Latest from Android Central

Things are heating up between Google and Microsoft.What you need to knowGoogle asked a federal judge to uphold a subpoena it served to Microsoft.The requested documents may aid Google in its ongoing antitrust case issued by the DOJ.Microsoft is pushing back against Google's request, saying it hasn't provided a specific reason for its additional requests.Google is asking that Microsoft comply with a request to hand over documents related to the search giant's ongoing antitrust case, according to a recent court document.The Google antitrust lawsuit was issued last October by the DOJ, alleging that Google holds an unfair monopoly over search on the internet and on the best Android phones, making it extremely difficult for anyone else to compete.While the proceedings aren't expected to take place until 2023, both sides are preparing to build their cases. While Microsoft is a key player in the case, as noted by Google, the company is reportedly holding back on providing docu...

Even among other tech and gaming equipment, the Oculus Quest 2 is very susceptible to damage. Whether you're protecting your headset from sunlight, scratches threatening your Quest's lenses, or just plain ol' gravity, a case is a necessity for any Oculus Quest 2 owner. Of course, Facebook and Oculus happen to have their own case, but several other manufacturers have also thrown their hats into the ring. Here are some of the best Oculus Quest 2 cases.Best overall: Oculus Quest 2 Carrying CaseIt's no coincidence that the official case leads the pack. While most cases are designed for the original Quest, this one was made with the slightly smaller Quest 2 in mind. Thanks to its compact, stylish design, the Official Quest 2 carrying case is ideal.It'll easily keep all your accessories secure in most situations, and there's room for everything here. Tuck away your headset, controllers, charging cable, and power adapter for safekeeping. The custom inlay is designed to hold everythi...

Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the recently released Google Pixel 4a models. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package. Snagging a great deal on one isn't so tough either; we've gathered the best offers available right now and put them in a list just below. Then again, there are some excellent Pixel 5 deals to consider too if you'd rather purchase an upgraded model.Best Google Pixel 4a Deals Available NowPixel 4a 5G: as low as $15/monthPixel 4a: up to $100 offUnlike previous Pixel devices, there is no XL model of the Google Pixel 4a. However, its 5.81-inch OLED display is more than suitable for browsing the web, watching videos, playing mobile games, and more. The Pixel 4a is also equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor, 6GB LPDDR4x RAM, 1...

Making it easy to pair Bluetooth headphones with your ChromebookWhat you need to knowGoogle Fast Pair was spotted in the latest Chromium Gerrit Commit.Fast Pair makes it easier to pair supported Bluetooth headphones with devices.The feature is not yet available for testing, as it has not made its way to the Canary build.Announced in 2017, Google Fast Pair offers a swift and easy way to pair some of the best wireless earbuds the best Android phones. And thanks to a new Chromium Gerrit commit (via 9to5Google), this feature could be in a future Chrome OS release.According to the commit, Fast Pair will first arrive via the chrome://flags menu, which will need to be enabled once added to Chrome OS. Here's Google's description of what this flag will offer: Enables Google Fast Pair service which uses BLE to discover supported nearby Bluetooth devices and surfaces a notification for quick pairing. Use along with #bluetooth-advertisement-monitoring to allow background scanning...

Fast Pair is a technology that lets you quickly pair your best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones to your Android phone without having to dig through multiple menus. Instead, simply place them into pairing mode and bring your headphones and phone close together. There aren't too many options on the market (yet), but the Harman Kardon Fly are the best we can find, thanks to their overall battery life, sound quality, and comfort. Here are some of our other favorites for the best Fast Pair headphones for Android.Best overall: Harman Kardon Fly ANCHarman Kardon makes headphones under its own branding, though you may not have known that, given the Samsung subsidiary's penchant for in-car audio. These were some of the very first headphones to support Google's Fast Pair feature, so you can bet the quick pairing process leads to a good head start. JBL is a Harman property, so there are some similarities here.The Fly ANC produce sound quality on par with JBL cans in the sam...

The Nest Hello doorbell, one of the best Ring video doorbell alternatives, is your window to the outside world (you know, aside from the actual windows on your home). That means it's actually outside all the time. It's a good idea to protect it or, at the very least, cover it so that it won't get weather-worn and scuffed. These are the best Nest Hello covers and wall plates for the popular video doorbell.Jazz it upElago silicone Google Nest Hello caseStaff pickThese silicone cases are UV-resistant and come in six colors to add a bit of pizzazz to an otherwise boring-looking device. Elago's cases will protect your doorbell from the elements, and it won't block the camera, microphone, or any other necessary components.From $9 at Amazon$12 at WalmartOn a pedestalElago Wall PlateElago's wall plates are a great backdrop to your Nest Hello. They come in four colors and are UV-resistant, double-coated for extra weather resistance, and they help to cover up any marks or ...

Tri-band advantageTP-Link Deco X68$250 at AmazonProsFast AX3600 Wi-Fi 6 connectionDedicated backhaulHomeShield includedDual Ethernet portsConsMore expensive for similar coverageThe TP-Link Deco X68 uses a third 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 band to keep the mesh speeds high even with multiple connected devices. With a tri-band AX3600 connection, this mesh kit has all of the speed of an AX1800 router with no mesh compromises. This means that you'll have access to gigabit speeds whether your device is connected to the base router or a remote node.Entry Wi-Fi 6 meshTP-Link Deco X20$225 at AmazonProsWi-Fi 6 connectionGreat price for Wi-FI 6HomeCare includedDual Ethernet portsConsDual-band connection limits mesh performanceThe TP-Link Deco X20 keeps things simple with an AX1800 dual-band connection. This setup will be adequate for more people with support for internet speeds over 500Mbps, which is more than enough for 4K streaming, video conferencing, ...

Best answer: ExpressVPN allows you to connect five devices simultaneously. You can install it on more devices than that, though you'll need to disconnect one device to activate a connection on another once you hit that limit. Alternatively, you can use ExpressVPN with your compatible Wi-Fi router to connect as many devices as you want.Connect your devices: ExpressVPN ($6.67 per month at ExpressVPN)ExpressVPN is our top pick out of all the best VPN services out there, though its five device limit is actually one of its downsides compared to the competition. For most people, five concurrent connections will be plenty so it's a minor complaint, but other provides allow up to ten simultaneous connections and some, such as Surfshark, even have no limit at all.You can install ExpressVPN's apps across all of your devices and be logged into the same account. The limit only applies to how many devices are actively running a VPN connection. You can mix and match which devices have acti...

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is clearly the top dog in the S21 series. It's the biggest, fastest, and best-equipped Galaxy you can buy. If you're going to spend top dollar on a top phone, then you probably want to do everything you can to protect your purchase. Following is a roundup of the best heavy-duty cases to cover your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Whether you prefer to wrap your S21 Ultra up like RoboCop or let some of its personality shine through, we've got a tough case to match your tough phone.Speck-tacularSpeck Presidio2 Grip CaseStaff PickSmartphone buyers have loved Speck cases for years, and one of the company's most popular offerings is the Presidio line. We love it because it's thin yet still very durable, offering protection from drops of up to 13 feet. Best of all, it discourages bacterial growth with Microban technology, and yet it's still easy to hold onto thanks to the groves on the back and sides.$44 at Amazon (Blue)$25 at Amazon (Black)$26 at Amaz...

Amazon isn't having it.What you need to knowAmazon has received a large fine over privacy violations.The CNPD is calling for "corresponding practice revisions" by the company.Amazon says it will defend itself against the decision, which it believes was made "without merit."Amazon has just been hit with yet another fine, although this comes with a hefty price tag. It was discovered in financial filings (via The WSJ) that the Luxembourg National Commission for Data Protection (CNPD) recently issued a €746 million fine (roughly $887 million) against the company, the largest issued this far over EU privacy laws.According to the filing, the decision made on July 16 claimed that Amazon's processing of personal data did not comply with the GDPR. The ruling calls for Amazon to change its business practices.In the filing, Amazon says that the decision was made "without merit" and that the company plans to defend itself "vigorously" in the matter.Amazon told Android Central t...

Nowadays, most people spend a large proportion of their time using smartphones and tablets. These devices are just so convenient, enabling users to browse the web, flick through social media feeds, play games, stream movies and much more whenever and wherever they are.Best Mobile VPN appsExpressVPN: The best mobile VPN appSurfshark: An affordable mobile VPNNordVPN: A mobile-friendly VPNCyberGhost: Gigantic server networkIPVanish: Robust with great apps1. ExpressVPN: The best mobile VPN appThis is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so give it a shot today.From $6.67/mo at ExpressVPN2. Surfshark VPN: An affordable mobile VPNFrom $2.49/mo at SurfsharkWith plans starting out at about 8 cents per day, it's really hard to skip over Surfshark. It offers a ton of great features that you'd expect from ...

Best answer: When it comes to choosing a Garmin instinct smartwatch, the standard model will be the best option for most outdoor enthusiasts. If you're looking for additional perks, one of the other models might be more your speed.Which Garmin Instinct should you buy?If you're a fan of wearables, you know that Garmin offers some of the best Android smartwatches out there. However, the company's smartwatch lineup is far from predictable, including the rugged Garmin Instinct models. The Garmin Instinct and Garmin fēnix models are both made for outdoor enthusiasts, but the Instinct models aren't quite as advanced — or expensive. The good news is that the Garmin Instinct models cater to a few different types of users.If you need a rugged outdoor smartwatch that's ideal for covering basic tracking, the standard Garmin Instinct will do. If endurance and unlimited battery life are of the utmost importance, the Garmin Instinct Solar may be more appealing. If you'd like a few extra f...

Aloy's journey may not be continuing this year.What you need to knowHorizon Forbidden West was first revealed at the June 2020 Future of Gaming PS5 showcase.The game was originally slated to release sometime in the second half of 2021.Horizon Forbidden West has been reportedly delayed to 2022.Bloomberg reported on Friday that Guerrilla Games' Horizon Forbidden West is delayed to sometime in early 2022. The ambitious game follows the story of Horizon Zero Dawn as protagonist Aloy explores what used to be the Western U.S, encountering a whole new list of machines to tame and fight.This move comes after Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan previously confirmed that Horizon Forbidden West was one of the titles from Sony Worldwide Studios that was on track to release in 2021. Previously, our sources indicated that Sony Interactive Entertainment had taken on additional support work, to try and get the game out by Holiday 2021.Horizon Forbidden West isn't the first Play...

When you're trying to find the best Android smartwatch for your needs, you'll want to consider a few factors. You'll find that many wearables run on Wear OS, including the Mobvoi TicWatch smartwatches. Whether you prefer rugged or sleek, simple or robust, there's no shortage of options. Our favorite from this brand is the TicWatch Pro 3. It's pricey, but it'll be money well spent for most users. You'll get loads of smart features, battery life that goes on for days, and a gorgeous dual display. If you're still not sure, we've rounded up some of the best TicWatch smartwatches for you to choose from.Best overall: TicWatch Pro 3As you marvel at the TicWatch Pro 3, don't forget to pick up your jaw from the floor. This smartwatch truly does it all with a generous number of features, unbelievable battery life, and tons of fitness tracking perks. What you'll probably notice first, though, is the uniquely brilliant display. The TicWatch Pro 3 uses layered display technology, which help...

Our review is in for the Nothing ear (1) $99 Bluetooth earbuds! Intel and Qualcomm have formed a partnership that has Intel building chips for its quasi-competitor. Additionally, MediaTek is coming on strong with the Kompanio 1300T chip for tablets and Chromebooks, Surface Duo 2 alleged leaks show a big ass camera hump, a new S Pen for Galaxy Z Fold 3, and tons more.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Nothing ear (1) review: Unique design, phenomenal sound | Android CentralIntel to build chips for Qualcomm as it fights to regain its lead | Android CentralMediaTek Kompanio 1300T chip is coming soon to an Android tablet near you | Android CentralSupposed Microsoft Surface Duo 2 prototype images show big changes are coming | Android CentralSamsung confirms new S Pen for Galaxy Z Fold 3 and other 'foldable surprises' | Android CentralNew Galaxy Watch 4 leak shows off Samsung's Wear OS-b...

Genshin Impact just got its biggest update yet, allowing players to travel to Inazuma, the nation of the Electro Archon. As you travel through Inazuma for the first time, you will find a wealth of new resources unique to the area. While some of these resources aren't terribly important yet, some are absolutely necessary for ascending characters and completing quests. Fortunately, we've trekked across the whole of Inazuma and know exactly where you need to go to farm these valuable resources.Local specialty resources in InazumaAs is the case with Mondstadt and Liyue, Inazuma also has local specialty resources. Currently, there are six local specialties in Inazuma: Sakura blooms, Naku weeds, Crystal Marrow, Sea Ganoderma, Onikabuto, and Dendrobium. While these resources are plentiful, if you need several in a hurry, we've mapped out the best places to farm them.Where to farm Sakura blooms in InazumaPerhaps the most important resource on the list, Sakura blooms are electrified...

In its preparation for the upcoming Wear OS overhaul, Google is already rolling out some changes to the Google Play Store on Wear OS to existing devices. This update brings a welcomed update to the app installation process for Wear OS smartwatches. When you install an app on your phone, if that app has a version for your smartwatch, you get the ability to install it to both devices simultaneously. Like many Google service updates, the change is rolling out in stages, but if you've noticed a difference in the way your Play Store app installation process looks — here's how to install Wear OS app from your Android phone.How to install Wear OS app from your Android phoneWhile you can still install apps from the Play Store directly on your Wear OS watch, sometimes it's just easier to search for apps on the larger screen of your phone. So here's how you can install the app on all of your Wear OS devices and your Android phone simultaneously.Open the Play Store on your Android phon...

Google will be rolling out new "milestones" every four weeks starting with Chrome 94.What you need to knowChrome 93 beta is now available to download.It brings multi-screen window placement, window controls overlay for desktop web apps, and PWAs as URL handlers. The stable version of Chrome 93 is expected to be released at the end of August.Google today rolled out Chrome 93 beta for Android, Chrome OS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.The new update introduces a few new original trials for Chrome desktop. These include a new Multi-Screen Window Placement API, Window Controls Overlay for installed desktop web apps, and PWAs as URL handlers. Google has also added cross-device support for the WebOTP API with Chrome 93, so you'll soon be paste SMS OTPs from your Android phone to your desktop.With the Multi-Screen Window Placement API, developers can place windows on any display connected to a machine and make a window full-screen on any display. For example, presentation apps ca...

The best backpacks are used for all kinds of reasons, whether it's to travel to work, school, or even vacation. Ideally, you'll want a backpack with several compartments that can hold a computer, like one of the best Chromebooks, tablet, and other essentials, plus have small pockets for items like your phone, wallet, keys, and more. There are so many types and kinds of backpacks, many of which are appropriate for different use cases. But one of the best and most versatile is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2, which, as the name implies, is designed to handle everyday use. It can hold a laptop and other essentials, both large and small, thanks to adjustable dividers. Plus, it's water-resistant, expandable, and designed with plenty of features to reduce theft.Best overall: Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2As the name implies, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 is a versatile backpack made for everyday use, and it's designed such that it would look as great on a college campus...

Whether you're working from home, want to get in a gaming session from your bed, or watch movies while stuck at home, using one of these best lap desks is invaluable. A good lap desk can help with proper ergonomics to ensure you are comfortable while doing your work. There are so many choices out there — from adjustable options to those with lights or fans. We've rounded up the best for you to get for whatever you want to do from wherever you want to do it.Space for activitiesKavalan Portable Laptop DeskStaff PickThis lap desk from Kavalan not only looks great but has great functionality that makes terrific use of its size. The desk has mouse pads on both sides for right or left-handed use or as a spot for your phone to hang out. There is also a slot at the top of the desk should you want to use a tablet and prop it up. Dual pads on the bottom and wrist rest to make sure you stay comfy while you work or play.$58 at AmazonA solid choiceSONGMICS Laptop DeskT...

Free antivirus apps don't do much more than scan your device for existing threats. And because they are free, you can expect a lot of ads and a bit of slowdown because of the number of resources they use. After testing several free antivirus apps, my top pick is Sophos Intercept X for Mobile because of the extra security tools it comes with and how well it finds malware without causing too much drag.Best Overall: Sophos Intercept X for MobileThis app blocks calls and filters text messages for malicious links. Its QR scanner checks each link to make sure they are safe before connecting you or allowing a file to download. Sophos' anti-theft tools let you remotely access stolen phones to wipe data or reset passwords, send text commands to the thieves and track where your phone is.Sophos has a system scanner that looks for other security issues with your device and helps you secure them. This could be an outdated program or an app running in the background that doesn't need to be...

Motorola is one of the oldest and most recognizable phone brands in the world, and while it may not have the same dominance in the market that it once did, the company still kicks out some truly excellent Android phones, often at great prices. If your heart is set on one of these solid devices, here are the best Motorola phones that are out right now.Best of the bunchMoto G Power (2020)Staff PickWhen it comes to the best Motorola phones, the Moto G Power (2020) is the way to go. Motorola's G-series has always been about delivering quality phones at great prices, and the G Power (2020) is an exceptional example of that goal. The star of the show is the 5,000 mAh battery, offering up to three days of use per charge. Rounding out the experience is a great 6.4-inch Full HD+ display, reliable performance thanks to the Snapdragon 665, and a trio of rear cameras that are solid for the price.$220 at Amazon$149 at WalmartNew kidMoto G100 - 128GBThe Moto G100 is the compan...

This is a good sign as we wait for OnwardMobility to release its BlackBerry phone.What you need to knowOur readers overwhelmingly voted in favor of a new BlackBerry smartphone.Some readers reminisced over older BlackBerry phones like the Priv and KeyOne.Some of our readers have no interest in a new BlackBerry, while others see the merit in one.Earlier this week, we asked our readers if they were interested in a new BlackBerry smartphone. After all, it's been a few years since the fairly impressive BlackBerry Key2 launched, and OnwardMobility reinvigorated interest in a new device by launching a waitlist. We don't know anything about the upcoming device, but fans may be able to help influence its development to some extent.However, we received an overwhelmingly positive response, with 1,514 participants (76%) voting in favor of a new BlackBerry device. 12% of participants had no interest but saw the merit of a new BlackBerry, while 11% thought that the company should just ...

Tile makes some of the best Bluetooth trackers, and using them in conjunction with Amazon's Sidewalk network expands the number of other users that can help find your lost things. Setting everything up isn't really intuitive, but it's also not difficult. All you need is to have Sidewalk enabled in your Alexa app (this is done by default for most of us) and a Tile account, then you're halfway there. We'll show you how to connect Tile to Amazon sidewalk below.How to enable Tile in Sidewalk's Find My networkMake sure you have the Alexa app and Tile app installed on your phone. Inside the Tile app, open the settings menu.Tap for the Smart Home Hub settings entry.Link your Tile app to Amazon Alexa by tapping the top section. If you have already linked your accounts, you can skip to step number 8.After linking your accounts, the Alexa app will open to the Tile skill page. Tap ENABLE TO USE to install the skill.If you haven't already linked your Tile account to Alexa, you'll be ...

The leaked case renders also give us another look at the phone's upgraded cover display and rear camera module.What you need to knowA new leak shows off Samsung's official cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 3.Samsung reportedly plans to offer silicone, leather, and clear cases for the foldable phone.The Galaxy Z Flip 3 will debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3 at Samsung's Unpacked event on August 11.Earlier this week, we got our first look at the official folio case for Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3, courtesy of 91Mobiles. The publication has now posted renders of Samsung's official cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 3.The new leak reveals Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases will be available in leather, silicone, and clear designs. As can be seen in the images below, the cases will be offered in three color options: Blue, Purple, and Yellow. One of the cases appears to have a strap attachment to provide protection to the foldable middle part of the phone, while another has a ring attachment i...

Google Chrome is one of Android user's favorite web browsers for various reasons. From cross-platform syncing to Chrome extensions, over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged operating system for the ever-so excellent Chromebooks. This is because Chrome is always adding new features, and one of those is Tab Groups. But knowing how to collapse Tab Groups in Google Chrome makes it even more useful.How to collapse Tab Groups in Google ChromeOnce you have set up Tab Groups and created your groups, you may want to collapse them to reduce the clutter at the top of your browser. Doing this also helps better utilize the Tab Group feature.The process of collapsing your grouped tabs is an easy one. To do so, simply click on the name Tab Group that you want to collapse. Just know that it won't collapse if you only have a single group and don't have any active tabs other than a group. To expand the group, click on the group name again.Freeze your Tab Groups in ChromeIn the Chr...

The best streaming VPN will let you access video and other online content, no matter where you are. That means the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, and more can all have their geo-restrictions dodged so you can get your streaming video fill.Best streaming VPN 20211. ExpressVPN (From $6.67/mo)2. CyberGhost VPN (From $1.99/mo)3. NordVPN (From $3.30/mo)4. Surfshark VPN (From $2.49/mo)5. IPVanish (From $3.75/mo)That kind of sounds illegal, right? Well, in some cases it can be and, in others, it may well be against the terms of use of the service you are accessing. That being said, it is a super common use case for VPNs — whether you're abroad and want to stream Hulu from back home or you're in a region that is locked out of certain types of content. Ultimately, you'll want to exercise caution and think about what you are doing to ensure you stay safe during the process and don't break any rules.A VPN will allow you to appear somewhere you are ...

Men. Who needs 'em, am I right, ladies?Originally announced during a Nintendo Direct back in June, Overboard! called to me the minute I laid eyes on it. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love a good mystery. But what sets Overboard! apart from its neighbors in the mystery/investigation genre of games is that you're not trying to catch a killer—you are the killer, and if you play your cards right, you'll get away with it.Overboard! opens with a splash, literally and figuratively. It's the dead of night as the scene closes in on Veronica and Malcom Villensey, a married couple standing at the railing of their boat, trying to get a good look at the "dolphins" in the water. But the dolphins are just a ruse to get Malcom close to the edge; with a decisive push from Veronica, overboard he goes!This top-tier adventure game recently landed on mobile devices, and it definitely belongs among the ranks of our best Android games.Cue a decisively excellent jazz number as t...

Android gamers can finally find out why everyone loves Rec Room.What you need to knowRec Room is a free-to-play social game that lets players hang out or play games together.It started out as a VR-only game but has expanded to major non-VR platforms, including Steam, iOS, and Xbox.Players can also create their own worlds and make real money off in-game purchases, which has created a vibrant creative community.It's been a long time coming, but Rec Room is finally available on Android, free on the Google Play Store. While it started out and remains one of the best VR games you can play, Rec Room quickly expanded when a "pancake" version launched for systems that run on traditional flat screens. Since then, the game has absolutely exploded, boasting well over 1 million active VR gamers and many more that play the game in non-VR fashion.At its core, Rec Room is a social hub and creator haven all in one neat little package, letting players spend their time as they see fit. You...

Summer's almost over, school will be back, and — what's that, your kid needs a new smartphone? Whether you're a high schooler's parent or a student getting ready to head back to college, having a trusty Android phone by your side can make life a lot easier. Here are some of our top recommendations, including the Google Pixel 4a as our best overall pick.Best overall: Google Pixel 4aFor a student, one of the most important aspects of buying a new phone is buying reliable something without being too expensive. Out of all the phones on the market right now, the one that strikes that balance the best is the Google Pixel 4a.The Pixel 4a is Google's mid-range successor to the popular Pixel 3a series. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, it is one of the best mid-range smartphones that money can buy, and one of the biggest reasons for that is the Pixel 4a's camera. Most mid-range phones have fine cameras, but the Pixel 4a captures photos that are just as good, if not bett...

No country has been able to figure out and successfully implement a right-to-repair legislation, says the CEO and co-founder of iFixit. However, he says after a Presidential executive order and intense pressure from consumer advocates, the U.S. is in a strong position to cement right-to-repair legislation in the near future.Last week, the Federal Trade Commission issued a policy statement committing to prioritizing aggressive action against manufacturers who impose unfair repair restrictions. The announcement came days after U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order that directed the FTC to do so.In an interview, Kyle Wiens explained that the U.S. has passed right-to-repair legislation, but it only pertains to the automotive industry."The only reason your local mechanic exists and can get information from Ford on how to fix cars is because of existing right to repair rules," he said. "(Other) legislation would make a huge difference (in a variety of industries) and tha...

We know this is Android Central, but it's hard to ignore such a large segment of users (even if they do end up changing sides more often than not). So if you're an iPhone user looking to save your contacts on your Google account, we've got you covered. This tutorial will show you how to back up your iPhone contacts to your Google account in a jiffy.Products used in this guideThe go-to cloud storage for most people: Google Drive (Free at App Store)How to back up iPhone contacts to a Google account through account settingsUsually, your iPhone will automatically save your contacts to the default account on your Apple phone. If this has been set as your Google account, all your contacts should already be saved to it. Here's how to turn this option on in case your default account isn't your Google account. Make sure you've signed in to your Gmail before proceeding with the following steps.Open Settings.Tap Contacts.Look for your Gmail account and tap it.Toggle Contacts to ...

Several other Galaxy phones are likely to start receiving the update soon.What you need to knowThe August 2021 Android security patch has started rolling out to Samsung's Galaxy S21 series phones.While the rollout is currently limited to China, it is likely to expand to more regions soon.Samsung's mid-range Galaxy A52 began receiving the August security update earlier this week. Samsung has already started rolling out the August Android security patch to its Galaxy S21 series phones, according to tipster Ice Universe. The rollout doesn't come as a surprise, however, since Samsung has been rolling out new monthly security updates before everyone else for quite some time now.CHINA VERSION S21 updated August patch pic.twitter.com/KUSyOasV1G— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) July 30, 2021The company actually began pushing the August 2021 security patch to its mid-range Galaxy A52 earlier this week. Samsung's Galaxy A72 and the three-year-old Galaxy A8 (2018) phones have also...

Running a ten-year-old phone with a modern version of Android may be a lousy idea for day-to-day operations, but it's an impressive technical showcase.It's been a good few years since I last dabbled with custom ROMs on my Android phones. Back in the glory days of the Nexus One and early Samsung Galaxy phones, Android was simple enough and open enough that many enthusiasts would think nothing of picking up new nightly builds from their favorite developers and flashing them on the main devices.These days, though, the best Android phones are vastly more complex and locked-down than in the early 2010s. NFC payments, secure banking apps, and emerging tech like mobile driving licenses and even passports mean running a rooted device is out of the question for many. Even running unrooted firmware without Google's "SafetyNet" seal of approval can cause headaches for everyday activities like paying for groceries or taking public transport.Regardless, the Android hacking community remains...

Mobile payment solutions like Google Pay have multiple benefits to consumers and businesses, but small towns are behind in adding it to their businesses.Google has been providing a digital wallet option since 2011 with Google Wallet, and since that time the service has gone through multiple phases of evolution to what we now know as Google Pay. Google Pay has become a much more well-known product, usable in millions of stores, thanks to the proliferation of NFC adoption and, in no small part, to Apple Pay. But even with all of that growth, access to contactless payments in smaller communities is still scarce.Living in rural Kansas, my experience when going to local retailers, restaurants, and gas stations is to expect no access to Google Pay. That's not to say that I don't come across it from time to time; instead, it's rare enough of an encounter that I have been trained to not even look for it as an option. The "big town" near my home is about 15,000 people at best, but ma...

The Nord N series phones have been successful in giving OnePlus a popularity boost in North America.What you need to knowOnePlus registered a 257% YoY shipment growth globally in the first half of the year.The impressive growth was driven by the company's flagship OnePlus 9 series and the mid-range Nord and Nord N series. OnePlus emerged as the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the U.S. in H1 2021 with a 428% increase in shipment growth.OnePlus has announced that its global smartphone shipments registered a massive 257% YoY growth in the first half of 2021. It achieved "significant sales growth" across nearly every major smartphone market — including the U.S., Europe, India, and China.The growth was apparently driven by the company's OnePlus 9 series and mid-range Nord series phones. OnePlus' Nord N series, which is exclusive to the U.S., also played an important role. The company claims it has sold over 1 million Nord N series phones since January. OnePlus emerged as...

Could this be Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond's most picturesque adventure yet? The former Top Gear stars are off for a road trip like no other across the Highlands of Scotland.Read on to find out how to watch The Grand Tour: Lochdown and stream the new special online from anywhere in the world.The trio were supposedly planning to go to Russia for this latest adventure for Amazon, but as the title suggests, the pandemic scuppered those plans.Instead, the threesome are heading to the wet and blustery Scottish Lochs driving classic American automobiles from Edinburgh to the Hebrides.The premise of the trip? To find out why the classic 70s US cars that dominated TV screens in their childhood fail to take off in Britain.To do this, they'll be putting a Cadillac Coupe De Ville, a Lincoln Continental and a Buick Riviera through their paces on some of the UK's most demanding roads.Read on to find out how to watch The Grand Tour: Lochdown online, no matter where ...

Amazon posted strong sales but missed expectations.What you need to knowAmazon announced its Q2 2021 earnings on Thursday.The company's revenue grew to more than $113 billion, just missing sales estimates.Prime Day and AWS were big drivers during the second quarter.Amazon's second-quarter earnings report showed big gains for the company thanks in part to Prime Day, but analysts weren't too impressed by the company missing sales estimates.The company managed over $113 billion in revenue, driven by its highest Prime Day sales, seeing more than 250 million items purchased during the two-day event. What was the most popular item? The Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote, which is admittedly one of the best streaming devices you can get.AWS also continued to grow, amassing nearly $15 billion in revenue and shows increased growth compared to last quarter.However, while Amazon managed impressive numbers, the company also missed sales estimates by roughly two billion, and...

Usually Disney creates new attractions based on scenes from its films but this time around the company is doing things a bit differently by creating a film around one of its most famous attractions and we have all the details on how you can watch Disney's Jungle Cruise online.Based on the theme park attraction of the same name located in Adventureland at four of its parks around the world, Jungle Cruise stars fan favorites Dwayne Johnson as skipper Frank Wolff and Emily Blunt as Dr. Lily Houghton. However, Edgar Ramírez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons and Paul Giamatti are also featured in the film.Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Jungle Cruise tells the story of researcher Dr. Lily Houghton who travels from London to the Amazon Jungle in search of an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities. In order to travel down the Amazon River and find the tree with the power to change the future of medicine, Lily hires wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff.Together the two embark on ...

It's a mess right now, but it should get better.After months of waiting for information, we finally have some news on PS5 storage capacity upgrades with an internal SSD. While Sony added the ability to use external hard drives for cold storage a few months ago, players were still limited to roughly 667GB of SSD space to run PS5 games. With many larger titles now averaging 50GB or above before patches, that space fills up quickly.Now, while it's not widely available yet, Sony has published the steps necessary for PS5 beta testers to upgrade their storage with a compatible M.2 drive. Well, kind of.There's a whole host of disclaimers, including the eyebrow-raising statement that just because an SSD meets the recommended speed and size requirements, there's no guarantee it'll work. Even if a drive works, if you install some of the best PS5 games to it, they might see degraded performance compared to being stored on the PS5's internal ultra-fast SSD. At the end of the day, Sony's PS...

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is hyping up the company's upcoming Ray-Ban smart glasses.What you need to knowFacebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the company will launch smart glasses soon.The glasses will be the result of a partnership with Ray-Ban and Essilor Luxottica.Facebook has long talked about launching smart wearables, including smartwatch-like devices.Facebook has been talking about developing wearables for some time, and it sounds like its first product is well on the way, according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.During Wednesday's earnings call, Zuckerberg briefly discussed the company's plans to launch a pair of smart glasses. While he did not go into much detail, he talked about the partnership Facebook has with Ray-Ban and Essilor Luxottica, a leading manufacturer of optical lenses.The glasses will retain Ray-Ban's iconic design and will "let you do some pretty neat things," according to Zuckerberg.This isn't the first time the company has mentioned this collaboratio...

Even if you work remotely, there are times where you'll be traveling and will need the best business backpack. We look for a balance of style and business savvy, which is why Nomatic is our favorite choice for a business backpack. This pack's big focus is design and functionality, and that is why it's also one of the best backpacks out there, even for just general purpose usage. But, of course, there are plenty of bags to suit your business needs, and we have them right here.Best business backpack overall: Nomatic Travel PackNomatic's backpack was a huge hit on Kickstarter, and for a good reason. Thanks to the water-resistant material and waterproof zippers, tons of great features are built into this backpack for easy access, and you won't have to worry about Mother Nature getting in. Security isn't an issue because Nomatic's Travel Pack has lockable perimeter zippers to help keep your things safe from thieves. There is also a hidden RFID blocking pocket built into the back of ...

Google is cracking down on "sugar dating" apps in its updated policy.What you need to knowGoogle is issuing updates to its Play Store policy on apps.The updated policy prohibits apps that promote "compensated sexual relationships."Other changes include updates to policies against misleading titles and dormant developer accounts.Google is providing Android app developers with more clarification about upcoming policies and updates that go into effect starting September 1. The new and updated policies are meant to make the Play Store safer for the best Android phones and include restrictions against app spam and "sugar dating" apps.While Google already prohibits apps that encourage payment for sexual acts, the company is further clarifying this with additional text. The policy now reads that the Play Store prohibits apps promoting "compensated dating or sexual arrangements where one participant is expected or implied to provide money, gifts or financial support to another pa...

Working from home can be great, assuming you approach it the right way. Whether your job is 100% remote or your company is shifting to remote work temporarily, having a good office desk and other office equipment is essential to staying productive and having an enjoyable workday. If you're shopping for the best cheap home office desk, there are lots of excellent choices that are not only affordable, but kind to your back and posture. Here are our top picks when it comes to office comfort!Our favoriteFURINNO Econ Multipurpose Home Office Computer Writing DeskStaff PickWe're happy to recommend any of the desks on this list, but if we were to pick one as the best overall, it'd have to be the FURINNO Econ Multipurpose Desk. The Econ desk stands out for a few reasons. It's offered in a ton of different finishes, there's a slide-out drawer for your keyboard, and the various platforms/surfaces give you ample ways to organize your gear. We also love the included cubby on the bott...

Promising once more to reveal incredible tales of rock and pop star excess and fascinating rises to fame, classic VH1 documentary series has been revived for the 21st century on streaming service Paramount+.Read on for full details on how to stream Behind the Music with our guide below.From an era when music television actually meant shows about music, the original show was a massive 1990's hit on VH1, with classic episodes chronically the highs and lows of acts such as Motley Crue, Milli Vanilli and Ozzy Osbourne.This reboot is exclusive to streaming service Paramount+, and promises the same recipe of revealing anecdotes from the key players in each story, interspersed with archive footage and performances.Acts promised to get the 21st century Behind the Music treatment in this new series include Ricky Martin, LL Cool J, Huey Lewis, Duran Duran, New Kids On The Block and Fat Joe.The second half of the season will feature Jenny On The Block herself, Jennifer Lopez, with f...

Register for a chance to give feedback and test things out early.New features and software updates can make your experience with consoles like the PS5 even smoother. If you want to check out some upcoming features ahead of time, such as PS5 SSD storage expansion or the ability to sort your Trophy list vertically, you can. By signing up to be a PS5 beta tester, if you're selected, you'll have the opportunity to try this stuff out weeks or even months before most users. Here's how.How to sign up to be a PS5 beta testerBefore you try to sign up, it's important to note that your PSN account must meet the following requirements:You must be at least 18 years oldYou must be located in one of these countries: United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, France or Germany You must have a valid PSN account "in good standing" with a current email address You must submit complete and accurate feedback to Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) about your use of the beta software in the...

Stay dryJabra Elite 75t$150 at Amazon $113 at Best BuyProsGreat sound qualityComfortable fitImproved battery lifeSmaller charging caseBetter than the AirPodsConsFewer charges from the case compared to Elite 65tNo wireless chargingCall quality still not as good as AirPodsJabra makes a strong case that these are among the best true wireless earbuds products currently available. With far better battery life over the Elite 65t and a slimmer frame that nestles into ears with greater comfort, there's a lot to like about the package the Elite 75t delivers. Solid app support, voice assistant integration, and some of the best cable-free audio quality round out an impressive piece of kit.Get wetJabra Elite Active 75t$150 at Amazon $150 at Best BuyProsWaterproof buildGreat sound qualityComfortable fitSmaller charging caseJust as portable as Elite 75tConsNo noticeable audio upgrade from Elite 75tNo wireless chargingNo improved call quality...

A free VPN, or virtual private network, is a wonderful thing — as many things that are free tend to be. But, as is also often the case, you get what you pay for and a paid VPN is often better. That said, it all depends on what you need. So which is the best VPN for you, free or paid?The price difference between these two options is clearly big, going from totally free to the average monthly price of a VPN which is about $10. But subscribe for longer and you save money that way.The downside of going for a free option — and one of the main differences between the two — is the amount of data you can use. A free service will have a limit on your data usage in most cases, be it daily or monthly. Once you've gone over that data limit you will no longer be able to use the VPN. There is one unlimited service, but there are other limits, more on that below.So a free VPN is a great option for those that want it for limited use — perhaps to check a map or certain website while abroa...

First adults ruin Pokémon cards by buying them up like stocks and now this? Where will the monetized madness stop?!Pokémon Unite is a new take on the long-established franchise. Gone is the single-player, turn-based Pokémon game of yore and here now is a shiny new multiplayer online battle arena (or MOBA for short) game. Launched as a free-to-play title on the Nintendo Switch earlier this summer, Unite is rapidly picking up steam and mobile gamers wait with bated breath for its upcoming September release on Android.All good things come with a cost though, and Unite monetizes through the inclusion of in-app purchases. In relatively standard format, players will be able to purchase both Pokémon to use in battle and items through in-game currencies. There are actually quite a few options here, but in general you'll have your free currency, which can be earned just by playing the game, vs the paid currency, which you'll have to drop real cash to acquire for in-game purchases.Le...

The first step to finding a fitness smartwatch is knowing what specs and features you need. The Garmin lineup is as robust as ever, especially for the fēnix watches. Keep in mind that these models aren't geared toward beginners due to all the advanced features and premium perks, but you'll find a wide array of options for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. We've rounded up some of the best Garmin fēnix models below.An all-around great watchGarmin fēnix 5 Plus SapphireStaff PickThe Garmin fēnix 5 Plus Series brought some nifty upgrades to the table, including built-in routable topographical maps, music storage, and mobile payments. The advanced mapping delivers at-a-glance navigation and location tracking. You can choose between multiple sizes (including the regular 47mm case) and materials. The battery lasts for 12 days in smartwatch mode, 18 hours in GPS mode, and 8 hours in GPS/music mode, and it's waterproof up to 100 meters.$470 at Amazon From $429 at Walmart...