Latest from Android Central

The Uncarrier is becoming more aggressive in luring customers away from competitors.What you need to knowT-Mobile will pay off what you owe on your smartphone if you switch from a rival carrier.The Uncarrier will cover up to $1,000 per line through a virtual prepaid MasterCard card.T-Mobile also boasts better 5G coverage as part of the promotion.T-Mobile has another sweet offer if you're considering replacing your current carrier. The Uncarrier will pay off your smartphone up to $1,000 per line if you make the switch from its rivals, including Verizon and AT&T.The new promotion is part of its Keep & Switch program, and you can start using it today by bringing in your current phone along with a photo of your most recent bill. You will then receive up to $1,000 per line via virtual prepaid MasterCard to settle your previous carrier's balance. If you want to bring your entire family over to Magenta, the promotion covers "up to $1,000 for each of up to five devices," ...

The next step in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds finally has a release date.What you need to knowPUBG: New State is the next mobile version of battle royale game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.The game has been in testing for the past several months, with various alpha tests in certain regions.PUBG: New State is now slated to launch worldwide on November 11, 2021. PUBG: New State launches worldwide for Android devices on Nov. 11, 2021. This comes after one final technical test, which is being held in 28 different countries on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. PUBG: New State is launching with four maps, including Erangel.The developers are already working on future updates, while the game will also ship with anti-cheat in place, meaning this could end up being one of the best Android games available. Krafton touts that this new version of the classic formula features gameplay on par with the PC version of PUBG, while also using better graphics than PUBG Mobile.PUBG: New State is set in...

It's previously limited only to people with more than 600 followers.What you need to knowTwitter Spaces is now available to everyone who wants to host their live audio session.The new expansion means you can now create a Space even if you have less than 600 followers.Spaces is rolling out to Android and iOS devices from today.Twitter is now rolling out Spaces to anyone who wants to host their own audio chatroom, after almost a year of experimenting with the service.The ability to host a Space is available on iOS and Android phones. Before the latest change, the feature was accessible only to people with more than 600 followers. The new update means you can now host your own live audio session regardless of how many Twitter followers you have.the time has arrived -- we’re now rolling out the ability for everyone on iOS and Android to host a Spaceif this is your first time hosting, welcome! here’s a refresher on how pic.twitter.com/cLH8z0bocy— Spaces (@TwitterSpaces...

The Galaxy S22 Ultra could be the spiritual LG Velvet 2 Pro that we never got.What you need to knowThe backplate for the Galaxy S22 Ultra has allegedly been spotted in a leaked image.The image shows five cutouts for the various camera elements.The rear camera design for the Galaxy S22 Ultra has been disputed among leakers.The upcoming Galaxy S22 Ultra could be one of the most exciting S-series launches in some time if recent leaks are to be believed, but no one seems to agree on one aspect of the design, and that's the camera housing. However, the latest leak may shed some light on the final design of the phone's rear camera layout.An image of the alleged Galaxy S22 Ultra backplate has emerged, showing five separate cutouts for the cameras. The photo was posted on Weibo before being retweeted by leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka Onleaks.Well, this seems to be #Samsung #GalaxyS22Ultra final rear camera design.... Still "P" shaped but with each single camera lens protruding...

You still won't find Google Play services here.What you need to knowHuawei launches its new Nova 9 smartphone with a mid-range Qualcomm chipset.The new Huawei Watch GT 3 runs Harmony OS and comes in two case sizes with multiple styles.The Nova 9 will be available for €499 and the Watch GT 3 for £210. Both can be preordered now.Huawei launched the Nova 9 and Nova 9 Pro in China last month, but is now bringing the former to the global market, the company announced on Thursday. Additionally, the new Huawei Watch GT 3 is joining it, now running Harmony OS.The Nova 9 has a decent-sounding 6.57-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and responsive 300Hz touch sampling rate. On the back is a 50MP RYYB sensor, which Huawei claims can capture 40% more light than traditional RGGB sensors. There's also an 8MP ultrawide camera as well as macro and depth sensors.Of course, you won't find Google services on the Nova 9, which runs the company's own Harmony OS. The devic...

Phones aren't the only pieces of tech that benefit from protective covers. Though the PS5 DualSense controller doesn't necessarily need a skin, there are plenty of reasons to get one. Maybe you want a better grip on your controller, or perhaps you don't want your pristine white case to get all dirty. On the other hand, it could be that you just want a new color. Whatever the reason, you can pick up a reasonably cheap controller skin for your DualSense. While they're all pretty similar, here are some of the best PS5 controller skins to fit your style and budget.Pleny of colorseXtremeRate PlayVital Guardian Edition Case for PS5 DualSenseStaff PickeXtremeRate's Guardian DualSense case is ergonomic and comfortable, featuring high-grade silicone and protects against bumps and scratches. There are over 10 different colors to choose from, and it comes with a set of thumb grips.$16 at AmazonJust the gripseXtremeRate PlayVital Red Anti-Skid PS5 DualSenseWant to have ...

The Surface Duo 2 is here, and it's a beauty!What you need to knowOur friends at Windows Central managed to get their hands on the Surface Duo 2 for review.The device offers several upgrades from its predecessor, from the processor to the displays and the cameras.The Surface Duo 2 is available now, starting at $1500.Our friends over at Windows Central have just published their review on the Microsoft Surface Duo 2, and spoiler alert it gets four out of five stars.That's a notable improvement over the original Surface Duo, which in our review was described simply as a "hot mess." However, that's to be expected given all the upgrades Microsoft stuffed into this relatively thin device.The new Surface Duo 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset found in this year's best Android phones. With that comes faster performance and, most notably, 5G, which was missing from the first-generation Duo.The camera situation has been improved now that Microsoft isn't relying on a sin...

These are the best shows on NBC's Peacock streaming service right now.NBC's Peacock streaming service is the digital hub for new and old NBC series, Peacock originals, and a variety of content from other networks. And with both a free tier and two premium plan options, there's lots of content to choose from. With that in mind, we've rounded up the best Peacock shows available right now.PeacockFind your NBC favorites and moreFrom $5/mo. at PeacockAll the shows, movies, and sports you wantNBC's Peacock streaming service is the exclusive home for iconic NBC series like The Office and shows from a collection of other networks. You also find a rotating lineup of free and premium movies.Best Peacock showsOriginal series on PeacockCurrent series on PeacockWWE on PeacockComedy series on PeacockThriller series on PeacockPeacock OriginalsIn addition to various classic series and shows that are currently airing new episodes on TV, Peacock features a lineup of...

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

Facebook is accused of hiding information about its Giphy acquisition on purpose.What you need to knowFacebook was fined in the UK for failing to provide full information related to its Giphy acquisition.UK regulators imposed a £50.5 million fine on the company due to its failure to submit updates about whether it halted further integration with Giphy after purchasing it.The social media giant has been accused of deliberately breaking that order.The UK's competition watchdog has fined Facebook £50.5 million (approximately $69.7 million) for failing to submit the necessary information about its Giphy acquisition, marking the first time a company violated such a merger policy.The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it fined Facebook for violating an initial enforcement order (IEO) that had been in place since June of last year, when the regulators launched an investigation into the company's $400 million acquisition of Giphy. The order was intended to preven...

Google will add multiple app icons to help you juggle different accounts.What you need to knowGoogle is bringing work profiles to Android users in 2022. They were previously only available for managed Android Enterprise phones.You'll be able to see separate icons for Google apps like Gmail and Calendar, each logged into different email profiles.Google will start with Workspace apps, then offer work profiles for other productivity apps later.For anyone sick of having to swap between your personal and work emails, calendars, Drive files, Keep notes, and other apps, take heart. Google will add a work profile to the best Android phones at some point next year, so you can keep your work life and personal life separate more easily.Google Enterprise created the work profile for managed devices earlier this year. Work profile apps would have stricted security measures, data protection, and IT monitoring. Once you were done with work, you could turn that profile off and use person...

Google is aiming to bring everything under one roof, including Matter devices.What you need to knowGoogle is rebranding all of its developer tools to Google Home, bringing its smart home initiatives under one roof.The new Google Home tools will make it easier for developers to integrate their products with Matter, the new unified smart home platform for the industry.Google Home users should expect to see suggested routines appear in their Google Home apps, helping them better integrate their smart home products together.Google's renewed look at the smart home took shape at its smart home developer's summit, revealing a unified Google not often seen. While we've seen many names for the tech giant's tools and smart home initiatives over the years, the company is bringing everything together, including its development toolkits, under the Google Home name.If you're picking up the best smart home products in the future, all of these new changes should ensure your smart home de...

Google is going as low as 10% for some services.What you need to knowGoogle has announced that it is changing its developer Play Store fee structure.All subscriptions on Google Play will have reduced fees from 30% to 15% on day one.Some services like ebooks and music streaming apps will be eligible for as low as 10%.Google announced some changes to its Play Store fee structure on Thursday that should benefit app developers and is likely put more money in their pockets.The company states that starting January 1, 2022, all subscription-based apps on the Play Store will have a reduced service fee, from 30% to 15%. Google says the change was made after acknowledging that while subscriptions "have become one of the fastest growing models for developers," they still face challenges with consumer churn.This contrasts the current model, which charges 30% from the start and drops it to 15% after the first year.Additionally, Google is making changes to the Play Media Experience...

Physics based fighter Mad Streets also coming soon to Stadia.What you need to knowGoogle announced two more games coming to the Stadia store this year.Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will be coming to Stadia on Tuesday, October 26.Beat 'em up party game Mad Streets will be coming soon to Stadia.The Stadia store will add two more games to its catalog with one coming as soon as next week, Google announced in a blog post today.The first game is Bandai Namco Entertainment's Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. The action RPG retells the events of Dragon Ball Z through battles featuring iconic enemies such as Frieza and Cell in destructible environments. Players can also take on side quests, participate in activities like fishing or driving, and build relationships with other Dragon Ball Z characters.The game initially released for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in January 2020 and was ported to Nintendo Switch last month. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will be coming to the Stadia store on Tuesday, Oct...

It's no secret that the PS5 is one of, if not the biggest consoles to have ever released. Unfortunately, WIth its bulky and honestly weird shape, the system isn't the easiest to move around or fit in an entertainment center. However, if you happen to travel a lot or are simply going on vacation and want to take your console with you so you don't miss out on any of the best PS5 games, finding an excellent way to transport it while keeping the system safe might leave you scratching your head. Thankfully, there are already a handful of great options available for finding the best travel cases for PS5 in 2021. These are our picks for the best around.King of the hillCase Club PlayStation 5 Portable Gaming StationStaff PickThe Case Club PS5 Portable Gaming Station does it all when it comes to travel management. It can carry your console, hold remotes, store games, cables, and headsets, and even sports a full HD monitor for you to play the games on, should you choose to do so. O...

Best in classRazer Kishi mobile controller for Android$80 at AmazonProsUSB-C connectionBuild quality is excellentWorks perfectly with Android phonesSmaller for easier travelConsPriceyNo Bluetooth means it fits less phonesRazer prides itself on high-quality products, and the Razer Kishi is no different. It's by far one of the best mobile gaming controllers you can buy, turning your phone into a Nintendo Switch. It works perfectly with Xbox Game Pass for Android and provides hours of comfort for long gaming sessions. Its USB-C connection also means you'll never need to charge it.Excellent alternativeGamesir X2 Bluetooth mobile controller$60 at AmazonProsBluetooth connection allows for wider phone supportEasy to pairMore affordable20-hour battery lifeConsBluetooth connection is more unreliable to USB-CFace button layoutGamesir may not be as well-known as Razer, but its X2 Bluetooth mobile controller can stand toe-to-toe with the co...

The next generation of consoles is here, and this time it might take some redecorating with the best entertainment center for PS5 to make sure it all fits together. With consoles feeling the need to continue improving graphics, speeds, and features to keep up with PC growth, it only makes sense that they also grow physically to fit the components. The PS5 runs in at 15.4-by-10.2-by-4.1 inches. This is huge compared to the PS4 Pro, which measured under 13 inches on its longest side. So, let's prepare accordingly with these entertainment stands for the PS5.Unique placement optionsMonarch Specialties TV Stand, 1 DrawerStaff PickThis unit might have the least creative name on our list, but it makes up for it in actual options for where to put your PS5. The unique spiral design leaves a lower "top shelf" on the right side to house your PS5 vertically without resorting to placing it on the top of the media stand.From $235 at AmazonRustic industrialVASAGLE Industrial R...

Enable RCS on your phone with Google Messages.RCS is an upgrade to the standard SMS messaging feature set that exists on all smartphones. It adds typing indicators, read receipts, emoji reactions, support for higher quality file sharing, and so on. In essence, it turns basic SMS into instant messaging and makes the Google Messages app an iMessage and WhatsApp competitor. Even though many of us have made our favorite chat apps a big part of our lives, there are times where we still need something simple and much more universal.Many Android users are ready for this upgrade, and Google has taken it upon itself to expand the service, gaining greater carrier support with Google Messages becoming the default messaging app for most Android devices sold.Where is Google's RCS officially available? Google's RCS solution has no borders but you still need the right app and data service to go with it.Google has now rolled out RCS via its Google Messages app worldwide with only a few cou...

It's the first sub-$500 5G Android tablet to launch in the U.S.What you need to knowTCL has announced a new budget-friendly 5G Android tablet.The TCL Tab Pro 5G comes with a 10.36-inch LCD display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480 chipset, and a large 8,000mAh battery. It is now available to purchase from Verizon for $400.After launching a bunch of affordable 5G Android phones earlier this year, TCL has now announced a mid-range Android tablet with support for Verizon's mmWave 5G network.The new TCL Tab Pro 5G is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480 chipset, which also powers some of the best budget Android phones on the market. It sports a 10.36-inch "NXTVISION" LCD display with FHD+ resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.TCL's latest Android tablet also packs an impressive 8,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging and reverse charging support. As for the actual battery life, TCL claims the tablet can provide up to 17 hours of use on a single charge.The other key features of th...

If you're looking to buy a Roku streaming device, get it soon.What you need to knowRoku issued a statement calling Google out on its unfair treatment of the platform.In response, Google has decided to pull the YouTube app from new Roku devices.Current users will not be affected by this change.The ongoing battle between Google and Roku continues as the YouTube app is being pulled from new Roku devices after December 9.The decision came on Thursday after Roku posted a statement calling Google out for allegedly asserting its dominance to request special treatment on the platform. More specifically, for requiring YouTube as a search preference over other results and requesting special features on Roku that it doesn't mandate on other platforms.In response, a YouTube spokesperson told Android Central that it's pulling its YouTube app from new Roku devices. Since our negotiations with Roku earlier this year, we've continued to work with them to find a resolution that bene...

No Stadia sign-in required.What you need to knowAT&T Wireless customers can play Batman: Arkham Knight for free on PC through Stadia's streaming service without needing a Stadia account.This is the first example of Google lending its Stadia tech to other companies without using the Stadia name or store.Batman: Arkham Knight can be played for a limited time and is not available to purchase from the Stadia store. Google is partnering with AT&T to offer the telecommunication company's customers a free version of Batman: Arkham Knight streamed through Stadia's service without needing to sign into a Stadia account.9to5Google reports that AT&T Wireless users can play Batman: Arkham Knight for free streamed through Google Chrome or another Chromium-based web browser on a desktop or laptop. Users sign in with their AT&T phone number and billing zip code, and can play the game in full-screen at 1080p resolution using either keyboard and mouse or a compatible third-...

What 2FA is, why it's important, and why you should use it.You see a lot of talk on the internet about two-factor authentication (or 2FA as it's commonly called), and most of the time, you just see people like us telling you to use it.We'll continue that trend and start this guide by telling you to use 2FA whenever and wherever you can. However, we're also going to let you know what it is and why you must use it. Ready to learn more? Read on.Lock it downYubico Yubikey 5 NFC$45 at AmazonKeep your accounts extra safe with a physical 2FA keyEveryone should be using two-factor authentication (yes, you!), and one of the best ways to start is with the Yubico Security Key. This USB key fits in any USB-A port and securely saves 2FA login codes for your Google, Facebook, Dropbox, and other online accounts. It's also extremely durable and can be attached to a key ring for easy transportation.Jump to:Understanding two-factor authenticationIt starts with your password...

Pick your favorite color, grab your hat and start making accusations.What you need to knowAmong Us is a social deduction multiplayer game that's rapidly grown in popularity over the last year.Developer Innersloth previously confirmed that Among Us was coming to PlayStation consoles at some point.Innersloth announced that Among Us is coming to PS4 and PS5 on Dec. 14, 2021. Innersloth's exceedingly popular murder mystery game Among Us is coming to PS4 and PS5 on Dec. 14, 2021. The developers confirmed the news via the team's website on Thursday, while also reiterating that the game supports cross-play with other consoles, PC and mobile devices.As a result, what used to be one of the best Android games available is now playable across practically everything, and friends don't have to be segmented by platform in order to play together. Innersloth previously confirmed that Among Us was coming to PlayStation consoles Earlier in 2021 during a State of Play that was mainly focuse...

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is here with astounding camera upgrades, instant dictation and translation thanks to Google Tensor, and a curved 6.7-inch screen with a variable refresh rate. As anyone who's ever owned a curved-screen phone knows, protecting the sides of that phone is crucial to keep the phone intact and alive, and so here are the best Pixel 6 Pro cases for keeping your shiny new flagship safe.Slim but secureSpigen Liquid Air Armor Designed for Google Pixel 6 ProIf you don't want to bulk up your super-sized Pixel 6 Pro, what you want is something that's slim but still thick enough to provide some impact protection and especially add grip. The Liquid Air Armor has great textures both across the back and on the sides, which is why I recommend it over its classic Rugged Armor sibling.$16 at AmazonTerrific two-toneCaseology Parallax Protective Case Compatible with Google Pixel 6 ProWhile the Caseology Parallax isn't packing quite as colorful a lineup as it has fo...

No more leaks and speculation: here are the facts.The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have arrived. During Tuesday's Pixel 6 launch event, Google showed off the new smartphones in all their full glory. And we now know how much they'll cost: $599 and $899, respectively. That's well below what we expected for Google's upgraded flagships.We've officially known about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro since August 2, when Google unveiled its striking design and Samsung-made Google Tensor chipset. Both phones will dramatically improve on the mid-range Pixel 5, offering true flagship specs and improved camera sensors. Plus, exclusive Android 12 features like Dynamic colors for the new Material You UI should be available at launch.Pixel sales haven't come close to competing with Apple or Samsung sales in past years, but this Pixel series could make Google flagships stand out from the crowd. Check out our in-depth Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro hands-on to see how these phones perform in action, ...

Nothing makes a party better than some music, and nothing makes playing music easier than a Bluetooth speaker, especially as more phone manufacturers omit the 3.5mm headphone jack. Fortunately, you don't need to spend a fortune to get the best Bluetooth speaker and get the good times rolling.Best overall: Tribit StormBox MicroTribit sure knows its way around audio accessories, and the StormBox Micro is no exception. This Bluetooth speaker isn't just compact. It puts out a huge kick with deep, booming bass and 9W of power.One of the most distinctive features of the StormBox Micro is its ability to be easily mounted to bikes, backpacks, belts, or nearly anything else — get creative! The IP67 water and dust resistance mean you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain, and you can pair two of these speakers together for an immersive stereo effect.The only downside is that the StormBox Micro only has 8 hours of battery life — enough to cut some parties short. But...

If you want to have the best experience playing online multiplayer on PS5, you may want to consider forgoing the Wi-Fi setup. Instead, staying wired with one of the best Ethernet cables will ensure that your PS5 has the strongest, fastest internet connection possible. We've rounded up the best Ethernet cables for PS5 that'll keep your online gaming uninterrupted.Only the bestCat-8 Ethernet Cable from VaboguStaff PickFor the absolute best connection, you'll want the absolute best cable. Cat-8 is the fastest, most shielded cable available, used when you have an incredibly quick internet connection and don't want anything lost or interrupted over Wi-Fi. Just know you'll be paying more for a longer cable.$19 at AmazonQuality choiceCat-7 Ethernet Cable from DanYeeFor a slight reduction in cable quality that won't affect most people, you can get a cheaper Cat-7 Ethernet cable braided to ensure it doesn't bend, kink, or tear. If you need a much longer cable dependi...

The Redmi Note 11 Pro is rumored to be Xiaomi's first budget phone to support 120W fast charging.What you need to knowXiaomi has released new teasers for its upcoming Redmi Note 11 series.The teasers give us our first look at the Redmi Note 11 in "Misty Forest." Xiaomi will unveil the Redmi Note 11 series in China on October 28.Earlier this week, Xiaomi announced that the Redmi Note 11 series will debut at an event in China on October 28. The company has now posted a new teaser for the Note 11 on its Weibo page, giving us our first proper look at its design (via GSMArena).As can be seen in the image above, the Redmi Note 11 will have a large camera bump housing a total of three sensors. On the bottom of the device will be a USB-C port, a JBL-tuned speaker, and a microphone. The top of the phone houses an IR blaster and a second speaker. We can see the volume rocker and a power button on the right side of the phone. Rumors suggest the Redmi Note 11 will be powered by...

Google's biggest Android redesign is here, and it is equal parts delightful and divisive.Android releases have followed a predictable pattern over the last four years: we get a slate of new features, privacy and security fixes, updates to notification management, and if we're lucky, minor changes to the design. Some of those features end up never being used (remember chat bubbles in Android 11?), and most manufacturers ignore Google's design aesthetic and instead use their custom skins.Android 12 is different. The latest version of Android introduces the biggest visual redesign in Google's history, and it delivers an exhaustive list of new features. Google usually alternates between rolling out new features and making design changes for new Android versions, but this time we're getting both at the same time. The result is the buggiest beta program from Google yet, with even the later Android 12 beta builds featuring phone-breaking bugs.That said, the new Material You design...

It's time to say goodbye to the Note... sort of.Samsung's Galaxy Note line seems to be on its way out, at least if recent leaks of the Galaxy S22 Ultra hold any merit. It started last year with rumors that Samsung would cancel the Note lineup, then those rumors were fueled by the Galaxy S21 Ultra when Samsung provided it with S Pen support, and continued when the Galaxy Z Fold 3 arrived in lieu of a Note successor.Leaker Ice Universe claims that the upcoming flagship won't carry the Note name and will just be called the Galaxy S22 Ultra. While Samsung hasn't confirmed this with Android Central, analysts agree that it makes some sense that the company would phase out the Note lineup, at least in its current form.That isn't to say that the Note moniker should die completely. Over the past decade, the Galaxy Note lineup has been more or less the pinnacle of innovation for Samsung and easily among the best Android phones on the market. While the Galaxy S line was a flagship line fo...

Strong contenderWD Black SN850 SSD$348 at Amazon (1TB)ProsCompatible with PS5Great loading speedsConsLack of higher-end optionsThe WD Black SN850 now comes in a model with a heatsink, meaning it's easy to just use it in your PS5. It loads games just as fast or faster than the PS5's drive, providing a seamless experience. The prices are comparable to other competing models, though there's no high-end 4TB option.More varietySeagate FireCuda 530 SSD$260 at Amazon (1TB)ProsCompatible with PS5Great loading speedsHigher-end optionsConsHigh-end models are hard to findThe Seagate FireCuda 530 includes a heatsink, so it's also usable within the PS5. Games load just as fast or faster than if they're installed directly on the PS5's internal drive. There's even a high-end 4 TB option, though it's expensive and extra hard to find.With the ability to upgrade the internal storage of a PS5 using an approved NVME SSD, there's a couple of differ...

Experts say this event was 'attention-getting' during a heavy month of tech announcements.It's not uncommon for companies to host multiple events for different products, experts say, noting that different products require a different stage. However, they had mixed reactions to Samsung's Unpacked 2 event, calling it an "attention-getting" moment, but one that could potentially "set a tone for the industry."On Wednesday, October 20, Samsung revealed the "Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition," a new edition to the Flip 3 line that allows customers who buy to create customized version of the Flip 3. Customers will be able to choose from 49 different color combinations, mixing and matching to "create their own unique combination" for their new phone, Samsung says. The phone is considered one of the best Android phones this year.The South Korea-based company said that customers will be able to design their own Galaxy Z Flip 3 via the Galaxy Flip 3 Bespoke Studio on Samsung.com.Samsung i...

The ever-evolving ecosystem of Amazon Echo accessories (or Echosystem) has helped turn average homes into modern smart homes. We love how convenient Alexa makes it to control devices, listen to music, check the news, find shows, and do many other things. Enhance your Echo experience further with one of the many useful accessories available for the different Alexa units. Some items on our list are accessories that work with multiple Echo devices, while others are particular to a specific Echo model. So let's get to it.Wirelessly charge (4th Gen)Mission Cables Portable Battery BaseStaff PickBring your Amazon Echo (4th Gen) from room to room without constantly plugging it in, thanks to this portable battery pack. It will supply consistent power to your device for up to five hours. Though it's only compatible with the latest Echo, the white-on-white setup looks surprisingly like Spaceship Earth at Epcot in Walt Disney World!$40 at AmazonEcho everywhere (3rd Gen)Mission Ca...

The company has also announced a 245W USB-C battery pack.What you need to knowHyper has announced the world's first 245W GaN charger and 245W battery pack.The 245W HyperJuice 245W GaN charger can fast charge up to four laptops at the same time.The 245W HyperJuice 245W battery pack can charge an iPhone 13 Pro over 9 times.Hyper, which unveiled the world's first 100W GaN charger in 2019, has now come up with two new "245W" HyperJuice products. The new 245W HyperJuice GaN charger can charge two large laptops, a tablet, and a smartphone at the same time. It includes a total of four 100W USB-C ports, which makes it possible for users to fast charge four 13-inch MacBook Pros.The airline-safe HyperJuice 245W battery pack features two 100W and two 60W USB-C PD ports. This means you can easily fast charge your laptop, tablet, and phone on the go. Thanks to its massive 27000mAh (100Wh) capacity, the battery pack can charge a MacBook Air up to two times and a Galaxy S21 over six tim...

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are some of the most important personal technology devices that we use daily. They help improve our fitness, keep us on track, and better equip us to fully understand what all that data means. It's ideal for anyone who wants to improve their overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, however, this data contains highly personal details that we wouldn't like in the wrong hands. Thankfully, Fitbit has finally enabled a way to secure your account information better. We'll show you how to set up two-factor authentication on your Fitbit account so that your fitness data remains as secure as possible.How to set up two-factor authentication on your Fitbit deviceOpen the Fitbit app on your phone.If this is the first time using the app since two-factor authentication was released, tap on the Learn more button.Read through the information, and then tap Let's do it.If you ignored the initial pop-up, then tap on your profile in the top left corner of t...

Now, you can add anything to your Docs with the new universal @ menu.What you need to knowGoogle Docs has rolled out new updates that should give Microsoft Word a run for its money.The new feature allows you to insert various types of rich content into your document without having to switch between apps.You can also add a page break before paragraphs in Docs.Google revamped the Google Docs experience earlier this year with the launch of smart chip, a feature designed to link information from other Workspace apps to your Docs file, among other capabilities. Now, that feature has become even more useful with a new expansion.Google Docs has added a new menu that allows you to insert anything to your document, including names, file links, images, tables and other types of rich content without leaving your current tab. You can do so by typing @ in a document, which will bring up a menu of suggested files, people, and meetings.The new feature is a convenient way to search f...

Following a shocking season 8 finale, NBC's long-running crime drama The Blacklist is back with all new episodes and we have all the details on how you can watch season 9 of the show on TV or online.The Blacklist, which first premiered in 2013, tells the story of Raymond "Red" Reddington (James Spader) who became a high-profile criminal following his disappearance while working as U.S. Naval Intelligence officer. Twenty years later, Red voluntarily surrenders himself to the FBI after eluding capture for decades.After revealing that he has compiled a list of the world's most dangerous criminals called the blacklist and will inform on their operations in exchange for immunity, Red tells the Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division Harold Cooper (Harry Lennix) that he has one condition. Red will only cooperate with the FBI if he is able to work exclusively with rookie FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone).As the show's season 8 finale left viewers shocked, NBC...

Gmail gets a smarter, more helpful composer.What you need to knowGoogle is making several changes to the Gmail composer.Adding recipients to an email has more visual cues to avoid duplicates and show who is outside your organization.Users can now change a recipient's display name.Google is rolling out several functional changes to the desktop Gmail client that bring more visual cues to the email composer. Many of these changes are focused on helping users identify recipients both in and outside of your organization.When composing an email, recipients will now have an avatar attached to their contact chips. That way, you have a better idea of who you're emailing to avoid potentially sending an email to the wrong person. Also, when inputting new recipients, the drop-down menu will mark someone with a check and grey out their contact if you've already included them.Google says that the composer will automatically delete duplicate entries in the same fields when moving em...

What you need to knowGoogle Calendar gets a new focus time entry.The new option allows users to block out time to focus on their task, automatically rejecting conflicting events.The new feature starts rolling out now and will reach eligible users by mid-November.Working from home can be difficult for some, especially when it comes to keeping on task. Thankfully, Google Calendar wants to help with that by allowing you to easily schedule some focusing time so you can get your work done without other work-related distractions.The new "Focus time" entry type is rolling out on Google Calendar, letting you block off time to get things done. With this, you'll be able to set other conflicting events during a block of time to be automatically declined.Just like the "Out of office" option, Focus time will let you choose a different color so that it'll stand out against your other calendar entries."With the changes to our working environments in the past year, having more chats ...

One UI 4 Beta sounds like it's nearing the final version.What you need to knowSamsung is rolling out One UI 4 Beta 3 in S. Korea.The update comes with a number of bug fixes and a revamped Weather app.It may not be long before the 3rd beta reaches U.S. Galaxy S21 devices.Samsung Galaxy S21 owners in South Korea are being treated to the 3rd One UI 4 beta, according to a community post on Samsung's forum.The update appears to host a number of bug fixes that should make the beta more stable as Samsung finalizes its software. Notable, the changelog states that the update is based on Google's final AOSP release for Android 12, meaning we could be nearing the final One UI 4 release.There also appear to be improvements to the dynamic color theme that was introduced in the second One UI 4 beta. Additional changes include the following (via translation):Fixed an issue where only some menus were partially untranslated right after the porta(ble) updateGoogle AOSP reflected (Goo...

Picking the best tablet for students can be challenging for parents (or for students themselves). You'll want one that's equally handy for scribbling notes in class and streaming movies after class, with enough power to be productive but at a low enough price that you can afford it. Our favorite overall pick that checks nearly all boxes is the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, which has the S Pen included, has plenty of RAM for fast performance, and sports a beautiful display for procrastinating.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FEThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the tablet equivalent of what Samsung did for its phones with the Galaxy S20 FE, and that is to offer a well-made product with solid performance at a lower price. It's a strategy that worked out very well for the company's smartphone and translated perfectly to its tablets — and that means that students can reap all the benefits.Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7 FE sports a 12.4-inch high-definition display with support for HDR10+ for exce...

Characters in higher tiers tend to be more powerful.Genshin Impact, the latest action RPG from miHoYo, has two dozen characters, along with many more coming soon. As with any gacha game, the best Genshin Impact characters require a fair bit of luck and/or money to add to your team. Characters each have different rarity levels and belong to different tiers. Typically, the higher up the tier they are, the more powerful they are. So, which characters should you be hoping for and investing your resources in leveling up? We're here to help and when you finish, be sure to check out our best Android games for even more mobile fun.Genshin Impact Tier ListHow many playable characters are there?S Rank CharactersA Rank CharactersB Rank CharactersC Rank CharactersD Rank CharactersComing soonHow many playable characters are there?There are over 30 different playable characters in Genshin Impact. A handful are rewards for completing certain portions of the story, including...

Qualcomm is losing its grip as the global chip shortage strains smartphone production.What you need to knowOPPO is rumored to develop its own high-end smartphone chips.The 3nm chipsets would be built by TSMC and launch in 2023 or 2024.The move would follow Google, which just launched the Pixel 6 with its own custom-built chip.OPPO reportedly wants to take more control of its production according to the latest rumor from Nikkei Asia suggesting that the company is seeking to build its own smartphone chipset.Sources close to the matter told the publication that the SoC would be built with TSMC based on its 3nm process. This is the same manufacturer Apple uses for its chips in the iPhone.The phones powered by the alleged SoC reportedly won't launch until 2023 at the earliest. Still, it would signal a slow shift away from Qualcomm after Google launched its flagship Pixel 6 series with a custom-built Tensor chip (and Qualcomm wasn't exactly amused by it).Samsung is also sai...

A waitlist is better than nothing.What you need to knowGoogle continues to struggle with inventory for Pixel 6 preorders.Interested parties can now sign up for a waitlist. Once the model selected is in stock, an email will be sent to notify you. To say that the Pixel 6 preordering process was a frustration would be an instant contender for "understatement of the year." Interested parties were met with an array of errors ranging from the standard "501. It's not you, it's us" to random "R" errors when you finally were able to reach checkout. Things to be a bit more stable at the time of this writing, but it's clear that Google was stripped of its initial stock relatively quickly.Now, if you try and place a preorder for the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro of your choice, you have the option to sign up for a waitlist. Currently, it appears as though you can go through and place an order for any unlocked Pixel 6 variant. However, the only Pixel 6 Pro option available at the time of w...

The Samsung Galaxy S10 has a great, big, beautiful screen with some fancy tricks — like that built-in fancy ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. However, those tricks also make buying a screen protector for the flagship all the more important and difficult. That's because the in-screen fingerprint sensor can't tolerate any air gaps or bubbles between the display panel and the screen protector. Nonetheless, here are some of the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors, and most of these are plastic film-based options. While you're at it, don't forget to check out the best Galaxy S10 cases as well.Has it allZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Fusion VisionguardStaff PickZAGG offers everything with its InvisibleShield screen protector, including impact and scratch protection, a built-in blue light filter, and a smudge-resistant coating.$20 at AmazonThe power of UVWhitestone for Samsung Galaxy S10 (2019) - 2 PackHands down one of the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors out there, Whiteston...

YouTube Music is becoming a music-only thing unless you pay up.What you need to knowGoogle is making some notable changes to YouTube Music.The app will soon no longer allow free users to watch music videos.This comes after Google announced that the free tier would get background listening.The changes are expected to occur on November 3.Google recently announced a rather useful change coming to YouTube Music, finally allowing users on the free tier to listen to music in the background like many of the best music streaming services. However, that new perk comes with another change, one that users may not like as much.In a YouTube Music support page spotted by 9to5Google, the company says that free-tier users will no longer be able to watch videos with the app. This feature will soon become a Premium-tier perk, essentially swapping features as background listening will no longer require a Premium subscription.Being able to watch music videos in addition to listening to au...

It may take a few months for the Android apps experience to become more widely available.What you need to knowThe first preview of Windows 11's Android apps experience is now available.The preview is limited to Windows Insiders in the U.S. There are currently only 50 Android apps that you can test, but more will arrive in the near future. Microsoft on October 20 announced the first preview of its Android apps experience. As expected, the preview is limited to Windows Insiders in the beta channel (via Windows Central).Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel will have to wait a little longer to try out Android apps on Windows 11. While there's no word on exactly when Windows 11's Android apps experience will be made available to Insiders in the Dev Channel, Microsoft has confirmed that it plans to bring the preview to them "down the road."The experience is available on devices running Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm platforms. Currently, however, there are only 50 apps available for...

This father-son story has continued to sell steadily.What you need to knowGod of War released in 2018 for PS4.Sony Santa Monica announced a PC version that's scheduled to arrive in January 2022.The developers also shared that God of War has sold over 19 million copies so far.The sequel, God of War Ragnarok, is currently slated to be available in 2022.God of War Ragnarok is on the way for PS4 and PS5 players to enjoy but that hasn't stopped God of War from continuing to grow as a success. Sony Santa Monica's new take on Kratos first arrived in 2018 on PS4, with a PC version now on the way and scheduled to arrive on January 14, 2022. Sony Santa Monica also shared on Wednesday that God of War crossed over 19 million copies sold so far.God of War passed 10 million copies sold back in May 2019, meaning the game has continued to sell a steady pace over the past couple of years.This strong sales success will likely only continue with the upcoming launch of the PC version ahea...

Best answer: Yes, mmWave is making its way to more venues and cities in late 2021 and 2022, but you'll still spend the vast majority of your time connected to low or mid-band 5G.Will mmWave 5G be better in 2022?If you bought a phone in the last year, there's a good chance it works with 5G. In fact, most of the best Android phones support the tech. Unfortunately, most of these phones only connect to low-band and mid-band 5G; however, using the sort of spectrum popular in LTE deployments. The speed improvements over LTE aren't as dramatic as many expected of the next generation of wireless tech.There is another type of 5G that has been slowly but steadily increasing its coverage bringing with it incredible multi-gigabit speeds and the capacity for thousands of devices. This tech, mmWave, was actually one of the first kinds of 5G to be deployed, with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all deploying at least a few sites to enter the 5G race. Still, progress has been slow and, on every...

Black Friday is fast approaching, and that means it's time to be on the lookout for deals for the things you need to buy. Whether that is for you or someone else, this is the time of year to save some cash. One of the sales worth keeping an eye out for is the Black Friday Chromebook accessory deals. Chromebooks have become very popular over the last few years and really took off in 2020. So getting some accessories for an already great Chromebook will make it even better.One of the great things in recent years is that in most instances, almost all accessories work with Chromebooks. Versatility is the name of the game with Chromebooks in large part to the wide range of hardware options, but also thanks to the security of Chrome OS. So whether you are buying for a powerhouse like the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 or one of the excellent Chromebooks for kids — there's sure to be a deal available for it.These handy computers have evolved from a basic internet browsing machine to essenti...