Latest from Android Central

The new shortcut is tailor-made for Pixel smartphone owners.What you need to knowGoogle is making it easier for Pixel phone owners to quickly access their Pixel Buds settings on their devices.There is now an option to add a shortcut widget for the Pixel Buds, which places a new app-style icon on the home screen.This feature is rolling out in an update to the Pixel Buds app, version 1.0.3909.Google's Pixel Buds and Pixel Buds A-Series are some of the best wireless earbuds that you can buy for your Android phone. While most Android phones have had a Pixel Buds app for several years now that provides quick device settings access, the experience of using the true wireless earbuds with a Pixel smartphone has finally caught up thanks to the addition of a new home screen widget option in Android 11.Spotted by 9to5Google, this widget feature is made possible thanks to a new version of the Pixel Buds app — version 1.0.3909. Once the app is updated, Pixel smartphone owners can lo...

What you need to knowThe COVID Alert app in Canada has reduced cases in the thousands and has saved nearly 100 lives.The new study found issues collecting data where people didn't download the app, had a language barrier, or where the app was unavailable.Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia saw high success rates.Over the course of five months, Canada's COVID Alert smartphone app has reduced the number of cases in the country between 6,284 and 10,894, an independent study has concluded.The study, which was conducted by four researchers from McGill University in Montreal, indicates that the app has saved between 57 and 101 lives but that only a few Canadians have used it. The COVID Alert app saved many lives with a relatively modest rate of adoption."With even relatively modest adoption, as in Newfoundland and Labrador, our modeling suggests that the COVID Alert app was able to avert a substantial proportion of cases," Erica Moodie, a biostatistics professor at M...

Do you want to play Android games in your Netflix app?What you need to knowNetflix has added Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3 Android games to Netflix app in Poland.The streaming giant confirmed in July that subscribers would get mobile games as part of their subscription.No word yet on the timeline for adding Android games to the US Android app, or to iOS.A month after Netflix confirmed it would add games to its mobile app, the Netflix Geeked Twitter account announced that Polish subscribers "can try Netflix mobile gaming on Android" starting with two Stranger Things Android ports.Undoubtedly, this is a test run for pushing the Android gaming feature out globally. We'll have to see whether or not these apps all tie in with the best Netflix shows and Originals, or if Netflix just starts adding fun games to play."It's very, very early days and we've got a lot of work to do in the months ahead, but this is the first step," the tweet stated. According to the acc...

The nearly two-year-old Galaxy Watch Active 2 continues to be extremely popular among consumers.What you need to knowThe global smartwatch market grew 27% YoY in Q2 2021.Apple remained the world's largest smartphone vendor, but its market share declined slightly due to intensifying competition. Samsung's smartwatch shipments rose 43% YoY. The global smartwatch market finally recovered and grew 27% in the second quarter of the year, according to the latest Global Smartwatch Model Tracker from Counterpoint Research. The sub-$100 smartwatch segment grew by a whopping 547% YoY during the April to June period, which points to the growing popularity of budget smartwatches.Unsurprisingly, Apple was the top smartwatch maker in terms of shipments. However, its market share declined from 30.1% last year to 28%. Analysts at Counterpoint Research attribute the decline to "intensifying competition with Chinese and Indian brands." Despite the slight decline in market share, Apple Watch...

Oculus is building a new version of cloud storage.What you need to knowA few Oculus developers noted issues with cloud storage and syncing in their games.Oculus announced it is building a new version of the platform's cloud storage feature.The company recommends that all developers discontinue use of the cloud save storage feature immediately to prevent problems.Oculus revealed it is building a new version of its cloud storage feature for Oculus Quest 2 and other headsets after a few developers noticed it was causing issues with its games.Earlier this week, developers behind virtual reality puzzle game Cubism and multiplayer cooking game Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale noted on Twitter that its players were experiencing issues caused by cloud syncing. The Cubism studio said it had disabled cloud storage in its game, while Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale studio told players not to delete the game or risk lost progression until the issue is resolved.Oculus released a statement on its...

There are plenty of Alexa-enabled devices out there today, and making your home smarter and more secure is easier than ever with Amazon Alexa smart locks. One of the most significant conveniences in a home can come from installing a smart lock, so you never have to fish a key out again, and you can also manage guests easier. These are the best smart locks that support Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, although our favorite is the August Smart Lock Pro, which is stylish, easy to install, and works with most smart homes.Best overall: August Smart Lock ProThe Smart Lock Pro is a stylish lock that works with most existing deadbolts, meaning you don't need to replace your keys to use it. Instead, you can lock and unlock the door with an Alexa command, or the door can automatically unlock as you approach it with your smartphone. It supports smart home standards like Z-Wave Plus and Apple's HomeKit and includes a Connect bridge that allows it to work over Wi-Fi. That included bridge is ...

Best answer: If you want to keep your current phone, it needs to be unlocked and compatible with a new carrier. To keep your number, you need to port the number with the new carrier. Remember not to cancel your old account until the port is complete.Which carrier should you switch to?There are some great cell phone plans available, but the most important thing is the network when it comes down to it. It's no good signing up for a phone plan if you can't use it everywhere you go.While all carriers have made huge strides in recent years to make sure they offer service where most Americans live, some rural areas still strongly favor one carrier. T-Mobile has the strongest 5G network, but AT&T and Verizon tend to have greater coverage in rural areas. You'll need to check out the coverage maps for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon before signing up to be sure.If you like a carrier's network but not the plans, it's time to check out an MVNO. The best MVNOs can save you money by g...

The newest version of Android is here, and you can install it right now.After long months of testing, the Android 12 beta is here, which means that the build is now more stable and ready for use as a daily driver.Along with a major change to the look called Material You, Android 12 comes with a bunch of new privacy features that may or may not be useful.The public Android 12 beta is available for Pixel phones along with the best Android phones from the likes of Xiaomi, ASUS, OPPO, TCL, OnePlus, and more (full list below). The latest version is Android 12 beta 4.1, and here's how you can install it on your phone, whether you're using a Pixel or any of the 15 third-party phones that have joined the beta.Jump to:Eligible devicesAndroid Beta program Android Flash ToolAndroid Factory ImagesWhich phones can download the Android 12 Beta?There are nine phones from Google that are eligible for the Android 12 beta:Pixel 3Pixel 3 XLPixel 3aPixel 3a XLPixel 4Pixel ...

Google's own carrier offering definitely has appealing features.If you're an Android enthusiast, you likely know about Google Fi. But that doesn't mean you necessarily know everything about it. And now that the service has opened up to everyone with an unlocked phone, there's a lot to get caught up on. So we're here to give you a high-level view of the carrier that comes directly from Google. Namely, just what the heck it is, how it works compared to other carriers, and maybe a few reasons why you'd want to try it.Jump to:How does Google Fi Work?What are the best phones for Google Fi?Does Google Fi support 5G?How to contact Google Fi supportSwitching to Google FiNo surprisesGoogle FiFrom $20/mo. at Google FiLet your phone pick the best networkThinking about your phone carrier usually isn't good, but Google Fi manages to be an afterthought with network switching and a great app. Google Fi eliminates overages and makes international travel a breeze. It's t...

Among the best Android phones with headphone jacks, you'll find plenty of last-gen and budget-lineup phones. Phone manufacturers frequently ditch 3.5mm jacks for their flagship phones despite being one of the most-requested features from smartphone buyers. So it isn't a given that your next Android phone will have one. Thankfully, some companies have heard the call and kept the headphone jack around. These are the best Android phones with headphone jacks available today.Immortal batteryGoogle Pixel 5a 128 GBStaff Pick$449 at Google StoreThe Pixel 5a evolves Google's take on a budget phone, with better hardware and new specs alongside the same amazing camera. You'll be stumped by its undying battery, and best yet, it's retained the headphone jack, unlike the higher-end Pixel phones.Mid-range kingSamsung Galaxy A52 5G 128GBFlagship devices no longer come with audio jacks, but at least the mid-rangers are still clinging on. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is an excel...

Team Magenta lands in big box storesWhat you need to knowT-Mobile has announced plans to expand into nearly 3,000 Best Buy and Walmart locations.These will be 'full-service' locations placed within the stores.Customers are able to manage their accounts, activate new lines, upgrade lines, and more.When you walk into a Best Buy or Walmart location, chances are you see offerings from most of the best wireless carriers. This means AT&T and Verizon are front and center, but coming soon, you'll also see T-Mobile. Earlier today, T-Mobile confirmed (via The T-Mobile Report) plans to expand into more than 2,200 Walmart locations, along with 1,000 Best Buy stores. Of those 2,200 Walmart / T-Mobile locations, 1,000 of those will be located in "underserved rural areas."But instead of you just working with your favorite Best Buy Mobile employee, these will be full-service locations within the stores. Think of it as a mini T-Mobile store found within the Best Buy or Walmart. At the...

Making your mid-size TV feel movie theater big.Govee lights have been making it easier for me to achieve my dream of creating the most exciting and immersive smart lighting experience in my entertainment area. When looking for an excellent smart light, there are many choices out there. However, if you are trying to find a way to make your next movie or gaming session truly pull you in, that list of choices is much shorter — but the Govee Flow Pro light bars aim to top that list.The Govee Flow Pro light bars are designed to add some ambiance to your TV or gaming monitor. While backlighting is nothing new, lights that react to what is happening on the screen are far less common — especially at an affordable price. But that's what you get with these smart LED light bars, thanks to the ColorSense camera that analyzes the action on the screen for the lights to mimic. But, how well does it work? Let's talk about that.Govee Flow Pro review:Price and availabilityWhat's good ...

YouTube's approach to tackling misinformation involves ratcheting up information from authoritative sources and quickly removing videos with harmful misinformation.What you need to knowMore than a million videos containing coronavirus misinformation have been removed by YouTube since last year.Around 10 million videos are taken down by YouTube each quarter for violating community guidelines. YouTube says it will continue to improve its systems to tackle misinformation on its platform. YouTube has removed over 1 million videos with "dangerous coronavirus information" such as false cures and hoax claims since February last year, according to a blog post by the Google-owned video platform's Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan.As per the blog post, YouTube removes approximately 10 million videos each quarter. Most of the videos that violate YouTube's community guidelines are removed even before reaching 10 views. The executive adds that "bad content" accounts for a tiny percenta...

Wearables with LTE connectivity are made for users who don't want to bring their phones to every workout or activity. What's more, they're becoming increasingly popular these days. While everyone has a preference, we feel confident naming the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 as the best LTE smartwatch. It offers a seamless blend of smartwatch features, smooth performance, and detailed health/fitness tracking that most users will appreciate. Fortunately, there are several other options to choose from if you're looking for something different.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are two of the latest watches from the company. Most importantly, there's a major change this time around. Rather than running Tizen OS, these watches are on the new Wear OS 3 platform. As you can imagine, the Samsung-Google merger creates a slightly different experience. Users will appreciate having better app support, for starters. The Galaxy Watch 4 also d...

Data breaches will always happen, and it's never your fault. But it is up to you to fix any damage.T-Mobile just fell victim to yet another breach of customer data. We hear about this more and more as so many companies are now in the data collection business, and things aren't likely to change. Unfortunately, it's a lot easier to collect and keep data than it is to properly protect it from hackers.T-Mobile offers good service and sells the best Android phones, so it has billions of dollars to repair any damage on its end, but what do we need to know (and more importantly, do) when our data gets exposed by another party? We need to know this because no company is going to offer any real help to the actual victims of a corporate data breach. Instead, we get free fraud monitoring and a pat on the head. Don't just depend on a service to catch someone using your stolen data — auditing yourself is easy and can fix bad things before they happen.What you need to know about the T-Mobi...

The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new smartphone protected, but they'll keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or something rugged, you have options with a phone as popular as the Galaxy 21. The best part of all is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for the long term. Here are some of the best Galaxy S21 cases you can buy today.Colorful and well-texturedCasology Nano PopStaff PickThe Galaxy S21 is the first Android phone to get Caseology's Nano Pop Series, and it was 110% worth the wait. The texturing on this case is grippier than Casology's longtime favorite Parallax, and the color combos here are bold, beautiful, and absolutely pop around the camera cutout on the S21.$16 at Amazon $18 at WalmartSlim grip and gritRingke Onyx SeriesIf you want to add some grip to your slippery little Samsung, Ringke's Onyx series has two va...

You can adjust when Assistant commands are triggered using Google Home's new time adjustments option.What you need to knowA new feature to delay actions in custom Google Assistant routines has been spotted in the Google Home app.The new capability lets you set an amount of time before a specific action in your routines starts.It is available to some users in the UK for now.Routines are one of Google Assistant's coolest features as they let you trigger a series of tasks by just saying a specific command, but there's currently no way you can control when those actions start. Now, it looks like Google Home has added a new option to delay your Assistant commands.A Reddit user (u/Droppedthe_ball) posted a screenshot of a new Google Home app feature that lets you adjust the time for a specific task in your routines to start. The new time adjustments option comes in handy during certain moments when you don't want some of the best Google Home compatible devices such as your be...

Google is just following in Apple and Samsung's footsteps, after all.The Google Pixel 6 hasn't been fully unveiled yet, but amid Samsung's Galaxy foldable news, Google announced that it wouldn't be including charging adaptors with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Google shared the news with The Verge but has not yet confirmed the details with Android Central at the time of this article's publication.Not everyone was happy with this news, as evidenced by a recent poll Android Central conducted. Most of our readers said that companies should ship a charger in the box, which makes sense to me on some level. Until recently, the charging adapter was a staple of the smartphone unboxing experience. While extras like headphones and cleaning cloths were never a given, the charging adapter was always expected. That was until October 2020, when Apple announced it was doing away with that custom with the launch of the iPhone 12. And much like it did previously when it removed the headphone jack,...

Samsung has taken more than a few cracks at different product categories, and smartwatches have been no exception. Every year, there are several attempts at getting it just right through new smartwatches and fitness trackers. We take a look at some of the best smartwatches available, including the latest of the bunch with the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and its foray into the realm of Wear OS. Hint: It's really good.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 ClassicThe Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is the culmination of all the hard work that Samsung and Google have been working on to reimagine Wear OS. All of the Samsung Galaxy smartwatches since 2014 have used the company's own operating system called Tizen, and its move to the best Samsung smartwatch OS is a welcomed change for Android smartphone fans.The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic keeps all of the wonderful features that Samsung smartwatch enthusiasts have enjoyed for years. By switching to Wear OS, users are gaining access to Google Services ...

Xiaomi says business performance across all segments reached historic highs in the April to June period.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2021.Xiaomi shipped a total of 52.6 million phones during the quarter.Twelve million of them were "premium" devices priced at or above €300.Xiaomi today shared its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The Chinese tech giant posted total revenue of 87.8 billion yuan (about $13.5 billion) during the quarter, an increase of 64% over the same period last year. Net profit, on the other hand, jumped 87.4% YoY to 6.3 billion yuan ($971 million).Xiaomi became the second largest smartphone brand globally in Q2 2021, with shipments growing 86.8% YoY to reach 52.9 million units. As per data from Canalys, the company's global market share stood at 16.7% during the second quarter. More interestingly, Xiaomi also saw a significant rise in shipments of premium s...

Is Google putting too much faith in Samsung?The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is here, bringing with it our first look at the new Wear OS 3 experience aimed at taking on the Apple Watch. For years, Google and Samsung have been working towards the same goal — providing a viable Android smartwatch experience. And recently, the two companies have put aside their differences and "joined forces," so-to-speak, with Wear OS 3.However, now that the Galaxy Watch 4 is actually here, things don't feel as rosy as they did back at Google I/O 2021. You see, when Samsung and Google took the stage together to announce this new joint effort, I had high hopes that we would be seeing Samsung's excellent hardware paired with Google's optimized-for-Android wearable experience. But there are still some important features that I expected to see with the Watch 4 that still aren't here yet. Samsung remains committed to the Bixby experience, even after partnering with Google on Wear OS 3.The first of wh...

Half a decade later, we look back at the most catastrophic smartphone launch in history.In the early 2020s, big-screened smartphones are a dime a dozen. But it wasn't always that way. The Samsung Galaxy Note started out in 2011 as an oddity, loved by a small hardcore fanbase but derided in other quarters for being comically oversized, looking like a slice of toast, requiring cargo pants to haul around, and having a goofy built-in stylus.Within a few years, the Note had become a tentpole of Samsung's smartphone range, arriving each year around six months after the Galaxy S. The Note was not just the largest mainstream phone you'd see on store shelves in most Western countries, but also one of the best Android phones in any given year, as Samsung packed in hardware upgrades to justify ever-climbing price tags. The fanbase continued to grow, with the Note faithful often claiming that the only phone that could truly replace a Note was another Note. The Note 7 saga sta...

Google Drive is one of the best cloud services you can use to back up your data. Google recently changed its old desktop app, Backup and Sync, to a new app called Drive. This app syncs files from the cloud to your computer locally and vice versa. One built-in capability is to backup photos to either Google Drive, Google Photos, or both. It's a straightforward process, and we'll show you how to do it.Since Google made the change from Backup and Sync, the process has changed a bit. Therefore, the first steps you must complete are to download and install the new app. If you have already done that, please skip over these steps and continue on with the steps to back up your photos below.Jump to:How to install DriveHow to back up photos to DriveShould I upload to Google Drive, Google Photos, or both?How to install and set up Drive on your Windows PCGo to Drive's download page.Click Download Drive for Desktop, then click Open on the dialog box that opens.When the dow...

Synology's new file transfer service makes it easier than ever to send large files securely.Synology is making a big play for cloud services with the C2 family. It introduced a free password manager called C2 Password a month ago, and is now rolling out C2 Transfer, a secure file transfer service that lets you share files of up to 20GB. C2 Transfer lets you set download limits and add watermarks — and all data is end-to-end encrypted.C2 Transfer is now live, and as an added incentive, Synology is allowing a generous 90-day free trial for anyone interested in taking a look at the service. While C2 Password is aimed at regular users, Synology is targeting business with C2 Transfer; the service is designed to allow organizations to send "important and potentially sensitive" data to clients securely.With C2 Transfer, you'll be able to send files up to 20GB in size, and there are safeguards to ensure only the intended recipient gets to view the data. You'll be able to furnish...

The company has also launched two new Mi Notebooks featuring Intel Tiger Lake processors.What you need to knowXiaomi launched the Mi Smart Band 6 in India at its Smarter Living 2022 event today.The company also unveiled an all-new Mi Notebook Ultra, Mi TV 5X, and the Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition. The Mi Band 6 will soon be available to purchase in the country from August 30 for ₹3,499 (about $47). The Mi Band 6, which was announced in China in March this year, has finally made its way to India. Xiaomi launched the new Mi Smart Band 6 in the country at its Smarter Living 2022 event, alongside a bunch of other new products.The Mi Smart Band 6, which is Xiaomi's best fitness tracker yet, features a 1.56-inch AMOLED display with 152 x 486 resolution and claimed peak brightness of 450 nits. It packs a 125mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims can provide up to 14 days of standby time. The fitness band also offers 30 sport modes, six auto-detection modes, continuous heart-rate moni...

Xiaomi's biggest TV is also its best.My TV viewing habits over the course of the pandemic have been erratic to say the least. I dove into my Netflix queue with gusto last August only to be immediately letdown with the quality of the content; Netflix's strategy of greenlighting every idea it comes across is starting to wear thin.And even though I have plenty of great TV shows and movies to stream from Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Video, and the more niche services (MUBI is an easy recommendation), I just couldn't get myself to do so for most of 2021. Other than the bi-weekly Formula 1 event, I didn't bother with switching on the TV for most of 2021. Although I got the Mi QLED TV over four months ago, I didn't stream enough content to justify writing a full review.Instead, I read a lot of books; I aim to hit at least 75 books a year, but I fell woefully short of that goal last year , so I tried to change things in 2021. I went through 30 books in the last four months, including a yearl...

Get ready for a season of American Horror Story unlike anything you've seen before as this time around, season 10 of the show will be split into two parts with separate storylines and we have all the details on how you can watch American Horror Story: Double Feature on TV or online.The popular anthology horror series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk first premiered back in 2011 and so far nine seasons of the show have aired on FX. After being announced in 2018 and going into production last year, season 10 of American Horror Story was pushed back to this year as a result of the pandemic.In a first for the series, American Horror Story season 10 also known as American Horror Story: Double Feature will be split into two parts that tell separate stories. Episodes one through six will tell a story called Red Tide while episodes seven to ten will tell a story called Death Valley. According to Murphy, one of the two stories will take place by the sea (Red Sand) while the other w...

Your Samsung TV may or may not have pre-installed tech that can cripple it from afar.What you need to knowCalled the "Television Block Function," Samsung's new tech detects when stolen TVs connect to the internet and automatically disables them.Samsung South Africa reported that "all Samsung TV sets" have the feature, though we're unclear if it's regional or global.We also don't know whether Samsung will allow consumers to report their TVs serial numbers; so far, the feature may be restricted to warehouses and businesses.After television sets were stolen from a Samsung warehouse in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa during the Zuma riots last month, Samsung activated an anti-theft feature designed to remotely cripple any stolen TV set the moment someone tries to take it online.In a news post spotted by The Verge, the company outlined how the system works. When you first activate your TV by taking it online, Samsung's servers detect that TVs serial number; if that number is on th...

Google and other companies pledged to help improve the nation's cybersecurity.What you need to knowGoogle has announced a $10 billion commitment to improving U.S. cybersecurity.Google's pledge includes training Americans in IT and Data analytics, expanding security programs, and enhancing open-source security.Other companies such as Apple and Microsoft have also pledged commitments to cybersecurity efforts.Google has announced a $10 billion investment over the next five years towards cybersecurity improvements. The announcement comes just after several tech companies, including Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, met with President Joe Biden to address U.S. cyber threats and commit to advancing cybersecurity efforts.Kent Walker, senior vice president of Global Affairs at Google, lays out several initiatives that the company plans to implement to help the country's efforts. That includes expanding zero-trust guidelines for high-level security within the federal government, pledg...

Paid content will be available to listeners in other countries starting September 15.What you need to knowSpotify has opened its podcast subscriptions program to all U.S. podcasters.The price points for subscription have been expanded to 20 from the original three options.International listeners will have access to subscriber-only content from September 15.Spotify launched its paid podcast subscriptions for testing back in April with a limited number of creators. The company has now expanded the program, allowing all podcasters in the U.S. to sell subscriptions to their listeners.The program is available through Anchor, Spotify's podcast creation and distribution platform, and podcasters can offer select episodes as subscriber-only content. Beyond Spotify, they can also publish their content to other platforms through a private RSS feed.Creators can charge their subscribers a specific amount from 20 different price points, starting as low as $0.49 per month. But befor...

While the Oculus Quest 2 has built-in speakers, they're not designed for proper surround sound. You can plug in any 3.5mm headphones — or some USB-C headphones — but most headphones' cords are too long and will dangle annoyingly from the headset. Your old Quest 1 headphones won't work, nor will wireless earbuds. We've collected the best Oculus Quest 2 headphones that are designed specifically for the headset.Best overall: Logitech G333 VR gaming earphonesMany VR fans prefer over-ear to in-ear headphones for VR for enveloping sound, but action or exercise games really benefit from letting your ears breathe. So we've chosen the Logitech G333s — designed specifically for the Quest 2 — for our top slot. These earphones offer solid audio performance for a lower price than most hardcore headphones and mods and are easier to take out quickly when you need to talk to someone in the room.Make sure to buy the VR version of the Logitech G333, which uses custom-length 3.5mm cable...

A look at what's new in Kojima's latest title.What you need to knowDeath Stranding Director's Cut is a PS5 version of the 2019 PS4 title.During Opening Night Live at Gamescom, Kojima Productions shared gameplay footage for the Director's Cut.Death Stranding Director's Cut is set to be available on Sep. 24, 2021.During Opening Night Live at Gamescom, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Kojima Productions showed up to reveal more gameplay from Death Stranding Director's Cut. This expanded and enhanced version of the 2019 game was built for the PS5 and could be one of the best PS5 games available. You can take a look at the gameplay footage below.Death Stranding Director's Cut uses the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to enhance the sensations players receive. There's a lot of new features to take advantage of the controller, with the Buddy Bot there to assist players while making deliveries. There's also new weapons, like the Maser Gun, which will be usefu...

Web apps are great, but you know what's really cool? Offline access.What you need to knowMicrosoft is planning to remove Chromebook support from the Office for Android apps.The transition takes place in September, with Microsoft pushing users to use the 365 web apps instead.It's unclear if the web apps will be upgraded to PWAs that can be used offline since currently, Office 365's web apps cannot. Office for Android won't be going away for phones or tablets, just for Chromebooks.One of the earliest complaints about Chromebooks was that "you couldn't do anything offline," but those times have long since passed. Android apps, Progressive Web Apps, and Linux apps allow the best Chromebooks to stay productive when away from the comforts of Wi-Fi, and Microsoft's 365 suite had used Android apps for this for years. However, it seems those days are coming to an end.Microsoft has long allowed 365 subscribers to access its services on Chromebooks in two ways: the Android app and ...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the biggest and most powerful Galaxys ever and the first to work with the S Pen, traditionally reserved for the Note line. Given its size and heft, you need to protect your investment with a secure case that adds grip and style. The best Galaxy S21 Ultra cases are right here, whether you're after a clear case to show off the Ultra's design or a durable tank to keep it safe and secure.Colorful and durableCaseology Nano PopStaff PickAfter two years of the Nano Pop being exclusive to iPhones, it's finally coming to Samsung devices with the S21 series. The Blueberry Navy with its yellow accents is striking and classic, and the impact-absorbing pattern embedded in the back gives you slim protection. I wish the Ultra also had the Violet shade the smaller S21s have, but these colors are still fun.From $16 at Amazon $17 at WalmartReady to work hardArmadilloTek Vanguard Series for S21 UltraThe S21 Ultra is made for productivity, so it should ...

Guerrilla Games makes the delay official.What you need to knowHorizon Forbidden West was previously slated for sometime in 2021.During Opening Night Live at Gamescom, Guerrilla Games shared news of an official delay, with a new release date.Horizon Forbidden West is now slated to arrive on February 18, 2022. During Opening Night Live at Gamescom, Guerrilla Games confirmed the prior reports of a delay for Horizon Forbidden West. Horizon Forbidden West has a new release date of February 18, 2022 for PS5 and PS4. Preorders are set to open next week on September 2, 2021. A delay was first reported a few weeks ago, though Guerrilla Games did not comment at the time.Guerrilla Games was open about the reasons for the delay, explaining that more time was needed due to the impact of the pandemic in order for the team to polish the game, ensuring it can be one of the best PS5 games available. This adventure takes Aloy into the former Western U.S, with a whole list of new machines t...

Galaxy Watch 4 owners only, please.What you need to knowYouTube Music is now available on the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.The app can be used to download music to your watch and listen offline with a pair of Bluetooth headphones.Streaming music is not currently supported.Are you one of the fortunate folks to have already received your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 4 Classic? Great news then, as YouTube Music is now available on Wear OS Powered by Samsung — that's the specific version of Wear OS 3 that runs on the Galaxy Watch 4 series — marking the first time YouTube Music has been available on a smartwatch that isn't made by Apple.Yes, you read that right. For almost the past year now, the only YouTube Music smartwatch app has been available on the Apple Watch — an unfortunate trend among the latest and greatest Google apps — and now is only available on the latest Samsung smartwatches. We've reached out to Google to find out if it plans to grace ...

Powerful workhorseLenovo Yoga Tab 13See at LenovoProsCool wall hanger/kickstand designGorgeous graphicsPowerful processor Can be used as a second displayConsLikely to be expensiveBattery doesn't last as longNo special area for kidsThe upcoming Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is likely to be an affordable alternative to a premium tablet like the iPad Pro and a powerful workhorse for those who want to use it for productivity in addition to bandwidth-intensive entertainment, like gaming and watching HD videos.All in the familyLenovo Yoga Tab 11$320 at Best BuyProsCool wall hanger/kickstand designAffordable, family-friendly optionGreat dedicated Google Kids sectionLong battery lifeConsNot as powerful Soft-touch, heat-resistant, and durable fabric finishBetter suited for use by the whole family, parents will appreciate the dedicated Google Kids Space section along with the included built-in stainless-steel kickstand that can also double as a wal...

We've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ cases because we know how important it is to keep your prized and expensive new smartphone safe and protected for its entire lifetime. Some of these cases offer maximum protection, while others showcase that incredible Samsung style. Consider the form factor, color, and thickness that works best for you when looking for a case from this list.Exclusive to the PlusSamsung Kvadrat CoverStaff PickSamsung has been on a sustainability kick in 2021, and this lovely textured case is part of that initiative. Made entirely out of recycled PET bottles, the case not only keeps new materials out of the product stream, but it can be composted as well! The texture makes it easy and comfortable to hold while still providing protection. You can pick one up in violet or a stunning silvery gray.From $33 at Amazon $35 at SamsungA pleasure to holdCaseology Parallax CaseIt's not often that you find one of the best-looking, most-protec...

OnlyFans was feeling the pressure from both ends.What you need to knowOnlyFans has decided not to ban sexually explicit content from the site.The move comes days after the company announced its ban.OnlyFans cites financial assurances as to the reason for the reversal.Following backlash from content creators and users alike, OnlyFans has announced on Wednesday that it will not impose its ban on sexually explicit content.The announcement comes not even a week after the site declared that it would move to prohibit the kind of content that ultimately made it so popular. It was to go into effect on October 1, only allowing nude photos but nothing that depicted sexual acts.The company originally cited pressure from banking entities as the reason for the change, but it appears that has been worked out.Thank you to everyone for making your voices heard.We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy...

We're one step closer to the final release of Android 12What you need to knowGoogle has released Android 12 Beta 4.1.The release carries build number SPB4.210715.014 and is rolling out today.This is likely the final beta version before the Release Candidate (RC) version is made available.We're inching closer and closer to the final release of Android 12. Today, Google released Android 12 Beta 4.1, the fourth incremental beta release that we've seen this year.With every previous beta release, Google has pushed these "point" updates with bug fixes, but Beta 4.1 aims to fix some rather frustrating issues. Included in this release, Beta 4.1 now fixes a boot loop issue that plagued users, along with allowing you to connect your Android 12 device to a VPN. Also included is a fix for users who rely on the heads-up functionality, where notifications were not showing up immediately.Here's the full changelog for anyone who wants to see everything that Google has fixed with this r...

Just as expected, the phone will feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chipset.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has been spotted in the Google Play Console.The listing reveals some of the core specs of the upcoming value flagship.Samsung is expected to unveil the S21 FE 5G sometime in October. We recently got our best look yet at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S21 FE 5G, courtesy of 3D renders obtained by Evan Blass. The Galaxy S20 FE successor has now been spotted in the Google Play Console's device catalog (via MyFixGuide).The Google Play Console listing reveals the Galaxy S21 FE 5G will feature the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset as the best Samsung phones. Unlike the vanilla Galaxy S21, the phone will apparently be available in a 6GB RAM version as well. The top-end configuration of the phone, however, is likely to come with at least 8GB of RAM.Aside from the basic specs, the Google Play Console listing also confirms that the Galaxy S21 FE 5G will ship with...

Playing games on your smartphone is one of the best ways to entertain yourself. However, it can be tough to play with some games when you're just tapping on a screen. Fortunately, it's possible to sync up a traditional controller. That's where it's nice to connect your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and get playing on the best gaming phones. By the way, the Playstation 4 controller as well as the Xbox One controller are also compatible with Android devices, if you'd prefer to use one of those.Note: You will only be able to use a Pro Controller if your phone is running Android 10 and if the game you're playing supports controllers. Additionally, the process for syncing the controller with your phone will be different from one phone to the next.How to use Switch controller on Android: Sync Pro Controller to your phone via BluetoothDo keep in mind that some Android games — including some of the most popular titles like Genshin Impact — don't actually support controllers nativ...

If you recently purchased the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, you're probably looking for accessories to match your style as well as accessories that will protect your investment. One option to consider is a screen protector. After all, the delicate display needs some love, too! To make things easier for you, we've rounded up some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic screen protectors in both 42mm and 46mm sizes.As thin as airOrzero Tempered Glass Screen Protector (4-Pack)Staff PickIf you're seeking the thinnest option available, look no further than this 4-pack of screen protectors from Orzero. The tempered glass material is thin but highly durable with 9H hardness that ensures you'll be protected against scuffs, scratches, and other damage. You'll also love the 99% high-definition clarity and the easy installation process.$6 at Amazon (46mm) $7 at Amazon (42mm)Double the coverageTensea Tempered Glass Protective Film + TPU Watch Cover (2-Pack)When...

Best answer: Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic support offline music playback. You can play tracks stored internally or saved offline from apps like Spotify.Does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 support offline music playback?The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are fresh out of the oven, and there's already a hungry line of customers waiting to get their hands on them. We've reviewed the duo and can vouch for the excitement surrounding the new Samsung watches touting Wear OS 3. Popularity has given rise to many questions about the smartwatches, and people are wondering about things like Qi wireless charging compatibility and offline music playback.You can rest assured that the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic support offline music playback. Since the new Watch 4 series run Wear OS 3 out of the box, they come with the Google Play Store pre-installed. This means you can install third-party apps like Spotify and YouTube Music to store your music onb...

It will apparently be available to beta users on Android first.What 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 word on when the feature could hit the beta channel. Ho...

As high-end phones get more expensive, awesome budget Android phones get even better. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy today. And with our buyer's guide, you'll be sure to find the perfect phone for you. Here are some of our top choices for the most inexpensive phones available now.What are the best cheap Android phones?Last year was tremendous for Android phones in the budget space, and as we make our way through 2021, we expect more of the same. You're seeing features like multiple cameras, faster processors, and 5G hit price points that would have been unheard of just a couple of years ago. Even though it pushes the limits of what a "budget" device is, we recommend the Google Pixel 4a as the best cheap Android phone because it hits the right balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, with a clean build of Android that you're sure to love. Indeed, the Pixel 4a's camera is nearly identical to its much more expensive Pixel ...

Block out the worldSamsung Galaxy Buds 2$150 at Samsung$150 at AmazonProsFar superior ANCSeparate woofer and tweeterLess glitchy touch controlsComfortable design w/ Samsung fitting softwareMore color optionsConsNarrow soundstageMics, ambient mode can be tinnyIPX2 water resistanceSamsung's latest Galaxy Buds 2 provide surprisingly punchy sound for such a compact design. They slide comfortably into any ear, and use Samsung's fit test to ensure you have the right tips installed. For their price range, Samsung phone owners can't do better.Give your ears a restSamsung Galaxy Buds Live$130 at Amazon$130 at Best Buy $105 at WalmartProsUnique outer-ear designWide, bass-heavy audioSlightly better ANC battery lifeMystic colorsCan technically work with iPhonesConsPoor noise cancellationUnreliable touch controlsIPX2 water resistanceThe least "bud"-like of any wireless earbuds we've tried, these petite bean-shaped Buds slot comfortabl...

The Charge 5 is Fitbit's most advanced tracker to date.What you need to knowFitbit just announced the new Charge 5 fitness tracker.The Charge 5 has a color touchscreen, EDA and ECG sensors, and seven-day battery life.Preorders begin today at Fitbit.com and other retailers for $180.Today, Google-owned Fitbit announced an update to its popular lineup of fitness trackers with the all-new Charge 5. Charge devices have always served as Fitbit's most advanced trackers outside of its popular smartwatches like the Versa 3 and Sense, and the Charge 5 continues in that tradition, bringing smartwatch features to the fitness tracker category. Fitbit says it has sold over 40 million Charge devices, with a strong user base representing 1 of every 3 Fitbit users today.Even though the Charge 5 is the successor to the popular Charge 4, it looks more like a larger version of its newer sibling, the fashion-forward Luxe. The updated Charge 5 includes premium features like a large AMOLED...

Google offers loads of tools to help manage your account and your private personal data, and one of those tools is called My Google Activity. Through this portal, you can see everything that Google collects on how you use and navigate its services, from Google Search and Google Play to your Android apps, YouTube activity, and location history in Google Maps. It's a convenient way for Google to better predict what you might be searching for or interested in, and it's a way for you to revisit some of your past activities. Still, if you want to add a layer of protection to this portal if someone accesses your computer or account, you can easily do so. We'll show you how you can protect your Google Activity history by adding password verification.How to protect your Google Activity history with a passwordFrom a web browser, go to myactivity.google.com.Click to expand the hamburger menu (looks like three lines) in the top left corner under the Google My Activity logo.Click on Ac...

Its release date does come at an odd time.When Google unveiled the first a-series Pixel phones, the 3a and 3a XL in 2019, it did so in may at its I/O developers' conference. Not only was the phone a pleasant surprise based on what it offered for the price, but it was a welcome mid-cycle refresh to the Pixel lineup, coming out in between the Pixel 3 and 4 series.Due to factors influenced by the global pandemic, the release dates of the Pixel 4a and 4a 5G fell off of this predictable cadence in 2020, and those same factors appear to have also affected the release date of Google's newest budget phone, the Pixel 5a here in 2021.The forthcoming Pixel 5a offers some nice but iterative upgrades over its predecessors, including official IP67 water resistance and a two-day battery. Still, its availability is coming at an odd time with the premium Pixel 6 and 6 Pro on the imminent horizon has many questioning why the Pixel 5a even exists.Given how late in the year the Pixel 5a is c...