Latest from Android Central

Some of Marvel's finest heroes are great for your squad... but not all of them, sadly.Marvel Future Revolution features a cast of characters drawn from the heavy hitters of the Marvel universe. Most of them come equipped with plenty of firepower to take on the threats that have taken over the world in the aftermath of the cosmic Convergence. Players have the option of selecting from a cadre of Earth's Mightiest Heroes to combat the threat.Developer Netmarble is likely to add more characters to the game in future, but at present there are eight possible characters to choose for your squad. Some of them are powerhouses, while others have more situational uses. And there are a couple who just aren't that useful, though they're all fairly easy to learn and control.Most of the characters are balanced pretty well, so that each of them play a role in the game and players can put a very powerful squad together. A starting squad will be four players, though you can purchase more slots i...

The best tablets and large-screened smartphones are designed for you to use your fingers to navigate menus and screens, type, select, and more. But you can also use the best stylus for Android phones and tablets to do all of the above. A stylus offers better precision, particularly with specific tasks like coloring, jotting down digital notes, or selecting items in a detailed document or spreadsheet. They're especially useful for those with large hands, fingers, and/or thumbs who find it difficult to manipulate small text on the screen. The absolute best option for a Samsung Galaxy device is an S Pen), but if you're looking for an alternative or have another brand of tablet or smartphone, there are alternatives worth considering, too.Fine-point stylusAdonit Dash 3 (Black)Staff PickThis universal stylus for Android phones and tablets features a fine-tip point that mimics a paper-like drag.$30 at AmazonGoes with a Galaxy phoneSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra S PenThe Samsun...

Jabra is looking to clarify every phone call with its latest wireless earbuds.Jabra launched three new pairs of wireless earbuds, and among them, the Elite 7 Pro sport new features aiming to make it easier to talk on the phone. Audio quality isn't just about music for these earbuds, as Jabra wants to stand out as one of the best in the business for every phone conversation you have while wearing these buds.That's what the company's MultiSensor Voice technology promises in delivering "ultimate call clarity, even in the noisiest places." To do it, Jabra had to combine various tech elements that work in unison to amplify voices within the call, while drowning out everything else.How MultiSensor Voice worksLike most wireless earbuds these days, the Elite 7 Pro use microphones to do two things at once: pick up voices and block out unwanted sounds. Jabra equipped them with four mics to share the task equally, so that two work for voices, while two take care of what's happening in t...

Samsung has also launched a new 50MP ISOCELL sensor with Dual Pixel Pro technology.What you need to knowSamsung has announced two new ISOCELL sensors.The ISOCELL HP1 is the industry's first 200MP mobile image sensor. Samsung's ISOCELL GN5 is a "super-slim" 50MP sensor with 1.0μm pixel size and all-directional autofocusing technology.After bringing 108MP camera sensors to smartphones, Samsung has now introduced the world's first 200MP mobile image sensor alongside a new "super-slim" 50MP sensor.The new ISOCELL HP1 is the first mobile image sensor with an ultrahigh 200MP resolution. As you would expect, however, its pixel size of 0.64μm isn't very impressive. Despite the relatively small pixel size, Samsung claims the sensor can capture "an astonishing amount of detail" with images staying sharp even when cropped.ISOCELL HP1 is also Samsung's first mobile image sensor to feature ChameleonCell technology, which is basically a pixel-binning technology using a two-by-two...

There's currently no word on when the features will begin rolling out to users.Update, Sep 2 (2:10 a.m. ET): More details leakedWhat you need to knowThe Google Assistant may soon gain two useful new features.With "Quick Phrases," users will be able to skip the "Hey, Google" hotword for the most common interactions. The Assistant will also begin recommending shortcuts based on your app usage pattern. Google announced a bunch of new features coming to the Google Assistant with Android 12 at I/O 2021 — including shortcut expansions. A teardown of the latest Google App v12.22.5 by XDA Developers has now revealed another new feature that will soon be added to the Assistant.The upcoming "quick phrases" feature will allow users to interact with the Google Assistant without saying the "Hey Google" hotword. As per the report, the feature will only work for the most common voice interactions, such as dismissing a ringing alarm or an ongoing timer. The feature is code-named "gua...

Samsung is readying its Android 12 update — here's what you need to know about One UI 4.0.Samsung did a fantastic job rolling out the One UI 3.1 update based on Android 11 to most phones in its portfolio, and with Android 12 around the corner, it's time to look at what Samsung has in store for us in 2021.Samsung already confirmed that its next major software version will be called One UI 4.0, and we don't have to wait too long to get a look at the new interface. The South Korean manufacturer is set to kick off the One UI 4.0 beta sometime in September, so let's find out what Samsung has to offer with Android 12, what phones will get the update, and a look at the new features.Jump to:Beta rolloutEligible phonesNew featuresLaunch dateThis is the oneSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra$1,200 at Amazon$1,200 at Best Buy$1,200 at SamsungStill the flagship to beatThe Galaxy S21 Ultra combines the latest display and hardware innovations to deliver a flagship that truly ...

RCS is a great feature... when it works.What you need to knowUsers are complaining about RCS randomly losing connection in Google Messages.Google Messages will reportedly fail to reestablish connection for many users.The problem has been reported since at least June, with assurances that Google is reportedly working on it.Google Messages is one of the best text messaging apps for Android thanks to its ability to use Rich Communication Services (RCS) for a better out-of-the-box texting experience across many Android devices. However, it's less than ideal when RCS features break and users are left unable to connect, which is apparently what's been happening lately.Multiple users across Reddit and the Google Messages support forum have complained that the app will randomly stop connecting to RCS and won't reestablish a connection. Users find that their connection status is left on "Connecting..." or "Waiting to verify..." without the app actually completing either step.Som...

Hearthstone Mercenaries promises a new way to play and many characters to collect.What you need to knowBlizzard has announced Mercenaries, a new free-to-play game mode within Hearthstone, releasing on October 12.The mode features RPG and Roguelike elements, and replaces decks with mercenary cards.Players can build their roster of mercenaries and upgrade them while taking on bounties.Blizzard has announced a new free-to-play game mode for their popular mobile title, Hearthstone. Entitled Mercenaries, the mode will do away with traditional decks and instead focus on the collection of over 50 characters from the Warcraft universe. It also combines features found in RPGs and Roguelikes, and incorporates turn-based combat against procedurally-generated bounties.Players will start with eight mercenary cards, and are encouraged to experiment with their roster. Each character possesses three upgradeable abilities and earns experience points from battle, with a level cap of 30. Me...

Launch dates are all over the place for the Galaxy S21 FE.What you need to knowA new rumor points to the Galaxy S21 FE launching towards the end of October.The new dates reportedly indicate when the device will be available to purchase and when it'll ship.It's been previously indicated that the Galaxy S21 FE would launch in early September.Hot on the heels of Samsung's latest foldables, many still await the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE as the successor to last year's well-received Galaxy S20 FE. Rumors have been here and there on when the device would launch, but the latest may provide a clearer timeframe for when we can expect the device in consumers' hands.Leaker Jon Prosser has indicated that the Galaxy S21 FE may not launch until late October. According to Prosser, preorders will open on October 20, and the device will ship on October 29.Prosser says that these launch dates refer to the market launch of the device, however, he was not able to confirm the actu...

A big boyJackery Explorer 1000 solar generator$1,499 at AmazonProsEight outputsSolar panels have USB-C outputsLighter and smaller than the 1500ConsCannot use the 200W solar panelsThe Explorer 1000 bundle from Jackery, has everything you need to keep your essential tech powered wherever you choose to hang out. On the beach, at the campsite, or anywhere you can think to use it, the solar panels will keep your generator topped up all day, and the battery will keep it powered all night.The biggest boyJackery Explorer 1500 solar generator$2,699 at JackeryProsMassive battery lifeHigh speed charging through four solar panelsCan power household appliancesConsOnly seven portsReally heavyThe Explorer 1500 is not to be taken lightly, nor is it light. This behemoth can power household appliances like refrigerators if you have a power cut, and the four giant solar panels allow you to charge it to full in just five hours. It's always ready to se...

No crowds to check out new games.What you need to knowThe Tokyo Game Show 2021 will be online-only again this year and will offer a virtual reality version.The VR experience will be available for Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive.The annual games showcase runs from September 30 until October 3. The organizers behind the Tokyo Game Show 2021 announced its schedule of panels and livestreams today, and revealed a virtual reality version of the gaming event for the Oculus Quest 2 and other VR headsets.According to a page from the event's official website, this year's Tokyo Game Show can be experienced in VR and will be available for Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive headsets. There were no concrete details on how the app would translate the annual showcase into VR, but gave only a brief message."See your favorite characters right in front of you," the website's message reads. "Visit booths as if you were wandering around inside th...

The end of an era could be the beginning of a new frontier.What you need to knowTelegram v8.0 adds a slew of features to the smartphone app, including trending stickers, enhanced live streaming capabilities, Flexible Forwarding, and more.This update removes the Wear OS app from the Play Store.The Telegram Wear OS app will stop working, even if you leave it installed, and you will not be able to reinstall it.Telegram is saying goodbye to Wear OS owners as the latest Telegram update removes the app from the Google Play Store on Wear OS watches. Telegram is one of the best messaging apps on Android, with the latest update adding a ton of great new features for users to enjoy, but it's removing the ability to do just about everything from the comfort of your wrist.Whether this is a signal of something greater to come or the end of an era is not yet clear, but 9to5Google confirmed the move with Telegram support, who issued a statement about the move: Starting with Telegram...

Samsung Health gets a useful feature that could help save battery.What you need to knowThe Galaxy Watch 4 is receiving its first post-launch update.The new update lets users better control automatic workout detection.Volume controls are now available in the quick settings panel.The update includes improvements to health tracking and system stability.The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 hasn't been in consumers' hands very long, but it's already receiving its first post-launch update. While Samsung doesn't appear to highlight any new features in the changelog, TizenHelp has noticed some noteworthy changes arriving with the update, which clocks in at a hardy 305MB.One highlight feature is the ability to halt the automatic workout detection in Samsung Health. It's a feature that many of the best Android smartwatches have, but it can use up some valuable battery, especially when a watch is measuring leisurely walks that users may not care to track. The update adds an option to cance...

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 listA Place for the UnwillingAssassin'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 AccessBorderlands 3Cake BashCelesteChronos: Before the AshesCosmic Star HeroineCraytaCthulhu Saves ChristmasCyberpunk 2077Darksiders GenesisDead by DaylightDestiny 2Destroy All Humans!Dirt 5 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut DOOMDOOM 64DOOM EternalDragon Ball Xenoverse 2Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive AgeDreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of the New RidersEl Hijo - A Wild West TaleEmbr Early AccessEnter ...

Four other games can also be claimed for September.What you need to knowArk: Survival Evolved can be claimed on Stadia Pro alongside Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition, Little Big Workshop, Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager, and Wave Break.Stadia Pro members can receive a free $10 credit to use in the store if did not participate in the offer previously.Ubisoft+ service is now available in all countries where Stadia is and will receive a price increase on September 30.Google announced a new game available to claim on Stadia Pro alongside a promotional credit to use in the store, a new sale, additional Ubisoft+ availability, and a free weekend for Watch Dogs: Legion in a blog post today.Ark: Survival Evolved can now be claimed with a Stadia Pro subscription. The survival game filled with dinosaurs joins Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition, Little Big Workshop, Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager, and Wave Break as announced last week. The company not...

Safety Mode is long overdue. But who was asking for Twitter to become a subscription site?What you need to knowTwitter Super Follows are $2.99, $4.99, or $9.99 monthly subscriptions to individual Twitter feeds. You'll pay in-app.Only Twitter users with 10,000+ followers can apply to become Super users.Twitter Safety Mode will let you auto-block hostile accounts for harmful language or frequent, unwanted messages.Safety Mode uses AI to determine who to auto-block, but won't block people you follow.Safety Mode is currently in beta, while Super Follows are now available in the US and Canada (iOS only).Twitter announced two major updates to its site and apps today. One should help to clean up Twitter's issues with online abuse. The other will make certain tweets exclusive to people willing to pay for them. We suspect people will like the first feature more than the second.Twitter's Safety Mode is a setting that "temporarily blocks" accounts for malicious or unwanted behavio...

Portal has been around for a while at this point, but most of the deals we've seen have been on the 1st generation of the device. If you're looking to save on the newest Portal from Facebook, now's the time. You can get the Portal for just $99. That's an $80 discount and within $10 of the best price we've ever seen. It's definitely the best price on the 2nd-gen devices, so grab one while you can. This sale ends Sept. 12, but it's possible it sells out before then, too, so act fast.Portal from Facebook smart display | $80 offThis deal is a great price and within $10 of the best we've ever seen. Portal is a fantastic smart display, too, that includes great audio and video calling. Use it to control your smart home, check your security cameras, get recipes you can follow along in the kitchen, and more.$99 at FacebookThe standard Portal isn't the only way to save today, either. You can also get the Portal TV down to the same low price of $99. That's a $50 discount and first ...

Whether you're a new runner, a budget shopper, a casual runner, or a seasoned expert, there are plenty of smartwatches to choose from. You'll discover that many of the best running watches also happen to be some of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. If you're craving a well-rounded experience that caters to your passion for running, you'll have a plethora of options available to you. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music continues to be the best running watch overall with long-lasting battery life, tons of advanced running features, and accurate activity tracking.Best overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 MusicIf you're a runner of any kind, chances are you've heard a thing or two about the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It's been around for two years, but this is one of those running watches that ages gracefully. Newer models continue to come out — from Garmin as well as other top brands — but the Forerunner 245 Music continues to be a go-to choice for many running enthusiasts....

Google Chrome is a powerful web browser. Yet it has grown into so much more than just a program to look up funny memes online. It also serves as the basis for some of our favorite computers like Chromebooks. Google continues to evolve the software and is always working on new features to make Chrome even better. In July 2021, Chrome 92 was released, and it packed a lot of new tools such as Chrome Actions. With this new feature, you get shortcuts to many helpful functions like translating a web page, updating your passwords, and even managing your security settings without leaving your browser. Let's get into how you can get more done, faster, with Chrome Actions.How to use Chrome ActionsChrome Actions allows you to access features within the browser faster by typing a trigger word into the search bar. Currently, Chrome Actions is only available on Chromebooks and PCs, but it will be coming soon to all compatible devices. As for how to start using Chrome Actions, here's a breakdow...

"Not another streaming service" is starting to become a common refrain amongst cord-cutters, with new options popping up every few months. Paramount Plus, however, isn't exactly a new service but a rebranded and majorly updated one.CBS All Access was previously known as the home of Big Brother live feeds, Star Trek: Discovery, and all the NCIS episodes you can stomach, while slowly accumulating shows and other content from networks like BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and even the Smithsonian Channel. The amount of content on the service would actually surprise anyone who believes it solely includes CBS shows, which is why it's no surprise that the name has now been officially changed to Paramount+.Paramount+ Streaming ServiceWhat is Paramount+?How much does Paramount+ cost?Are there any Paramount+ deals?Where is Paramount+ available?What's streaming on Paramount+?What devices support Paramount+?Account limits and profilesTry Paramount+ for freeParamount...

Qualcomm has cracked the code to truly great Bluetooth audio.What you need to knowQualcomm announces aptX Lossless audio technology over Bluetooth.The new aptX Lossless will bring CD-quality lossless audio to devices supporting Snapdragon Sound.Qualcomm expects the technology to be available later this year.Qualcomm has announced the next generation of Bluetooth audio with its new aptX Lossless Technology. The new feature is coming to next-generation earbuds equipped with Snapdragon Sound technology and will enable CD-quality audio over a Bluetooth connection.While many smartphones and computers are capable of lossless audio, Bluetooth connections often hinder the experience due to a lack of bandwidth. Current codecs like those from Sony can offer near-lossless audio, but there are still limitations that Qualcomm has apparently addressed with aptX Lossless.With aptX Lossless, users will experience CD-quality 16-bit 44.1kHz lossless audio from their Bluetooth earbuds and...

The original Surface Duo was a "hot mess," but the upcoming foldable phone could compete with Samsung's Z foldables.What you need to knowA virtual, public Microsoft Event on Wednesday, September 22, will focus on new Microsoft hardware.It begins at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p BT.We hope to see the Surface Duo 2, Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and other long-rumored products.On September 1, Microsoft released a cryptic tweet teasing its fall hardware event, which "you're invited" to attend. Online only, the event will focus on new Surface hardware.Microsoft hasn't given any hints of what products to expect at the event. However, we know from numerous leaks that the company is developing the Microsoft Surface Duo 2, a foldable phone set to clash against the Galaxy Z Fold 3.You’re invited.Learn more about the #MicrosoftEvent: https://t.co/tpK3TB8Xxb— Microsoft (@Microsoft) September 1, 2021The original Microsoft Surface Duo totally underwhelmed us in our tests, thanks to its...

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

Chargers always seem to be getting faster and smaller. With such a wide adoption of the Power Delivery (PD) standard, one high-powered PD charger can serve all the gear in your life, from your power-hungry laptop to your phone, power bank, and even your battery-sipping headphones. There are quite a few 60 to 65W wall chargers out there we trust with our gear, but the iSmart 61W GaN Charger charger is the best for size, adaptability, and reliability.Best overall: iSmart 61W GaN ChargerHigh-capacity chargers don't get any smaller than this right now, and iSmart's top-quality charger is actually one of the more affordable in the lineup. That adds to the hands-down best single-port 60W charger on the market, especially when you add in the excellent build quality and responsive customer service.You might need to flip this charger over to be completely sure the second plug on your wall outlet isn't obscured, but iSmart has the smallest footprint and is the easiest to pack up and po...

Voice control in your kitchen is truly a game-changer. Oftentimes, while you're cooking up a storm, your hands are either dirty or preoccupied. Imagine as you're multitasking through meal prep, being able to adjust songs on your playlist, pause a recipe video while you grab an ingredient, or find out how many ounces are in a gram without having to tap your phone's screen. There are plenty of helpful smart products for your kitchen that come with Google Assistant built-in. Here are some of the best kitchen products that support Google Assistant to help make cook and prep a breeze.Your guiding chefGoogle Nest Hub Smart Display - (2nd Gen)Staff PickImagine having your own assistant in the kitchen. While this smart display can't stir sauce or chop veggies, it can playback cooking videos for you to follow along with, let you add items to a shopping list, play music, do measurement conversions, set timers, and more, and it's all controllable with your voice.$100 at Best Buy$10...

Google wants to differentiate its Chrome OS devices with custom in-house chips.What you need to knowA new report claims Google will start using its own chips for its Chrome OS notebooks and tablets from 2023.The new chips are apparently based on Arm chip blueprints. Google's current Chrome OS device lineup uses chips from Intel.Google is working on its own chipsets for Chrome OS tablets and notebooks, according to Nikkei Asia. Sources familiar with the matter told the publication that Google is planning to start using the new chips from around 2023.Google was apparently "particularly inspired" by Apple's success in making its own chips for iPhones and Mac computers. It is hoping to differentiate its products with custom chips in the same way that Apple does.Google's new chips for Chrome OS devices are said to be based on blueprints from British chip designer Arm. While the search giant has experience building its own silicon for its data center cloud servers, it is hiri...

We are moving more and more into a high-tech future where even our small appliances and kitchen gadgets have smart features. Whether you're a smart kitchen guru or a total newbie, these easy-to-use smart gadgets are excellent additions to your home. Moving to smart devices can be a little scary, but adding some of these appliances will make your life much easier. And if you've already embraced the smart kitchen life, check out some of the best smart kitchen gadgets and appliances that can help complete your collection.Meat's best-friendThe MEATERStaff PickGuesswork? We don't know her. The MEATER works like a basic thermometer but takes it further by adding smart features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Combined with the MEATER app, this thermometer not only gives you recipes but also monitors your cook time. Plus, it lets you know when to pull meat from the heat and how long to let it rest for the perfectly cooked carnivorous experience.$69 at Amazon Brew comfortablyC...

Google is always coming up with new features, tools, and settings for its various products and services. Recently, Google Chrome received an update on desktop versions that enables you to log into multiple profiles on the browser at the same time. This helps you keep work and private accounts separate, or perhaps student and personal accounts completely separate. Here's how you can seamlessly switch between multiple profiles on Google Chrome.How to switch profiles in Google ChromeThe following steps apply only if you are already logged on to more than one account or profile in Google Chrome.Launch Google Chrome on your desktop.Click on your account picture in the upper right corner.Click on the profile you want to switch to.You have now successfully switched profiles on the desktop version of Chrome. If you haven't already signed in to another account on Chrome, the next tutorial will show you how to add a profile to Google Chrome.How to add profiles in Google Chrome...

Should Fitbit continue to exist as a hardware brand?Ever since Google announced that it would be acquiring Fitbit a few years ago (a move that formally went through earlier this year), pundits and fans of the humble fitness tracker have wondered what Google would do with the brand.Back in May, when Google announced a new partnership with Samsung to revitalize the Wear OS platform and ecosystem of products, Fitbit CEO James Park confirmed that the company's next smartwatch would run on the new Wear OS 3. But he didn't say much at the time about what would happen to the rest of the product lineup, like fitness trackers.Over the past few months, Fitbit has released some important new updates to its fitness tracker line, including the fashion-forward Luxe and the forthcoming Charge 5. Both sport new designs and the Charge 5 will even come equipped with some of the advanced sensors found on Fitbit's most premium smartwatch, the Sense, including the ability to take EDA (electrodermal...

Xiaomi's 11T Pro will be a follow-up to last year's Mi 10T Pro.What you need to knowOfficial-looking renders of Xiaomi's 11T and 11T Pro phones have surfaced.The renders reveal both phones will have an identical design with a centered hole-punch cutout and a square-ish camera module on the back. Xiaomi 11T Pro is rumored to feature a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 120Hz OLED display, and 120W fast charging.The first renders of Xiaomi's next flagship phones have leaked online, courtesy of tipster Ishan Agarwal and 91Mobiles. Unlike their predecessors, the upcoming Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro will not carry the Mi branding.The leaked renders reveal the Xiaomi 11T series phones will look fairly similar to the Mi 11X series devices that debuted in India alongside the flagship Mi 11 Ultra in April. Both phones feature a flat display with minimal bezels and a centered hole-punch cutout.They have a square-ish camera module on the back with two large sensors and a smaller tertiary sensor...

Best answer: Yes. Those who want to be connected at all times will benefit from buying a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 LTE model. It'll cost more than the standard Bluetooth model, but you'll never miss an important notification.Why pay more for a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 with LTE?In addition to being available in numerous sizes and colors, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 also comes in Bluetooth and LTE versions of the device. Many people buying a smartwatch to stay connected will benefit from going the extra mile and investing in a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 LTE model.The starting price point for these watches is reasonable, but it does get more expensive when you add LTE to the mix. When determining whether this is a worthwhile investment, there are a couple of important factors to consider. If you're buying the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 to take advantage of the excellent health and fitness tracking, LTE might appeal to you. After all, you can leave your phone at home when you hit the gym or go f...

Many Google Chrome users may have noticed something a little different as they open new tabs from their desktop. Similar to the "Discover" cards seen on your phone's Chrome browser, Chrome now has suggestions cards listed at the bottom of your search bar. On a desktop, these cards display information such as your recent shopping carts or those late-night searches for recipes. If you're seeing these cards on your computer and would like to remove them, it's really simple to turn them off. Let's get started.How to remove suggestions from Chrome's new tab pages on desktopOpen Google Chrome on your desktop.Open a new tab.Click on Customize Chrome.Click on Cards.Choose Hide all cards to remove all suggestions.Alternatively, if you'd like to customize your cards, choose the suggestions you'd like to see by selecting them individually.Do take note that this 'suggestions' feature for Google Chrome on desktops seems to be relatively new. It is likely that Google quietly st...

Although Samsung removed the ability to use Samsung Pay with MST terminals, it's still arguably the best mobile payment service for Android. Not only is it a home for your credit and debit cards, but you can also store things like rewards cards right from some of the best Samsung phones. More recently, Samsung partnered with CommonHealth so that you can digitally store your vaccination card in Samsung Pay. Here's how you can get started.How to upload vaccination card in Samsung PayOpen the Play Store app on your Samsung phone. Download CommonHealth from the Play Store. Open the CommonHealth app after it's finished downloading.Follow the on-screen steps to add your vaccination record to CommonHealth.Once your vaccination card has been added, click the Add to Samsung Pay link.Open Samsung Pay, and click COVID-19 Vaccine Pass.After your Vaccine Pass is uploaded into Samsung Pay, it's easily accessible right from the home screen. All you need to do from that point is cli...

It may take a few days for the feature to reach all Philips Hue App 4 users.What you need to knowSignify has announced a new range of Hue smart lights.The lineup includes four new gradient-enabled products and White ambiance filament bulbs.Signify has also announced its first-ever deep integration of Hue smart lights with Spotify.Signify, which makes some of the best smart lights, has taken the wraps off a new lineup of Hue products — including four new filament bulbs that can change their color temperature, brighter Hue bulbs, a "light tube" designed to sit above or below your TV, as well as new bathroom and ceiling lights.The new Philips Hue Play gradient light tube blends multiple colors of light in a single lamp. Similar to the Hue Play gradient lightstrip that Signify launched last year, the new light tube can sync the colors with what's on your TV screen to provide a more immersive viewing experience.Signify's smart bulb collection now include Filament bulbs in ...

Android 12 is drifting ever closer to its final release on Pixel phones, with beta 4 available now.Android 11 made significant improvements to Google's mobile OS, adding tools like chat bubbles, conversation notifications, and a built-in screen recorder. But most of its improvements were in the backend, making it rather unexciting compared to iOS 14's flashy changes. This year, it's Android 12 that's making a snazzy entrance.Labeled by Google as "the biggest design change in Android's history," Android 12 has a colorful redesign called Material You. The new OS customizes and enlivens your phone screen without needing an Android launcher or icon pack. Beyond that, Android 12 will add quality-of-life improvements like a Privacy Dashboard, scrollable screenshots, approximate location, faster animations, smarter notifications, and tons of other long-requested features.Android 12 should arrive in about a month, at least on some of the best Android phones, including all Google Pi...

How much do you trust big tech to protect your children?About a month and a half ago, Bloomberg reported that Amazon had apparently been working on a wearable device aimed at kids ages 4-12. The device, allegedly codenamed "Seeker," would cost $99 and was rumored to feature built-in GPS to help parents keep track of their children, Alexa voice access to allow kids to message their parents, and access to curated Amazon Kids+ content (with a $2.99/month subscription). Android Central reached out to Amazon for more information of the report, but the company declined to comment at this time.Amazon was supposedly exploring the possibility of adding the Seeker device to its 2020 product lineup, but it has yet to see the light of day, and perhaps it never will. However, over the past year, Amazon has been actively working on expanding its wearable offerings, including the second-generation Echo Frames and Echo Buds, as well as its Halo fitness wearable and service.Among the major diff...

Android 11 brings much-needed privacy and security features alongside exciting UI changes.Android 11 continues to push Google's vision of Android forward. With Android 11, Google made a few tweaks to refine the platform instead of making wholesale changes. Privacy is a big focus with Android 11, with Google introducing one-time permissions and granular control over what sort of data you share.There are new features to get excited about as well — the power button menu picked up a massive overhaul, the Conversations view does a great job highlighting your messages, and there are little tweaks throughout the interface that give it an added polish.Android 11 is powering the best Android phones of 2021, and manufacturers are doing a better job rolling out the update to their 2020 phones. So here's everything you need to know about all the new features in Android 11, and when your phone will receive the update. Google is set to introduce Android 12 shortly, with the update offeri...

Just how much do you want to know about yourself?In late 2020, Amazon surprised us all with an intriguing product drop in the form of the Amazon Halo band, a holistic fitness wearable that has some fairly ambitious capabilities hidden in a pretty non-descript, understated wrist strap.Like every other fitness tracker on the market today, the Amazon Halo has sensors and software to track your steps, heart rate, and sleep, and it can even analyze your overall activity levels. In addition, there is a Halo subscription plan that provides access to guided workouts, training plans, and enhanced health metrics similar to what Fitbit Premium offers. It is $3.99/month, but the device comes with a free six-month trial, just like Fitbit's latest wearables.What's more interesting about the Halo are its voice tone and body composition analysis capabilities. Amazon touts how secure this personal data is on its platform, but you will likely either be fascinated by these new features or be terr...

A OnePlus 9 upgrade could arrive this fall. Here's what we know so far.The OnePlus phone release schedule used to be beautifully straightforward: the Chinese phone maker would release a flagship sometime in spring or early summer, followed by a T model with some minor improvements on the original in late fall. Last year's OnePlus 8T improved on the OnePlus 8 with its 120Hz AMOLED display and 65W charging at a slightly higher price than the 8. Simple!But recently, OnePlus started shipping its phones in more markets — and made its lineup more complicated. "Pro" phones appeared in 2019, followed by a surge of mid-range phones like the OnePlus Nord 2 and budget handsets like the OnePlus Nord N200 5G. To top it off, the OnePlus 9R launched earlier this year, which our reviewer noted was essentially a rebranded OnePlus 8T.In the midst of this crowded lineup and a global chip shortage, OnePlus has apparently decided to forego the OnePlus 9T. Android Central's Asia Editor Harish Jonn...

The One UI 4 beta begins in September and brings Android 12 to the Galaxy S21.Update, Sep 1 (3:15 a.m. ET): U.S. rollout details revealedWhat you need to knowSamsung is beginning the One UI 4 beta program in September, starting with the Galaxy S21.One UI is the name Samsung's themed version of Android and contains many features that stock Android does not.The One UI 4 beta is built atop Android 12, likely bringing a slew of changes along with Android's biggest UI update yet.Looks like Galaxy S21 owners won't have to wait too long to experience Android 12, as Samsung Korea's One UI 4 beta is beginning sometime in September. One UI 4 is the next major version of Samsung's themed version of Android, this time build atop Android 12, and is expected to be rolled out to more devices later in the year. For now, though, Galaxy S21 owners look to be in the elite group that gets the ability to sign up for the beta.The Samsung Community forum Beta Operations Manager posted the new...

The Galaxy A52s 5G takes the fight to Xiaomi's Mi 11X series phones.What you need to knowSamsung's mid-range Galaxy A52s 5G is now official in India.The phone comes with a Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset and a 120Hz AMOLED display.It is now available to purchase in India at a starting price of ₹35,999 (about $493). Samsung's Galaxy A52s 5G, which made its global debut last month, has now made its way to India. Except for a more powerful chipset, however, the phone is largely similar to the Galaxy A52 5G.The Galaxy A52s 5G has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a centered hole-punch cutout for the 32MP selfie camera. It features Qualcomm's 6nm Snapdragon 778G 5G processor, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Announced in May this year, the Snapdragon 778G touts 40% faster CPU performance and 40% faster graphics compared to the previous generation.In the camera department, the Galaxy A52s 5G has a quad-lens setup on...

Create a shared playlist with your friend and check your music compatibility score.What you need to knowSpotify announced that its Blend shared playlist has exited beta testing.The feature provides a personalized experience that allows two friends to combine their music tastes.Blend is available to both free and premium users worldwide.Spotify debuted Blend in June as part of beta testing alongside the "Only You" feature to personalize your listening experience. The new feature is now officially available to all users worldwide with some nifty improvements.Blend initially allowed two users to combine their favorite songs in a shared playlist. The updated feature now lets you compare your listening preferences with your friends' through a "taste match score". The score will show how compatible your musical tastes are with those of your friend.To create a shared playlist with a friend, you can simply tap the "Create Blend" option in the For You hub in the mobile app and...

You won't be able to sign in or play many of your games right now.Update 7:50 p.m. ET: PlayStation confirms that all services are back online.What you need to knowThe PlayStation Network appears to be down on PS5, PS4, PS3, Vita, and the web.All services, from gaming and social to account management, are affected.PlayStation has not acknowledged the maintenance and has not stated when service plans to be restored.Sony's PlayStation Network appears to be down across all PlayStation platforms, including PS5 and PS4. A number of people on social media have been reporting their difficulties signing in and accessing anything from their account, and a look at PlayStation's status website shows that all services are affected at the moment.Down Detector has also seen a huge spike in reports regarding PSN in the past hour across the United States. According to Sony's website, these issues have been persisting since 2:34pm ET on August 31.If you try to access your PlayStation a...

A 'Lite' version of the OnePlus Buds Pro with active noise canceling could be in the works.What you need to knowA new rumor suggests that OnePlus is developing a "Lite" version of the Buds Pro.The rumored wireless earbuds will reportedly come cheap while keeping the Pro version's ANC feature.It could take some time before the product hits the market.OnePlus recently launched the OnePlus Buds Pro with quite a bunch of premium features including active noise canceling for $150. But if that price tag is a bit too much for your budget, you might be pleased to learn that the company could be working on a cheaper version of the truly wireless earbuds.The rumored "Lite" edition of the Buds Pro will reportedly keep some of the key features of OnePlus' premium earbuds such as ANC while cutting down the price. This information comes from leaker Max Jambor who shared the rumor on Twitter.1+ is working on a new - lower priced - pair of headphones with ANC. Some sort of Lite edition...

Leading the packSamsung Galaxy Watch 4 ClassicFrom $350 at SamsungFrom $350 at AmazonFrom $350 at Best BuyProsRuns new Wear OS 3Fast and power-efficient processorMore RAM and storageAdvanced health sensorsPhysical rotating bezel for navigationConsMore expensiveCurrently, no Google AssistantSome health features are locked to Samsung phonesThe Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is the crown jewel of Samsung's wearable lineup. This smartwatch can do almost everything, from the new BioActive health sensor to the latest version of Wear OS. However, those features don't come cheap, and some of them only work with Samsung phones. You also won't be able to access your Google Assistant at this time.Battery kingMobvoi TicWatch Pro 3$300 at Amazon $280 at Walmart$255 at MobvoiProsGood performanceGoogle Assistant availabilityExcellent battery lifeSolid set of health featuresDual-layer display is fantastic for outdoor viewingConsWon't get Wear OS 3 ...

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 S7Staff 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.$529 at Amazon$650 at Best Buy$650 at B&HThin is inSamsung Galaxy Tab S6 LiteIf 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 Galaxy Tab S6 Lite wi...

You can change it every six months if you want a new one.What you need to knowStadia players can now change their usernames and the feature is rolling out through tomorrow, September 1.Players will be able to manually change their names every 180 days.Stadia Founders will have to contact support to change their unique username to include appended numbers, but can change back to an un-appended name after 180 days.Stadia players will now be able to manually change their usernames with some restrictions as the feature is rolling out today through tomorrow, September 1, Google announced in a post on the official Stadia subreddit.According to the announcement, players will have the ability to change their Stadia name every 180 days since the last name change or account creation, depending on which is more recent. Users can change it by clicking on their profile icon in the top-right corner of the Stadia homepage, select Stadia Settings, then click on "Change your name" under t...

Believe it or not, there are plenty of great, inexpensive smartphones out there that you want to consider, so we've decided to round up the best Android phones under $200. Smartphones that cost $1,000 and more have quickly become commonplace in the market, and for anyone on a budget, those steep prices can quickly induce a headache. If you need a new handset but only have a couple of hundred bucks to spend, the Moto G Fast is our top favorite with three cameras and a large screen to enjoy all those photos and videos. Today, we're not only talking about the Moto G Fast, but seven other phones that bring tremendous value to the low-end space.Best overall Android phone under $200: Moto G FastThe Moto G Fast hits the very top of our $200 budget, and all things considered, it's the best phone you can buy when looking at Android devices this cheap.G Fast's hardware is built far better than you'd expect for a phone in this price tier. It feels substantial when held, doesn't rattle o...

Sam Tolbert teams up with Carli and Rebecca for their analysis of everything announced at Gamescom 2021. They also check out Call of Duty: Vanguard, Saints Row, and chat about why you shouldn't preorder Halo Infinite.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:DFEH says Activision Blizzard interfering with workplace investigation | Windows CentralOverwatch is changing McCree's name after namesake fired from Blizzard | Windows CentralNiantic restores pandemic bonus for US in Pokémon Go | iMoreXbox Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows CentralOpening Night Live Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows CentralWhy Saints Row is a reboot: 'Those were games of a time' | Windows CentralCall of Duty: Vanguard preview — A return to the fictional past | Windows CentralDon't preorder Halo I...

Hey, Google. Remind me to go back to the office in JanuaryWhat you need to knowGoogle CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that it has extended its current in-office policy until January 10, 2022.This is due to the rising cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant.Employees are also being given two "global reset days" in the upcoming quarter.In a blog post, Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed its plans for employees to return to its offices. Pichai shared that staff won't be required to return until January 10, 2022, as the Delta variant of COVID-19 is forcing other companies to hit pause on resuming work-life as normal. First, as offices continue to reopen, we hope to see more teams coming together where possible, whether it be for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions around a whiteboard, or outdoor socials. For some locations, conditions are starting to improve, yet in many parts of the world the pandemic continues to create uncertainty. Acknowledging that, we'll extend our glo...