the price of admission.Creative has something going with its Outlier Air line of earbuds. While "V3" would suggest the Outlier Air V3 are a third-gen product, they're actually the fourth. With each successive pair, Creative has added something extra to make them more viable, be it the company's Super X-Fi technology or audio upgrades. This time around, it's addressing noise and call quality, among other things.Combining all these features and performance serves to make these earbuds stellar for what they cost, especially when factoring in battery life, comfort, and app support — they're easily among the best wireless earbuds in this price range.Creative Outlier Air V3:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceCreative Outlier Air V3 ...

Despite not offering official support for Bluetooth controllers, PUBG Mobile makes the best use of touchscreen controls that you will ever see on a smartphone. The game lets you customize the placement and size of every action buttons on the screen along with the maps and other HUD elements, letting you find the perfect layout to fit your device dimensions and hands.We'll show you how to go in and set up the best touchscreen controls for PUBG Mobile, along with highlighting some other advanced control settings that you'll definitely want to check out for one of the best Android games available.How to customize controls in PUBG MobileThe devs have made it really quick and easy to tweak the touchscreen controls just how you like it — and even on the fly in a match. Tapping the Gear icon from the game home screen or in-game HUD brings you to the game settings to see how you can tweak the touchscreen controls, which should be the first thing you do with pretty much any new gam...

It could take a few weeks for the revamped privacy settings to become available.What you need to knowWhatsApp is reportedly reworking its privacy settings for both Android and iOS users.You will soon be able to hide your "last seen" status from specific contacts. Once you disable your last seen status for specific contacts, you won't be able to view theirs either. WhatsApp is finally preparing to rework a feature that it rolled out a few years back. According to a new report, the popular messaging app could soon tweak its privacy settings to give users more control over who can view their "last seen" status.The folks at WABetaInfo have found evidence that suggests it will soon be able to hide your last seen status from specific contacts. Currently, the last seen Privacy setting offers just three options: Everyone, My Contacts, and Nobody. As you can see in the screenshot below, the new "My Contacts Except" option will let you choose specific contacts that you want to hide...

A clear favoriteNothing ear (1)$99 at NothingProsUnique designAmazing soundLightweight design is great for all-day useTwo modes of ANCAuto play/pause and Qi wireless chargingConsNo Google Assistant or AlexaANC is unreliable at timesAvailability issuesCase scratches easilyNo AptX audio codecsIf you're looking for $100 wireless earbuds, the Nothing ear (1) tick all the right boxes: they sound fantastic, have a great design that makes them stand out, and they have wireless charging. They're light enough for all-day use, and you even get decent noise isolation. They have average battery life and miss out on AptX, but if you care about sound quality, these are a great option.The obvious upgradeOnePlus Buds Pro$150 at OnePlusProsStandout sound quality with reliable ANCEven lighter than the ear (1)Qi wireless charging and fast chargeLasts up to 7 hours on a chargeBuds and case are water resistantZen Mode Air is a great additionConsNo...

More than half of the original list has vanished.What you need to knowThe Fossil Gen 5 series recently got an update via the Play Store that took away dozens of watch faces.On the other hand, the update introduced two new watch faces in exchange.You will see the default face on your smartwatch if you used any of the removed watch faces.Fossil recently rolled out an update to the Fossil Gen 5 series that added two new watch faces. However, owners of the smartwatch were greeted with a frustrating surprise: dozens of watch faces are gone.Some Fossil Gen 5 users took to Reddit to share how their favorite watch face has been removed after installing the latest update from the Google Play Store. According to 9to5Google, at least 33 watch faces have vanished, including the following:Big TicBlueCandice HuffineColoristCompassCory RichardsDarryl WestlyDefenderEttoreFlip DigitalFredGrantKJ ApaMagic 8-BallMandy MooreMcKinneyMechanical DigitalMen's Fashion Digital...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to multi-gigabit 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds up to 2.4Gbps per device to provide a better experience and more extensive coverage at home. Not only that, but most of these routers come with great software, including parental controls, to make your life easier. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops. So now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The TP-Link Archer AX90 is a great balance for most people, whether you're a gamer looking for a fast and stable connection or just want something that provides consistent coverage. OneMesh is included for easy expansion, and HomeShield keeps your connection secure. The AX6600 connection is perfect for families or streamers with plenty of capacity for dozens of devices.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, which i...

Doing it againGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series$100 at Best Buy $99 at B&HProsSame sound quality for lessIntegration with Android and Google AssistantLightweight build and comfy fitSame size caseFast chargingConsNo swipe gesturesNo wireless charging caseNo change in battery lifeStill no active noise cancelationFor an encore, Google didn't overhaul its Pixel Buds. It just tweaked them, gave them new coats of paint, and made them more affordable. To get there, the A-Series cut out a few things, but so much of the originals stay where they are, and that's why they're an intriguing choice among other earbuds.Back againSamsung Galaxy Buds 2$150 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy $150 at B&HProsBolder soundEffective ANCVery comfortable fitGood battery lifeNice color optionsConsIPX2 rating isn't very durableMicrophones are so-soFinicky controlsSamsung gave the Galaxy Buds 2 a slimmer profile, making them even more comfortable to wear tha...

No matter what type of smartwatch experience you're seeking, there are tons of Wear OS watches out there that will fulfill your needs. If you want support for contactless payments, be sure to check out the watches that support Google Pay. This handy software lets you leave your wallet at home and pay using only your watch at locations where contactless payments are accepted. Fortunately, this payment option is becoming more common these days. We've rounded up some of the best watches that support Google Pay to help you pick a winner.Welcome to Wear OS 3Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Staff PickIf you haven't heard, the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is here. More importantly, it's the first Wear OS 3 device. As a result, you'll enjoy stellar performance and a bunch of new Google-based features. As you might've guessed, this watch supports Google Pay! You also get two size options, 40 hours of battery life, GPS, and tons of health features.From $250 at SamsungTop of the lineTi...

Steelseries Arctis 7PComfort and convenience$150 at AmazonProsVery comfortableGreat sound qualityFantastic battery lifeQuality retractable micConsMore expensive than Pulse 3DCan be loose fittingThe Arctis 7P is an excellent headset if you're looking for great sound, build quality, and a solid mic to chat with your friends. Its price tag and comfort, which is dictated by your head shape, may put some people off though.Sony Pulse 3D Wireless HeadsetAffordable and official$99 at AmazonProsOfficial PS5 headsetCheaper than 7PGreat sound qualityComfortableSleek designConsMic quality could be betterButton placement feels slightly offThe Pulse 3D is the cheapest way to experience the PS5's 3D audio in a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing headset. However, the absence of an arm does harm the mic quality. Also, the control placement on the earcup feels slightly counterintuitive, leaving you occasionally feeling around for the desired...

Using one of the best ergonomic keyboards relieves unnecessary strain on your wrists, shoulders, and posture caused by traditional keyboards. Using a proper keyboard can make even the best Chromebook better. When it comes to ergonomic keyboard styles, there are several to choose from. Some offer a curved split design, whereas others have a slight wave to the keys. Here are the best choices when it comes to ergonomic keyboards.Best wireless ergonomic keyboardsSilent, yet accurateLogitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard with Wrist RestStaff PickWhere the Logitech K350 mentioned previously offers a small posture change to typing, the Ergo K860 has a wider split to its keys and an arch to the overall board shape. Together with shallow-scooped keys that are quiet when pressed, these features offer a more serene typing experience. The wireless Ergo K860 is also part of the Logitech Unifying Receiver, so it uses the same adapter for your other compatible accessories.Fr...

Besides a faster chipset, the phone also boasts a 720Hz touch sampling rate.What you need to knowThe RedMagic 6S Pro is Nubia's latest flagship gaming phone.It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888+ chipset and features an AMOLED display with a 720Hz touch sampling rate. The RedMagic 6S Pro will go on sale globally from September 27 for a starting price of $599.ZTE's Nubia sub-brand has announced a feature-packed new gaming phone to take the fight to ASUS' ROG Phone 5S series.The new RedMagic 6S Pro is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888+ processor, which promises slightly faster performance compared to the Snapdragon 888 chip that powers nearly all the best Android phones of 2021. Along with a new chipset, the RedMagic 6S Pro also brings Nubia's ICE 7.0 cooling system with "Phase Change Materials (PCM." There's an active cooling fan too, with four RGB LEDs.Nubia's latest gaming phone comes with a similar 6.8-inch 165Hz AMOLED display as the RedMagic 6 Pro, but the t...

It appears that Google is finally getting into the smartwatch game with the first Pixel Watch this year — here's what we know so far.From the beginning of Google's wearable strategy, it has always relied on other OEMs to carry the hardware torch for its software. However, that doesn't mean fans of Wear OS, and Android Wear before it, haven't been clamoring for an official smartwatch from the software giant.After years of rumors for a Google-branded wearable that always ended in disappointment for Wear OS fans, 2021 looks to be the year that a Google Pixel Watch may actually arrive alongside the Pixel 6 lineup. Here's what we know so far about the Pixel Watch.Jump to:Announcement & release datePriceModelsDesignSpecs and softwarePixel Watch: Announcement and release dateAs of right now, we don't have anything official from Google in terms of a Pixel Watch being released this year. However, far more leaks and information have pointed toward this being the y...

It will apparently be available to beta users on Android first.Update, Sep 6 (3:15 a.m. ET): First screenshot leaksWhat you need to knowWhatsApp has reportedly started working on message reactions.The feature is currently in the early stages of development, so we will have to wait a few more weeks to learn more.Message reactions will be available on all platforms — including WhatsApp web.As per WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on message reactions, which will allow users to react to a message using emojis. Signal, which is one the best Android messaging apps, added emoji reactions in February last year. Popular text messaging apps such as Apple's iMessage and Google Messages also allow users to reply to messages with emoji reactions.As you can see in the screenshot above, users will receive a message asking them to update to a newer version of WhatsApp when they receive a reaction. Sadly, no other details regarding the feature are available right now. There's also no w...

The Centurion charges up to four devices and has 100W PD, but there's no Warp Charge 65.There's a decent amount of choice if you're looking for the best 100W USB-C chargers, but most of these options are aimed at the U.S. market and not available in India. The few chargers that are sold in the country are either absurdly costly or from no-name brands with sketchy reliability.That said, there are brands like Stuffcool and AMX that offer charging solutions built for India, and the latest offering from Stuffcool is particularly noteworthy. The Centurion is a 100W USB PD charger that has two USB-C and two USB-A ports, and it works with a variety of fast charging standards in addition to PD, including Samsung's Fast Adaptive Charging, OPPO VOOC, and OnePlus' Warp Charge.So if you are looking for a unified charging solution for your notebook, phone, as well as any accessories, the Centurion may just be the ideal option.Stuffcool Centurion review:Price and availabilityWhat I ...

The company's next value flagship is set to be a solid upgrade over last year's Mi 10T Pro.Update, Sep 6 (2:20 a.m. ET): Xiaomi teases 120W "HyperCharge" support for the 11T ProWhat you need to knowXiaomi has teased the launch of its next affordable Android flagship.The 11T series could debut at a global launch event on September 15. Rumors suggest Xiaomi's upcoming 11T Pro will have a 120Hz OLED display and support 120W wired charging. Xiaomi today teased the launch of a new affordable flagship that could give the best Android phones from Samsung and OnePlus a run for their money. The phone is set to debut at a global launch event on September 15 and is likely to be a successor to last year's Mi 10T Pro.We promise this will be an exciting moment for all of you!Save the date, don't miss out! #XiaomiProductLaunch pic.twitter.com/DylGw33XSu— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) August 23, 2021As per a video posted by Vietnamese YouTube channel The Pixel last week, the 11T Pro will arri...

You snooze, you lose?Update, Sep 6 (2:15 a.m. ET): Google confirms a fix is on the wayWhat you need to knowMany angry Android users are reporting issues with Google's Clock app and alarms.The bug is apparently affecting several different devices, including Pixel phones.Customers are also reporting issues with Spotify's integration with their alarms.Android Central recently received a tip from a reader that many Android users have been experiencing issues with Google's stock Clock app over the past week. The tipster pointed us to a r/GooglePixel thread on Reddit where the issue was being discussed, and also mentioned the spate of 1-star reviews that the app has been receiving lately on the Google Play store.Angry app users have been complaining that their alarms in the Clock app are not going off as expected and that they are not receiving alarm notifications either. There have also been complaints that alarms are no longer working with Spotify playlists, and some user...

No need to manually curate your movie or recipe collectionsWhat you need to knowGoogle has rolled out a new design for the Collections tab in the Google app.The tab now displays automated recommendations categorized in AI-curated segments.Google is gradually rolling out the new experience.Google pushed a major update to the Collections tab last year, putting it front and center in the Google app along with AI-powered capabilities to automatically create curated lists. Now, it looks like Google has redesigned that experience in the app to reflect those changes.The Collections tab now displays several carousels of automated suggestions that are fundamental to some of Google's services, as spotted by 9to5Google. There's a new "Quick access" section at the top where your most recent searches are shown, including the places you've saved in Google Maps or movies you'd like to watch. You can also modify that list with a quick-edit button at the top right corner. Below th...

With a somewhat disjointed broadcast schedule, animation fans have been left on tenterhooks waiting for the conclusion of the latest season of Dan Harmon's madcap show, but the wait is now finally over.Read on to find out how to stream Rick and Morty and watch the season 5 finale online from anywhere in the world.After a brief break in the weekly broadcasts of season 5, concluding Episodes 9 and 10 are now set to be shown as part of a special 1-hour finale on Adult Swim in the US.Followers of the show have been have been left wondering what happens next after episode eight ( "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort") saw titular scientist Rick rekindle his friendship with Bird Man, while also giving a intriguing glimpse into his backstory.Very little hints have been given as to what we can expect from the final two installments of the season, with episode 9's title "Forgetting Sarick Mortshall" appearing to reference the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall and hinting at a pos...

Marvel's new mobile game has some features players should get familiar with.Marvel Future Revolution is a surprisingly feature-rich open-world RPG that stars the luminaries of the Marvel universe. Players can select from a group of famous superheroes and take on a number of the biggest villains to protect multiple worlds that have converged. It's got a very forgiving learning curve, so most parts of the game should be easy to understand.That said, there are a few things you should know if you're just starting — things I wish I'd known when I began playing the game. So here are some helpful tips to remember when you're starting the game for the first time.Dodge, dodge, dodge some moreThe dodge button is a relatively small one underneath the attacks, but it's an essential one, and you should get cozy with it as quickly as you can. Most heroes can tank attacks fairly well in the early stages of the game, so it's very easy to forget how to dodge. I recommend you should practi...

Earlier this year, Samsung announced it would be shutting down some Samsung Cloud services, including photo backups. The cutoff date got pushed back, but naturally, if you're using Samsung Cloud, you're going to want to move your photos to another cloud service as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can probably do this all in one fell swoop, with a bit of preparation ahead of time.Most cloud services, including OneDrive (the one Samsung recommends #kickbacks), Google Drive, and Dropbox, among others, have apps you can install on your PC that automatically syncs files to and from the cloud on the file as changes happen. So the first thing you'll want to do is download and install the PC app for the service you want to use. If you'd like to use Google Drive, we have instructions for that. Once that's all set up, you can start downloading the photos from your Samsung cloud account. The beautiful part is, as they're downloaded, assuming you download them to a synced folder for another ...

Is this move a case of cutting off its nose to spite its face?Last week I came across an intriguing article by Michael Simon over at MacWorld which speculated that Fitbit could be alienating or even abandoning its base of iOS customers with the release of the next premium smartwatch.It might seem strange that I, as an Android user, would care all that much much about this possibility. However, as someone who has many friends and family that use Fitbits with their iPhones, the idea that they might not be able to do so in the future did pique my interest. Just within my own circle, I can easily envision lots of unhappy Fitbit fans if Google were to decide to ignore iOS for its smartwatches and trackers in the future. To be clear, the idea that Google and Fitbit would abandon their iOS users is speculation at this point.Now I want to be clear that, as of yet, there is no evidence that Google/Fitbit plans to abandon their iOS user base. It's pure conjecture at this point, thou...

Following last weekend's rainy Belgian Grand Prix, Formula 1 drivers and teams are heading to the Netherlands for this year's Dutch Grand Prix and we have all the details on how you can watch the race on TV or online.Formula 1 fans were left disappointed last weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix as the race was called off as a result of inclement weather before the fifth lap around the Spa. The race was stopped and then restarted with drivers behind a safety car for a few slow laps before Red Bull's Max Verstappen was given the win as he had completed two laps according to Formula 1's rules.Verstappen's rival, Lewis Hamilton ended up finishing the short race in third place and calling the whole situation "a farce". While Verstappen won the race, he was only awarded half points for his podium. Although these points didn't push Verstappen past Hamilton in the standings, he is quickly closing in on his rival who has 202.5 points compared to his 199.5 points. We're more than halfway thr...

The feature makes all file types accessible on the web even if your internet is down.What you need to knowGoogle has announced the general availability of offline viewing for all file types in Google Drive on the web.The new feature lets you access PDFs, images, Microsoft Office documents and other non-Google files even without an internet connection.It's gradually rolling out to all Drive users and should be live for everyone by next week.In early 2019, Google began testing an option in Google Drive's web version that lets you make all file types such as PDFs, images, office Microsoft Office documents available for offline viewing. Now, that feature has come out of beta.Google has announced the general availability of offline mode in Drive on the web. The new capability allows everyone to mark all file types accessible even without an internet connection. It comes in handy for people who frequently travel to areas where internet connections can get spotty. Previously, on...

This won't apply to future cross-generation Sony Worldwide Studios titles though.What you need to knowHorizon Forbidden West is the next big game from Guerrilla Games and PlayStation Studios.When preorders for the game were announced, players were told there was no free upgrade from the PS4 to PS5 versions. This was despite a free upgrade being promised when a PS4 version of Horizon Forbidden West was first announced. Sony has reversed the decision, promising PS4 players a free upgrade to the PS5 version. Horizon Forbidden West owners on PS4 will be given a free upgrade to the PS5 version at no extra cost, per Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan via PlayStation Blog."Last year we made a commitment to deliver free upgrades for our cross-gen launch titles, which included Horizon Forbidden West. While the pandemic's profound impact pushed Forbidden West out of the launch window we initially envisioned, we will stand by our offer," Ryan writes.Ryan also notes that ...

Tracking gameplay stats and match results in PUBG Mobile reveals much more than bragging rights over your friends. Knowing where to find this data — and how to learn from it — is important for working your way up the tier ladder.PUBG Mobile records the full results — every shot fired and every kilometer traveled — of every completed match is recorded, which means you're able to go back and analyze your match results from the past 30 days. So along with celebrating your wins, you can review how each match performance affects your ranking score in one of the best Android games.The game also does a good job of compiling all your personal data across each season and server into a handy graph that breaks down your career combat and survival performance. Here's how to find match results in PUBG Mobile without getting lost.How to find and read your statisticsWhile PUBG Mobile does a good job compiling your stats, they don't grant you direct access to them from the home scr...

Flagship-grade cameraGoogle Pixel 4a$350 at Best BuyProsTerrific camera performanceStock Android experienceFirst in line for Android feature/security updatesCompact design for one-handed useConsAll-plastic bodySingle rear camera isn't versatile enoughNo wireless charging supportImproving even further on the same approach used by its much-lauded predecessors, Google's Pixel 4a offers top-tier camera performance, great battery life, clean software experience, and more at an affordable price. Yes, there are some misses, but they don't change the fact that the Pixel 4a is an excellent overall package.Top-of-the-line designTCL 10 Pro$370 at Best BuyProsPremium all-glass constructionFairly clean and snappy softwareCustomizable "Smart Key" for added convenience3.5mm audio port and IR blasterConsQuad-lens rear camera setup is just averageDated hardwareWonky in-display fingerprint sensorAs one of TCL's first phones to make it to the US...

Google launched Stadia a little over a year ago, giving players access to some of their favorite games without owning a console or gaming PC. While Stadia can be used as a free service, Google offers a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99/month, which gives subscribers access to special discounts, upgraded 4K streaming options, and one or more free games to claim per month. Once you claim a game in Pro, it's yours to keep as long as you're subscribed, similar to how PlayStation Plus works.The free games with Pro can then be played as long as your Stadia Pro subscription is active but are only available to be claimed for a limited time, so make sure you're checking back every month as we update the list of games available. If you cancel or suspend your Pro subscription and then decide to resubscribe in the future, all previously claimed games will return to your library. Also, some of the best Stadia games were offered on Pro in the past so make sure you claim each game every month.Her...

Google can't seem to get it together.Google makes plenty of great apps for smartphones, whether they're on iOS or the best Android phones ... that is, when they work. While no app developer is perfect and apps can often experience bugs, Google can't seem to get its apps and services together to just work. Something important always seems to break, which can render some apps and even phones useless.A couple of Google-specific bugs have hit our radar this week, and we want to know if you've dealt with any of them or perhaps others.Have you been experiencing Android or Wear OS bugs lately?One pesky bug that's plagued users for some time involves Google Messages refusing to connect to RCS, leaving users without any of the useful chat features like real-time typing indicators, read receipts, and high-resolution media. Instead, users find that the app will be stuck verifying or trying to connect to the service without actually doing so.Another, possibly more annoying, bug has to...

This watch needs a bit more finessing than your last one. Get a watch face like CEED by Almarinov from Facer for $1.99.The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has quickly become the best Android smartwatch, bringing the best of Tizen and Wear OS together in one watch. While there are still rough edges to work out, it's the best wearable experience we've seen in the Android ecosystem to date.After getting the watch paired to your phone and logged in to both your Samsung and Google accounts, there are some hidden and not-so-hidden Galaxy Watch 4 settings you'll want to fix to give you the proper experience. Do one or do all — but at least do the first of these; it'll make replying to messages or using voice input in apps much easier.Jump to:Turn on Google SpeechSet your double-tap shortcutApp installationSort your app drawerFind a Complicated faceAdjust heart-rate trackingSet screen timeoutDisable its ability to take phone calls Set the Text-to-speech engine to Google Speec...

English boxer Josh Warrington will attempt to rewrite the script tonight at the Emerald Headingley Stadium in his hometown of Leeds when he takes on Mexican boxer Mauricio Lara for the second time this year and we have all the details on how you can watch Lara vs Warrington 2 online.Back in February at the SSE Arena in London, 30-year-old Josh "The Leeds Warrior" Warrington and 23-year-old Mauricio "Bronco" Lara met in the ring for a featherweight showdown. While Warrington wanted to "put Leeds on the map" at their previous encounter by becoming the city's first male boxing world champion, Lara proved to be quite a formidable opponent.Lara managed to dominate Warrington from start to finish and he even managed to put him on the canvas during the fourth round with a left hook. However, it was during the ninth round that Lara once again knocked him down with a left hook before the fight was immediately called off by the referee. Not only did Warrington lose to Lara who he expected ...

Google giving manufacturers more control is what made Android so popular.With over two billion users, Android is the most popular computer operating system in the world. There are more Android users than iPhone users and even more Android users than Windows users. It's amazing what Google was able to do with the platform in 10 years. But Google really isn't the reason why Android became so popular.We all know how different Android can look and feel on different brands of phones or even different phones from the same brand. This is why there are more than 2 billion users. With Android, Google used this system to make manufacturers and phone carriers want to use it because everyone can make more money. Money is what matters here, and there is plenty of it to go around.Wear OS 3 has arrived with the Galaxy Watch 4, and we see something very similar. It's an Android Wear OS-powered wearable with Bixby instead of Google Assistant (though Assistant may be coming), it ties into Samsun...

Team USA will be hoping to take back the title as they face Europe on home soil in Ohio this weekend in women's golf's most prestigious event.Watch every ball of this unmissable event with our 2021 Solheim Cup live stream guide below.USA won't need any encouragement having lost out to Europe in agonising style last time out at the Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course in Scotland back in 2019.Catriona Matthew will once again captain Team Europe again, while Californian Pat Hurst will lead the home side.Team USA will be hoping current world No.1 Nelly Korda can bring her good form to proceedings, with the star joined by her sister Jessica, as well as Lexi Thompson, Danelle Kang, Ally Ewing, Lizette Salas, Megan Khang and Brittany Altomare in a formidable American line up that also includes rookies Jennifer Kupcho, Mina Harigae and Yealimi Noh and LPGA Drive On Championship winner Austin Ernst.Europe meanwhile brings an experienced squad to Ohio, with their hopes resting on Georgia ...

The F2-221 is a 2-bay budget NAS that nails the fundamentals.There are a lot of great choices if you're looking to set up a home server for the first time. A network attached storage (NAS) server lets you manage your media library from a centralized location, and then stream content to all connected devices on your home network. You also get the ability to back up photos and videos automatically from your phones, set up a custom mail server, run virtual machines, and so much more.We've highlighted the best home NAS enclosures, and one model that has done well over the years is TerraMaster's F2 series. The budget 2-bay NAS in TerraMaster's portfolio has plenty to offer, with the F2-221 featuring two drive bays that can hold a total of 32TB of storage, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, HDMI connectivity, and a great overall value.So if you're looking to get started with a home server for the first time or are interested in upgrading from an older model, this is what you need to know ab...

Google is snapping up the team behind the now-defunct Mailbox email client on iOS and Mac.What you need to knowGoogle Workspace has agreed to acquire Playspace, a dedicated platform for virtual meetings and collaboration.Playspace will be integrated into Workspace as a new experience.It will switch off access to the service next week, and all customer data will be wiped out.Google is acquiring Playspace, a collaborative platform for virtual meetings, brainstorming, and hangouts. Playspace has confirmed that it has signed a definitive agreement to join Google Workspace and the many tools it has to offer on the best laptops and Android phones.In a statement provided to Android Central, a Google spokesperson confirmed the company's latest move: We've entered into an agreement to acquire Playspace as part of Google Workspace. Playspace is led by a talented team that shares our vision for delivering solutions that support the hybrid future of work. We'll keep you post...

Alvo has a quicker draw than Leon Kennedy.What you need to knowAvlo already launched on PSVR earlier this yearIt will be the first game in the Oculus Quest ecosystem that won't be supported on the original Quest.It's set to enter a closed beta period soon.Earlier this week, Outsidein Entertainment, the studio behind Alvo took to Reddit to announce that their VR multiplayer shooter had been approved for an Oculus Quest release following its PSVR release back in April. The announcement came paired with an open call for beta testers on the Oculus Quest Subreddit. Curiously, the post only encouraged Quest 2 owners to join their Discord server.UploadVR followed up with the developer to determine whether the beta's exclusivity to the Quest 2 was only during the beta period, or if Alvo would launch only on Quest 2. Following this, Outsidein Entertainment confirmed to them that Alvo would be launching without Quest 1 support. They also confirmed that this was largely due to the...

AT&T is apparently sending customers all kinds of phones.What you need to knowAT&T customers have reportedly begun receiving free Galaxy devices from the carrier.Replacement phones are being sent due to the company's impending 3G shutdown.Phones include the Galaxy Note 9, Note 10, and other older devices.With companies preparing to shut down older networks, customers stuck with incompatible smartphones are left needing to replace their devices. And while affected customers can always request a new device, AT&T has apparently decided to take a more proactive approach with its replacement program.A report from Android Police highlights how the site founder Artem Russakovskii received a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 out of nowhere, and others on Reddit have apparently received "new" smartphones as well without requesting one. And while the Galaxy Note 9 is a bit aged, it's admittedly better than the Radiant Core device some users were getting before.Android Police stat...

You can try to play Black Desert Mobile with a Bluetooth controller, but it's not encouraged or ideal.Best answer: Black Desert Mobile has limited controller support. While you will be able to move and fight with a controller, effectively everything else needs to be done with the touchscreen, including interacting with any NPCs or menus. Because of this, it's not worth it to connect a controller to play Black Desert Mobile.What is Black Desert Mobile?Black Desert Mobile isn't just a mobile port of the popular MMORPG Black Desert Online; it's its own game within the same universe. In Black Desert Mobile, the fantasy nations of Calpheon and Valencia are duking it out over powerful Black Stones that harbor immense power. Players can customize their own characters, including their class, and set out on their adventure.Does Black Desert Mobile have controller support?Yes and no. While you can technically connect a Bluetooth controller, and it will work with Black Desert Mobile, ...

Smart lighting isn't just limited to turning your bulbs on and off from your phone or changing their colors by asking Alexa. With the best smart light bulbs, you can even soup up your gaming rig with lights that follow the rhythm and beats of your games, turning your entire room into a living visualizer. These are some of the top smart lights for gaming to consider.Bulbs for your lampsPhilips Hue White and Color Ambiance - LED Smart BulbStaff PickIf you don't already have an elaborate smart lighting rig, why not start simple with a couple of bulbs? You can start with one, two, or however many Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulbs you want and connect directly to your phone via Bluetooth. No hub needed. Philips Hue partners with gaming brands like Razer so that your lights can match the changing colors of your Chroma-powered peripherals.$100 at Amazon (3 Pack) $100 at Best Buy (3 Pack) $80 at Walmart (2 Pack)Ambient glowPhilips Hue Bluetooth Smart LightstripJu...

You can opt in or out of different experiments.What you need to knowYouTube is giving users quick access to new experimental features through the Android app.Users can opt in and out of new features like comment translations and Picture-in-Picture.The feature appears to be available only for YouTube Premium subscribers.YouTube isn't shy about experimenting with new features in its app, and now users will be able to try them out with just a click of a button from the mobile app.Android Police spotted a new banner in the YouTube in the app for Premium subscribers that gives them quick access to experimental features. It can be found in the YouTube app under "Your Premium benefits" and a little section inviting you to "try new features."So far, it appears that two features are available for users to try out; one that allows comments to be translated with the tap of a button, and another that enables picture-in-picture mode for iOS users.The page notes that users are on...

Plan aheadMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsLots of dataUnlimited calls and textsCompatible with most phonesDiscounts in bulkConsMust buy at least three monthsBuy in bulk to save money for service on T-Mobile's network with Mint Mobile. Plans come in 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB packages with an unlimited plan with up to 35GB of high-speed data. Calls and texts are unlimited, and calling to Mexico and Canada is included.Start smallTing MobileFrom $10/mo. at Ting MobileProsLow cost of entryLots of hotspot data on the unlimited plansCheap entry priceCompatible with most phonesConsGets expensive with lots of dataTing is a great value for many people, especially light users looking for a plan that starts cheap but can still use data without getting too expensive. Ting also has great options for those that need a lot of data with two unlimited plans that come with 22GB or 35GB of data.Ting's Flex plan is a great starting point for...

When it comes to smart light bulbs, you may not be as familiar with Govee lights bulbs and lights strips as you are with other popular brands such as Philips Hue, but it would be a mistake to overlook this unique player. Since 2017 Govee has aimed to upgrade everyday life with its colorful smart LED lights that let you illuminate and customize your space. Whether you're looking to brighten up your living room, backyard, or entertainment room, these are the best Govee light bulbs and light strips to get.Best overall bulb: Govee Wi-Fi Smart Light BulbsIf you're looking for the best Govee light bulb, then you don't have to look much further than Govee's color-changing smart light bulbs that easily connect to your home Wi-Fi. These bulbs are compatible with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, so if you use one of these ecosystems, you can turn your lights on or off with a quick voice command and through the app.Govee smart light bulbs can help you transform your space or create th...

The feature is coming to Samsung phones first, with wider availability kicking off at a later date.Update, Sep 3 (1:25 p.m. ET): Feature is rolling out nowWhat you need to knowWhatsApp is allowing you to transfer your chat history between platforms.The messaging platform says it is working with device manufacturers as well as Google and Apple to enable the transfer. The feature is debuting on Samsung phones, and will make its way to Android and iOS devices. WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps around, but a key feature omission was the ability to switch between platforms. Users on Android have to start over from scratch if they want to switch to iOS, and the same holds true the other way. Well, WhatsApp is now addressing this issue by introducing out the ability to transfer chat history between Android and iOS.WhatsApp made the announcement during Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 launch event, and while the feature will initially be rolling out to Samsung ph...

Best answer: Yes, the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE comes with an S Pen in the box. At no extra cost, you can use this iconic stylus to easily multitask and take handwritten notes on the tablet's 12.4-inch display.Why do I need an S Pen with my Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE?The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the latest Samsung tablet and comes at a lower price than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, which is one of the best Samsung tablets you can get. Like the S7, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE comes with an S Pen in the box so you can navigate, draw, and write on the tablet's vibrant 12.4-inch 2,560x1,600 TFT display. When you're done, the S Pen magnetically snaps to the side of the tablet for easy carrying and charging.The S Pen was first introduced on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and though you can use a Galaxy Note S Pen with this tablet, it's best to stick to the one in the box. The S Pen is an extremely useful tool if you're someone that likes note-taking, designing artwork, or creating sketc...

Marton Barcza of TechAltar and crrowd joins Daniel and Nick for a conversation about the proliferation of earbuds and Qualcomm's announcement of a lossless Bluetooth audio codec.The trio also cover some wearables news, speculation about Microsoft's upcoming Surface event, a new camera sensor from Samsung, and Google is rumored to be developing custom ARM silicon to be used in Chromebooks starting in 2023.Finally, China is limiting online gameplay for children, and Apple will be making some changes to App Store policies as a result of an investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:TechAltar (@TechAltar) / TwitterJabra's new $200 wireless earbuds use bone conduction for better-than-AirPods call quality | Android CentralQualcomm is about to give your next wireless earbuds a CD quality boost with aptX Lossless | Android CentralWhy everybody is ...

Apple still has a sizeable lead over rivals in the global smartwatch market.What you need to knowXiaomi became the top wearable band vendor in the second quarter of 2021.The company shipped 8 million wearable bands in the April to June period.Apple remained the world's top smartwatch vendor during the quarter, with a market share of 31.1%. Xiaomi dethroned Apple to become the world's largest wearable band vendor in the second quarter of the year, according to data published by Canalys. Xiaomi's solid performance during the April to June quarter was apparently "bolstered by the launch of the Mi Band 6," which is the company's best fitness tracker yet."Xiaomi made a wise move to hasten the release of the Mi Band 6, which is a more compelling device than its predecessor," said Canalys analyst Cynthia Chen. The company also benefited from the launch of basic smartwatches in emerging markets such as India.Unsurprisingly, Apple continued to lead the global smartwatch market...