Latest from Android Central

You can now securely share passwords with anyone, even those who don't have a 1Password account.What you need to know1Password has announced a new feature for securely sharing passwords with anyone.The new feature allows you to create a link with the information you're sharing and make it accessible even to people who don't use 1Password.You can also specify when the link expires to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.It's never a good practice to share your passwords due to various security risks. But in real-world setting, you'll need to share login credentials with friends and family members at some point, so 1Password is making that method a bit more secure.The password management service has announced a new feature cleverly called Psst! (password secure sharing tool). It enables you to share passwords with anyone or only with people you trust via a link. You can even give this information to people who do not use 1Password.Previously, 1Password would require peo...

It's been more than two years since Netflix first released its sci-fi drama starring Battlestar Galactica's Katee Sackhoff but the wait is finally over and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes from season 2 of Another Life online.In the relatively near future at a time when humanity has finally developed spaceships that can travel faster than light, an unidentified flying object in the shape of a Möbius strip lands on Earth. When a crystalline tower begins to grow from the alien spaceship, United States Interstellar Command scientist Erik Wallace (Justin Chatwin) attempts to communicate with it and ends up identifying a signal from the structure sent to the star Pi Canis Majoris.After it's decided that the source of the signal needs to be investigated further, Wallace's wife astronaut Niko Breckinridge (Katee Sackhoff) replaces Ian Yerxa as the captain of the faster than light ship the Salvare. She is tasked with leading a crew to determine the origin of the...

You don't have to fiddle around with the actual lenses.What you need to knowAnker has announced its first audio glasses.The Soundcore Frames feature four speakers for immersive audio and detachable frames.The glasses will be available starting November 10 for $199.More and more companies are starting to get into wearables with smart glasses, and Anker has just thrown itself into the burgeoning eyewear market with its new Soundcore Frames.The new glasses feature a stylish design that actually allows the frames to be detached from the temples. This way, users will be able to swap the frames out for a different pair, perhaps with a new design to match your look. This differs from other wearables like the Razer Anzu that I reviewed. I have to pop out the actual lenses to switch to sunglasses or a prescription lens. While I don't mind this, Anker's solution sounds a lot better.Anker says it offers 10 frames with different styles and lenses to choose from, and they cost $49...

The One UI 4 rollout could follow last year's schedule.What you need to knowSamsung reportedly expects a stable One UI 4 to arrive before the end of the year.A community moderator said to expect a rollout by December "at the latest."This would fall in line with last year's One UI 3 update.With Android 12 nearing its official release, Samsung users are undoubtedly wondering when they can expect One UI 4 to arrive on their phones. Thanks to a recent forum post, we may have an idea of when that will be.TizenHelp spotted a forum post where a moderator provides some insight about the stable One UI 4 rollout. In response to users inquiring about the release, the moderator indicates that the update is still in development, making it hard to discern precisely when users should expect it. However, they say a rollout before the end of the year is quite possible. Currently, Galaxy S21 is also developing the Android 12 (One UI 4) version and the situation is changing, so it is di...

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a curved AMOLED display covered with Gorilla Glass 6, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need a great screen protector. Curved glass is inherently more vulnerable than flat, and the Note 20 Ultra's massive screen leaves many opportunities for scratches and potential cracks. That's why you should buy one of the best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra screen protectors for your new, expensive phone.The glass wayVenoro Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickVenoro is a name we often rely on for quality screen protectors for all major phone releases, and with the Note 20 Ultra, it's showing up to the plate yet again. This single-screen protector is of the tempered glass variety, offering incredibly scratch resistance, a 99.99% transparency rating, and a super slim design at just 0.3mm thick.$10 at AmazonUltra-soft, auto repairUniqueMe TPU Screen Protector (4-Pack)Made of soft TPU, this pack includes a pair of bubble-free, case-friendly pro...

Now more than ever, it's important to use energy wisely, so we've compiled a list of the best energy monitoring smart plugs available right now. Smart plugs are the best and most convenient smart home accessories for controlling devices around your home. Most typically work with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and can turn almost any lamp or small appliance into a smart device you can control with your phone or just your voice. We've highlighted the best smart plugs that go the extra mile and offer energy monitoring features that let you track how much energy your favorite devices and appliances draw so that you can make the best purchase decision for your household.Mid-range optionStaff PickKasa Smart Plug Mini with Energy MonitoringKasa/TP-Link's smart home products are super popular because they're affordable and designed to be simple to use. In fact, it's so easy to use that Amazon has added it to its Certified for Humans program. With the Smart Plug Mini, you ...

No other gaming console has evolved this much in so short a time.When Facebook and Oculus released the Oculus Quest 2 on October 13, 2020 — one year ago today — we praised it as an ergonomic device with major upgrades over the original Quest in performance and display quality. But a limited review period can only let you see so much. The longer you use a device, the easier it is to move past the honeymoon period and spot the cracks at the seams.After nearly a year with the Oculus Quest 2, I've experienced many of the most common complaints with the device — and found ways to circumvent them. I invested in a new head strap to better balance its front-heavy weight. I tend to get a low battery warning after about 90 minutes, breaking my immersion, so I looked into battery packs. I'm one of the people who dealt with bad skin irritation from the default foam face cover (which led to a recent Quest 2 recall), so I bought a better face cover replacement. The Quest 2 naturally ...

Best answer: Fitbit Premium is a paid subscription with guided programs, detailed health insights, advanced sleep tracking, and dynamic workouts for a more feature-rich Fitbit app. For people who want to get the most out of their Fitbit tracker and can afford the monthly or yearly fee, it's definitely worth a look.The big draw to Fitbit Premium is the Guided ProgramsThere are many different aspects to Fitbit Premium, but we think most people will be drawn to the collection of Guided Programs.Guided Programs can be found on the Discover page of the Fitbit app, and you'll find ones that aim to help you with a variety of things, including being more active, learning healthy habits, getting more sleep, eating less sugar, and more. The length of the programs depends on the topic, and after joining one, it'll be present on the main Today page of the app.All of the programs can be customized, too. For the Kick Your Salt Habit program, for example, you can choose whether you want t...

While Amazon makes it easy to order items with just a few clicks, sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. And with the busy holiday season just around the corner, it's helpful to know what to do if your account says a package was delivered, but you can't find it. With that in mind, we've compiled a quick list of steps to take to track down a missing Amazon package. Here they are.How to track down a missing Amazon packageIf you're worried that your package has been lost or stolen, Amazon encourages you to take a few simple steps before reaching out. Here's what you should do if you're attempting to track down a missing Amazon package.Navigate to Account and select Your Orders. Verify the shipping address in Your Orders.Look for a notice of attempted delivery or a photo of delivery. Look around the delivery location for your package. See if someone else accepted the delivery, unless you have health or safety concerns. Check your mailbox or wherever else you rece...

A whole bunch of "sorta" and "kinda" Pixel phones are sticking around in the upcoming flagship series.What you need to knowNew renders of the upcoming Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have surfaced online along with their corresponding fancy names.The flagship devices are likely to retain the lineup's odd nomenclature, including names that include "kinda" and "sorta."Google will formally announce the next-generation phones on October 19.Google's color options for the upcoming Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are nothing new at this point, as the company showed us a preview of them in August. Now, a new set of renders for the Pixel 6 series has surfaced online, alongside the matching names of each color variant.Courtesy of @evleaks, the new renders reveal what the standard Pixel 6 models will be called: Seaform Green and Stormy Black. Furthermore, the Cloudy White and Stormy Black hues are believed to be used on the Pixel 6 Pro variants. You can feast your eyes on the set of renders below:...

Samsung isn't yet done unveiling a bunch of surprises following its Galaxy Unpacked event in August.What you need to knowSamsung has sent out invites for another Galaxy Unpacked event on October 20.It's unclear what the company plans to unveil on that day, but it could be about apps.The event will be held virtually and will be streamed on Samsung's YouTube channel.Samsung announced on Tuesday that it will hold another Galaxy Unpacked on October 20, with invites already being sent out for the event.The tech giant has posted a teaser for the "Galaxy Unpacked Part 2," which will be livestreamed via its YouTube channel. This means the event will only be available to watch online. It comes hot on the heels of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked in August, where it launched the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 as well as the Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatches.It's hard to tell what Samsung will unveil next week, but the teaser shows a stack of icons belong to the company's proprietary...

Vudu on Oculus is a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby.What you need to knowThe Vudu streaming service is launching available on Oculus VR headsets.Oculus owners can rent or buy more than 200,000 titles, including "Free Guy," which makes its debut on Vudu.The Vudu app can be downloaded now on Oculus Quest 1 or 2 headsets.Oculus Quest 2 owners now have another way to get in on their favorite movies and shows, thanks to the launch of the Vudu on-demand streaming app on Oculus VR.Walmart previously owned Vudu, but in 2020 the service was bought by Fandango, which merged it with its own on-demand offering. This gave Vudu access to more than 200,000 movies and shows to rent or buy and plenty of free content. The latest Ryan Reynolds film "Free Guy" is among the latest movies to debut on the service, which users can rent for just $5.99.Other offerings include "F9: The Fast Saga," "The Adams Family 2," "The Jungle Cruise," and more, bringing content not found on streaming services. Or...

It's that time of year again. Black Friday is nearly upon us, if you can believe it! Much like last year, many of the best deals will not only be availabe in person at retail stores, but online as well. It's never too early to start looking for bargains on the best Android phones, so here is a running list of Android phone deals that we've got our eye on leading up to the biggest shopping weekend of the year. We'll be keeping this guide updated regularly leading up to Black Friday, so be sure to check back frequently if you don't see the phone deals that you're looking for.Best Black Friday phone dealsMoto G Stylus (2021) save $75Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: save $100OnePlus 8T: save $100Moto Razr 5G: save $400Every year, there are some pretty stellar Black Friday phone deals, though you have to know where to shop if you want to find the best offers. Whether you're hoping for the best Samsung deals, Google Pixel deals, some other Android phone, or even an iPhone (gasp!), thi...

Tile proves it's still the best.What you need to knowTile updates its line of object trackers with new models and features.The Tile Ultra is the company's first UWB-enabled tracker with new AR tracking features.Tile Ultra will be the first UWB-enabled tracker to work with both Android and iOS devices.After Apple and Samsung entered the market of object trackers with their own Ultra-Wideband (UWB) enabled devices, Tile is now updating its best Bluetooth trackers with new features and a new product.On Tuesday, the company announced the new Tile Ultra, its first product powered by both Bluetooth and UWB.With the benefits of UWB, Tile touts more precise tracking capabilities thanks to the new Point and Locate feature. Similar to devices like the Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+, Point and Locate allows users to hone in on a lost item using the power of AR, directing users to the device with visual cues.Tile says it's working with Google optimize support for Ultr...

The company is reportedly pushing to more than double the proportion of Exynos processors for Samsung's future smartphones.What you need to knowSamsung is reportedly planning to ramp up production of its Exynos chipsets for its budget and mid-range phones next year.The plan is expected to more than double the the proportion of Exynos processors in Galaxy phones.It may result in Samsung's reduced dependence on Qualcomm and MediaTek for budget and mid-range smartphone chipsets.Samsung's existing budget and mid-range smartphones have long relied on either Qualcomm's Snapdragon or MediaTek's Helio platform for computing power. A new report suggests that could change beginning next year.According to ET News, Samsung plans to increase the number of Exynos-powered Galaxy phones starting in 2022. The strategy includes the company's upcoming flagship device, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, as well as budget and mid-range handsets.The news outlet reported that Samsung inte...

Google gives the people what they want.Update, Oct 12 (16:00 ET): Expands to even more watchesWhat you need to knowGoogle begins rolling out the YouTube Music app on its older Wear OS 2 platform.The app will arrive first on select smartwatches from Fossil and Mobvoi, with more coming later.YouTube Music was released as a Wear OS 3 exclusive on the Galaxy Watch 4.Users will be able to stream music offline, and the app will update playlists when connected to Wi-Fi.Google is bringing its new YouTube Music smartwatch app to devices running Wear OS 2, the company announced Monday in a blog post.The announcement comes just a month after the company released the YouTube Music app for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, which is currently the only Wear OS 3 smartwatch.With the app, YouTube Premium subscribers will be able to listen to ad-free, offline tracks and playlists, allowing users to leave their smartwatches at home while going out on a jog. The app also has a Smart Downloa...

Whether you're building a completely DIY home security system or you just want a single outdoor cam to protect your yard, consider carefully what features you'll actually need. Do you want a spotlight to scare off intruders or subtler IR night vision? Wired, battery-powered, or solar power? Is 1080p resolution enough? And is one security brand better than the rest? We're here to help you decide, starting with the best outdoor security cameras on the market right now in every category.Bright floodlightsRing - Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired 1080p Surveillance CameraStaff PickThe Ring Floodlight Cam is a good pick if you want a quality security camera/lighting combination with great Amazon Alexa integration. When motion is detected, the floodlights come on, you're notified, and the camera rolls. There's 2-way audio to speak to whoever is on the other side of the lens and the ability to activate a siren to ward off intruders. The two floodlights shine at 1,800 lumens, cast...

Better start looking at trade-in deals!What you need to knowOf more than 1700 poll participants, most would be willing to pay between $600 to $1000 for a smartphone.The $300 to $600 range was also popular amongst our readers.Unsurprisingly, not many were willing to pay more than $1000.The Google Pixel 6 launch approaches, and with recent leaks hinting at the retail price for the device, it got us thinking about how much we're actually willing to pay for a new smartphone.The past several years have seen smartphone flagship prices skyrocket while affordable lower-end models are becoming more capable. Our poll responses give us a pretty wide range but show us that with the right features, consumers are willing to spend more on a new smartphone, with nearly 40% of our more than 1700 poll participants selecting the $600-$1000 price range.That's followed closely by the $300-$600 range, which falls under the best budget Android phones. For that price, phones like the Pixel 5a ...

Your new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 features some of the latest smartphone technologies, so it's no wonder you want to enjoy the newer and higher-tech wireless charging pads rather than fuss around with USB cables. Galaxy Z Fold 3's size makes it a unique challenge to charge, though, as it won't fit well on many of our favorite chargers when it's in the unfolded position. With that in mind, we've picked out the best wireless chargers to suit the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and its various postures.Spacious chargingSamsung Wireless Charger Trio PadStaff PickYour Galaxy Z Fold 3 is flexible, so your wireless charging pad should be, too. The Samsung Wireless Charger Trio Pad offers a bunch of flexibility for how much you charge and where you set it. Plus, it comes with its own power adapter.$68 at Amazon$69 at Best BuyDouble upMoshi Sette Q 15W Dual PadThe Moshi Sette Q is a stylish pad that provides room for your Galaxy Z Fold, whether it's open or closed. With dual chargin...

The complaint states that Epic's breach of the Play Store Developer Distribution Agreement threatens Google's reputation and goodwill with its users.What you need to knowGoogle has filed a counter claim against Fortnite maker Epic Games' lawsuit.The search giant has accused Epic Games of willfully breaching the terms of its Play Store contract by introducing a new payment system.Epic had sued Google in August last year, shortly after Fortnite was removed from the Play Store. Google has countersued Epic Games and accused the company of willfully violating the Google Play Store Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA). Epic willfully breached the DDA by submitting a version of Fortnite for publication on Google Play with a payment method other than Google Play Billing for purchase of in-app content.As reported by ZDNet, Google's counter complaint also accuses Epic Games of denying its service fee under the DDA for in-game purchases made through the Fortnite app outside o...

With the built-in heatsink, no third-party extras are required for using it in your PS5.What you need to knowSamsung's 980 Pro SSD is compatible with the PS5, but lacks a heatsink.Samsung announced the 980 Pro SSD with Heatsink on Tuesday, with 1 TB and 2 TB models available.The 980 Pro SSD with Heatsink is scheduled to be available at retailers on Oct 29, 2021.PS5 owners looking to expand their internal storage now have more options to choose from, as Samsung announced on Tuesday a version of the 980 Pro SSD with a heatsink attached. This new model is set to be available on Oct. 29, 2021, joining the ranks of the best PS5 SSDs currently available.The Samsung 980 Pro SSD with Heatsink, like the regular model without a heatsink, is rated to achieve read speeds of 7GB/s. It'll be available in two sizes, with 1 TB and 2 TB models available for $250 and $450, respectively.While Sony opened up support for players to add internal SSDs to the PS5, the selection is still fairly...

Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.Diablo Immortal was announced in late 2018 by Blizzard, and will be the first Diablo entry designed for play on mobile devices. While there are many mobile RPGs to play, Immortal will be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device, and thus carries a ton of excitement with it. Ever since its announcement, we've gotten a slow trickle of Diablo Immortal footage, including some gameplay.With two Technical Alpha's for Diablo Immortal having been released in 2020, Blizzard has also released a ton of new information on the game, including news on how monetization works, gameplay, and much more.Here is everything we know about the game so far.Jump to:What is Diablo Immortal?What type of game is it?What's gameplay like?When does it release?Closed Alpha Paragon levelingPvP gameplay What is gear like?What classes are there?Is it free-to-play?Is there...

New leak reveals the full specs of Google's upcoming wireless charging stand.What you need to knowA fresh leak has spilled the beans on the specs of the second-generation Pixel Stand.Google's follow-up to its first charging pad is said to be capable of charging the Pixel 6 at up to 23W.The wireless charging pad may retail at the same price as its predecessor.Google is just over a week away from unveiling the Pixel 6 series alongside the supposed next iteration of its wireless charging stand. A few Pixel 6 renders that recently leaked offered a first look at the new Pixel Stand, but its full specs have now surfaced online.The latest information is courtesy of M. Brandon Lee, who shared two images that leave almost nothing to the imagination about what the second-generation Pixel Stand has in store.Google Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) will come in at $79, can charge at 23W, has two charge points, two colors & has a fan.Of course, it includes a lot of those great features you ...

A phone filled with caveats and over-hyped features.Throughout the unveiling and subsequent advertising campaign for the Motorola edge (2021), Motorola's language has consistently felt detached from the delivered product. Claims of a new, unique phone with cutting-edge features that we've been clamoring for are largely unfounded. It's as though they were the remains of a marketing campaign for a phone that failed to launch — maybe a new Motorola RAZR, perhaps?But that's not to say that the new Motorola edge is a bad phone in any way. Far from it, really, so long as you get it for the right price. Since the launch of the unlocked version of the phone in September, Motorola has been selling it for $499 — a $200 markdown from the MSRP of $699. Likewise, the Verizon 5G UW version of the phone I've been using for the past few weeks sells for $550.At that price, the Motorola edge (2021) is a much better value than last year's Edge+ and more in line as a proper follow-up to the Mo...

Until now, the Charge 5 was the only Fitbit fitness tracker to have an always-on display.What you need to knowFitbit is rolling out a new firmware update for the Luxe.The update adds AOD support to the premium fitness tracker.Fitbit Luxe can also now track your blood oxygen saturation while you sleep.The Fitbit Luxe, which is one of the company's best fitness trackers, has started receiving a new firmware update.According to 9to5Google, the latest v1.151.16 update finally brings always-on display support to the wearable. Once you install the new update on your Fitbit Luxe, you'll be able to enable the always-on display mode by opening the Settings app and heading over to Display settings > Always-on display. You can even set "Off-hours" if you want the feature to work on a schedule.In addition to making the "clock visible at all times," the AOD function works with timers and also when you're working out. Another new addition is support for blood oxygen saturation tra...

What you need to knowThe Netgear Orbi RBKE960 series is the world's first quad-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system.This Orbi has three fronthaul connections (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) plus a 5GHz backhaul for the mesh connection.With 10.8Gbps of wireless capacity, a 10Gb Ethernet connection, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet on each satellite, the RBK963 is ready for very fast internet connections.The RBKE963 with a router and two satellites will cost $1,499.99 and will be available in black on Netgear's website.Netgear has unveiled the next generation of Orbi with the RBKE963. This is the world's first quad-band mesh system and includes some of the best speeds with a combined 10.8Gbps of wireless speed for devices. This system comes in a sleek matte white and gold design with enough elegance to fit in well with modern home decor. Taking the place of the excellent Orbi RBK852 as Netgear's fastest mesh system, the Orbi RBKE963 is set to be the benchmark for Wi-Fi 6E mesh performance.Wi-Fi 6E is an ...

Smartphone fans are ready for something new, and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is more than just different — it's exciting.As a long-time tech nerd, I've always wanted to experience the crazy futuristic tech shown off in movies and TV shows for decades. Augmented reality experiences like the floating displays from Minority Report and Tony Stark's AI companion, Jarvis, from Iron Man are still quite a ways off from being fully realized. However, with smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, we inch ever closer to the sci-fi gadgets from the cinema.Yes, I'm aware that not everyone is a fan of movies that show off far-out tech ideas and are not interested in those things becoming a reality. But for those who want to experience a taste of what we've seen for decades on the silver screen, we couldn't be more excited for what's here and what's coming down the line. Folding screens that can fit in your pocket break the cycle of boring, static slabs we've used for so long.Of course, S...

You'll receive a notification in your Activity Feed whenever Instagram experiences an outage.What you need to knowInstagram is testing a new feature that will give users more information about Instagram outages and other technical issues.The test will be limited to users in the U.S. and will go on for the next few months.Instagram has also announced a new "Account Status" tool to allow users to see everything that's happening with their account and content distribution. Instagram has started testing a new feature that will tell you "when something goes wrong on Instagram. The test will be limited to the U.S. and could go on for the next few months. Instagram might roll out the experiment more widely "if it makes sense to."The next time Instagram experiences issues, you will receive a notification in your Activity Feed with details about the outage or technical issue. You'll also be notified once the issue has been resolved. However, Instagram warns that it won't be send...

PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people, and the stock levels we've seen so far are tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we've seen them stay in stock is maybe 15 to 20 minutes (usually just a few minutes, though), and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a truly difficult task. Sony warned that it will be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, but retailers are promising more are coming, and Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. After spending a few months with it now, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games to the DualSense haptic feedback. You'll definitely want to experience it for yourself...

Now it's easy to separate your content from the rest of the family.What you need to knowGoogle TV is enhancing user profiles with personal content preferences and individualized recommendations.Ambient mode will not show glanceable, actionable cards based on the current profile.The Google TV remote will be available via the Google Home app.Google TV is making it easier for families to separate their media content and preferences by bringing new personalized profiles.Coming soon to users worldwide, Google TV will offer personalized recommendations for each profile based on individual interests and preferences. Users will have their profiles linked to their own Google Account, meaning they will have their watchlist and personalized responses from Google Assistant.It's already been possible to add a kids profile to your Google TV, but now everyone in the family will have their own space for content, something that's already been possible on some of the best Amazon Fire T...

The iPad mini 6 (2021) was one of the most promising devices to emerge from the September Apple Event, but recent iPad mini display distortions and jelly scrolling issues have made us uncertain of its long-term durability. So if you're looking for the best iPad mini alternatives, look no further. We'll help you find your best iOS or Android substitutes, from tablets to foldables.Best overall iPad Mini alternative: iPad Air 2020While we have plenty of great Android tablets to recommend as alternatives, the best surrogate for an iPadOS tablet is obviously another iPad. And in most areas, the iPad Air 2020 will check the boxes you looked for in the iPad mini.The latest iPad Air is less than a year old and still holds its own as one of the best mid-range tablets today. Compared to the mini, its lightning-fast A14 Bionic chip (only one gen behind the iPad mini's) performs as fast as any tablet we've tested. Its retina display has fewer pixels per inch (264 vs. 326), but it has the...

Publishers and developers alike need to do better to include disabled players.Recent years have seen accessibility become something of a hot-button issue in game development. Games like The Last of Us Part 2 and devices like the Xbox Adaptive Controller catapult the discussion around accessibility to the forefront of the gaming landscape. Stories of disabled gamers from around the world getting to interact with games in new ways, some for the first time ever, have become more and more common.To accessibility consultant and developer Brian Van Buren, however, that rising tide hasn't quite lifted every ship. "Often, when people have disabilities in their lives, they have various different sorts of adaptive technologies to allow them to interface with various things, but I don't feel like VR developers have quite come to terms with that yet." What's wrong with VR right now?VR development faces a number of challenges when working to make another reality more accessible...

Best answer: Alexa Together is a $20 per month subscription (with a six-month free trial) that uses Echo devices to monitor and check in on elderly loved ones, including access to a 24/7 Urgent Response team. It replaces and incorporates Alexa Care Hub, a free service with Alexa-based monitoring but fewer professional tools.Alexa Care Hub: (Formerly) free peace of mindIn November 2020, Amazon launched Alexa Care Hub, a service meant "to help aging customers maintain independence and provide assurance to family members." In essence, it tied two Echo Dots, Echo Shows, or other Echos together so that children of elderly parents could check in on them at any time.Once connected, the parent's Echo device would track their activities during the day, alerting the remote caregiver when it first receives a request or if it doesn't detect any action by a certain time. When a loved one uses Alexa, the caregiver will have access to their activity feed, but not specific requests. For instan...

Google Messages is slowly but surely improving — but it's still boring.When it comes to the best text messaging apps, I actually really love Google Messages. Thanks to Google pushing RCS on Android, the app has started coming into its own as a viable iMessage alternative for Android users. You've got typing indicators, high-quality media files, reactions, and more recently, end-to-end encryption. When you enable RCS Chat features in Google Messages, it does feel like a huge step up from regular SMS.That said, I can't help but feel like some things are missing. Google continues to bring new features to improve the experience, but I can't help but want more, especially compared to the bevy of other messaging apps I use to communicate with my peers. These are some of the features that I've seen on these other apps that I would love for Google to adopt in Messages.App integrationOne of the most valuable aspects of iMessage is its app integration. It lets you do things like ma...

Android on the big screen.We might have some bias by saying this on a website called "Android Central," but when you think about it, Android really is one of the most versatile operating systems in existence. We most commonly think of it as what powers smartphones like the Galaxy S21 and Pixel 5, but it also extends to tablets, smartwatches, car infotainment systems, and even televisions.That last point is what we're talking about today — Android TV. This version of Android powers smart televisions and streaming boxes, and it's been doing that since 2014.Other platforms like Roku and Amazon's Fire TV have overshadowed Android TV's popularity, but that doesn't mean it's not worth considering. In fact, Android TV has quite a lot to offer if you're a fan of Google services and are looking for a way to bring more smarts into your living room.Android TV fact sheetWhat is Android TV?Google Assistant on Android TVAndroid TV & ChromecastAndroid TV boxes & donglesAn...

The new subscription service might be limited to the U.S.What you need to knowGoogle is working on a new subscription service to "address users' mobile needs end-to-end."The service, which will apparently be called Pixel Pass, is going to be similar to Apple One. Users will be able to get a Pixel 6 with an extended warranty, Google One, Play Pass, and YouTube Premium services for a single monthly fee. Google is working on a new subscription service that will let users get a Pixel 6 along with access to some of the search giant's best services, according to a new leak from YouTuber M. Brandon Lee.Pixel Pass: This appears to be a blend of the iPhone upgrade plan where you can get a new phone every year and the Apple One Subscription.Contains YouTube Premium, Google One, Play Pass, extended warranty, and is associated with Google Fi.#pixel6 #teampixel pic.twitter.com/iU7VTc16vS— M. Brandon Lee | THIS IS TECH TODAY (@thisistechtoday) October 10, 2021The subscription ser...

A backup plan until your internet is back up.Many people don't have solid access to cable or fiber-based internet, but still need a reliable connection at all times. Alternatively, some people choose to live for longer terms in RVs and require an internet source that can move with them. While many of the best cell phone plans have access to a mobile hotspot feature, it's not the best solution due to device limits and the need to tie up your phone's connection. The Netgear Nighthawk LAX20 is an AX1800 router that works with both a standard home internet connection and LTE at the same time.This router comes with the promise of excellent carrier support and Wi-Fi 6 speeds so you can make the most of your connection. It can also be a great fit for someone with an RV that wants to use cable or fiber internet at home with the option to pick up and go on that same router. This router is also suitable for frequent internet outages, so you can seamlessly switch to LTE when needed. Still, ...

But it's still pretty amazing.Like many technologies, Apple's debut of 120Hz refresh rates on the latest high-end iPhones got many iPhone users very excited. High refresh rates are one of the best things to ever happen to displays — particularly mobile ones — as they help accentuate just how fast our devices have become. Everything feels smoother and just better, but why did it take so long for Apple to bring this tech to its phones when it debuted 120Hz on iPads four years ago?Further yet is the fact that only the iPhone Pro models have this feature — marketed as Apple ProMotion, just as Apple marketed high-resolution displays as Retina — leaving one of the best generational upgrades only to those willing to fork out extra for it.Apple's LTPO tech in the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max comes with some advantages over the competition, but it also has some surprising drawbacks. It fails to match the 1Hz metric that the OnePlus 9 Pro can achieve, even though Apple pioneered mob...

OPPO's Android 12 interface has a clean design and is packed with useful features.OPPO's ColorOS used to be underwhelming; it lacked cohesion, there were too many unnecessary features, a lot of bloatware, and software updates were always delayed. But that changed with the introduction of ColorOS 7 back at the end of 2019; OPPO streamlined the design and introduced a modern interface as it started targeting a global audience.Then came ColorOS 11 in 2020, with the Chinese manufacturer integrating a lot of Google features — including the dialer and Android messages — as default out of the box, and offering a sleek new UI with plenty of customizability as well as a host of extras. It also offered all the privacy features from Android 11 as standard, and it was definite step in the right direction for the brand.With ColorOS 11, OPPO started maintaining naming parity with Android versions, so this year's ColorOS build is the predictably-named ColorOS 12. It further refines the ma...

OnePlus couldn't help but confirm the phone's key specs ahead of its unveiling.What you need to knowOnePlus has officially unveiled the key specs of the upcoming OnePlus 9 RT.The device will be powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset instead of a Snapdragon 870.Pre-orders will kick off on October 13, with availability scheduled for October 19.The upcoming OnePlus 9 RT is set for launch on October 13, but the company has already confirmed its key specs this early. The phone's chipset, display, battery, and more details are now official.OnePlus has revealed on its Weibo page that the device will be powered by the same chipset found in many of the best Android phones, namely the Snapdragon 888. The phone was previously rumored to feature a Snapdragon 870 SoC.The processor will be coupled with an LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. While OnePlus didn't reveal the phone's memory capacity, a recent Geekbench listing claimed that it would have 12GB of RAM.Further confirming recent r...

It's available on mobile and desktop with a quick search for "Google tuner."What you need to knowGoogle Search has gained a new capability that helps you tune your guitar.The built-in chromatic tuner is accessible from any device with an updated browser and a capable microphone.After listening to your guitar, it will tell you whether you need to tune up or down as needed.Google has a new music-oriented feature in addition to helping you guess the song you're humming. It recently released a native capability in Search that makes it easier to tune your guitar on the fly without the use of tuning hardware.According to Android Police, the built-in tuner uses your device's microphone to help you find the right tune for your instrument. To use the feature, simply search for "Google tuner" in Search, and the chromatic tuner will appear at the top of the results page. It's available on mobile devices, including the best Android phones, as well as laptops.You'll need to tap the ...

Controller giving you problems by not syncing up to your PlayStation correctly? Luckily, DualShock 4 controllers are made so that players can resync their controllers with extreme ease, thanks to a tiny hole on the back of the controller. So if your controller isn't connecting, this is the best way to try and fix it, barring the use of a USB cable all of the time because no one wants to be tethered to their console when they don't need to be.How to resync your PS4 controllerOn the back of your controller, find the tiny hole next to the L2 button.Use a pin or paperclip to poke in the hole. Push the button on the inside for a couple of seconds and then release.Connect your DualShock 4 controller to a USB cable that is connected to your PlayStation 4.Press and hold the PlayStation button on the center of your controller. This will prompt another attempt to resync.This method only works if you're using a DualShock 4 controller. If you have a third-party controller like the ...

It's a rematch of last year's AFC Championship showdown as Kansas City take on Buffalo in an intriguing instalment of Sunday Night Football.Read on for full details on how to watch Bills vs Chiefs, no matter where you are in the world.That last meeting between these two teams saw the Chiefs run out 38-24 winners at Arrowhead, with contrasting form for both teams since that clash.The Chiefs look a much different team since that win, with their defence having had a torrid time this season with Kansas City leaking the second-most points per game (currently 31.3).While their attacking threat remains as deadly as ever, having notched up 134 points this term, their disappointing defeats to Ravens and the Chargers has illustrated that they're struggling to compensate for their current frailties at the back.The Buffalo's have meanwhile gone from strength to strength in recent weeks, hitting back from their season-opening defeat against the Steelers with three back-to-back wins that...

The Fossil Gen 5 LTE leaves me wanting more but unfortunately won't get it.Wear OS might not have the best reputation, but that's beginning to change, and Fossil has been a staple of the platform for years and makes many of the best Wear OS watches you can find today. The company had often picked things up when Google seemingly dropped the ball and has even stepped in to bring its own custom software experiences to the platform. But one area that Fossil had not previously probed into was LTE, so its smartwatches were still tethered to smartphones for many useful smartwatch functions. That changed with the Fossil Gen 5 LTE.Even with the latest Fossil Gen 6 already out, the Gen 5 LTE remains the sole Fossil smartwatch with cellular connectivity. After the Fossil Gen 5E was launched last year as a slightly watered down alternative to the original, Fossil has more or less refined the Fossil Gen 5 with a more streamlined design that continues with the Gen 6. But with the new models al...

Ready for a new messaging app? You've come to the right place.Messaging apps are a dime-a-dozen these days, but when it comes to the big leagues, three options stand out above the rest. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal have all seen varying levels of success over the years. However, after the recent Facebook outage, which brought WhatsApp to its knees and caused millions to flock to Telegram — you may be wondering whether you should switch too.WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are all seen as some of the best Android messaging apps currently available, but depending on where your needs lie, one is likely a better fit over the rest. So today, we're going to help you sift through everything and make the best decision possible.Whether you're an existing WhatsApp user looking for a new home or are just getting started in the world of third-party messaging services, here's everything you need to know about Telegram vs. Signal vs. WhatsApp.Jump to:AvailabilityEncryptionPrivacy...

There are some great mesh systems to choose from. Which is the right one for you?Most people don't put enough thought into their wireless router. Things like the layout of your house, the materials it's made up of, and how many stories it is all matter when you want good Wi-Fi from one end to the other. Or maybe you need to plug something into a router with a network cable in one room but still want great Wi-Fi everywhere else. Finding a networking solution that's flexible enough to meet your current and future needs can be a challenge, and it can be a huge pain to change your router every time you need some more coverage.This is where wireless mesh networking makes the most sense. Sometimes one central wireless access point that sends out a powerful omnidirectional signal is perfect but often a mesh system delivers a better experience without giving up anything you need. There's a big difference between Wi-Fi in your house that works and Wi-Fi in your home that works well.If y...

Skullcandy's latest wireless earbuds pack high-end features into an affordable package.There are a lot of excellent wireless earbuds these days. While many of the top options out there are quite expensive, there are still some pretty great cheap wireless earbuds too — but not all cheap earbuds are good earbuds. Many have poor sound quality and lack modern features we have come to expect from our tech. The new Skullcandy Grind Fuel and Push Active are looking to break that stigma and offer great sound and a host of high-end customization, but at an affordable price.Skullcandy has been making audio accessories since 2003, and though the brand isn't new to the headphone or earbud game — its new Skull-IQ Smart Feature is. The introduction of Skull-IQ brings a custom voice assistant as well as some audio personalization options to the Grind Fuel and Push Active. Skullcandy is doing this while keeping the price of these new earbuds under the $100 mark — is it worth it? Let's find...

It's complicated.Android 12 — or "Snow Cone" if you prefer — officially launched October 4. But good luck finding an official update on any existing phones, outside of public beta builds for Samsung and OnePlus devices. So instead, Google's official announcement of Android 12's release to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) states: Keep an eye out for Android 12 coming to a device near you, starting with Pixel in the next few weeks, and Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi devices later this year.It's highly unusual for the open-source release of a new version of Android to not be accompanied by official updates for Google's phones. Even before the Pixel series, Nexus phones were guaranteed day-one updates when a new version dropped. So what's going on here? Is Android 12 really finished and ready to go, or is Google pulling a fast one? The Android bits are done, but the Pixel bits aren't.To answer this, we need to unpick the Android...

Having dispatched the Rams in clinical fashion last weekend, Kyler Murray and co will be looking to once again underline their growing reputation as the league's team to beat.Read on for full details on how to watch 49ers vs Cardinals, no matter where you are in the world.The 49ers will be hoping for more of the same from Murray, who completed 24 of his 32 passes for 268 yards, with two touchdowns, adding a further 39 yards on the ground, ensuring Arizona hold the mantle as the lone unbeaten team in the NFL.The Redbirds today come up against a 49ers side laid low by big injuries with rookie quarterback Trey Lance set to start thanks to a crisis that has claimed key men George Kittle and Jimmy Garoppolo.Despite making an impressive appearance stepping in for Garoppolo for the 49ers during their 28-21 defeat to the Seawahks in Game Week 4, it looks like a tough assignment for Lance who would come up against a defense that forced two turnovers against the Rams last weekend.Read ...

The new and upcoming features are meant to make the platform "more inclusive and accessible."What you need to knowYouTube has announced a bunch of new caption and audio capabilities meant to improve its accessibility.The platform's live auto captions feature is now live for all creators.A slate of upcoming audio and caption features are also set for launch later this year.YouTube has lifted previous limitations to its accessibility features for live streams with new improvements for its caption and audio capabilities, along with more features meant to make content more accessible to all types of viewers.One of the platform's useful capabilities that's seeing an expansion is automatic livestream caption. The feature is no longer restricted to creators with over 1,000 subscribers, as YouTube has made it available to all creators. The most recent change should make live streams more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.YouTube intends to expand the featur...