Latest from Android Central

4K on a budgetAmazon Fire TV Stick 4KFrom $40 at AmazonProsAccess to 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+Alexa Voice RemoteIntuitive designConsNo Google Play appsRequires power adapterComplicated menu systemThe Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the brand's most powerful streaming media stick and is more affordable than most 4K streamers on the market. The Fire TV Stick 4K also features a simple and intuitive menu and a comprehensive voice experience via the Alexa Voice Remote.Top tier streamingRoku Streaming Stick 4K$50 at RokuProsDolby Vision pictureVoice remote with TV controlsLong-range Wi-FiConsNo ethernet port No headphone jack on remoteDoesn't work as seamlessly with Alexa/Google Home speakersThe Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the latest streaming stick from Roku and takes things to the next level, thanks to Dolby Vision picture compatibility. Its sleek design also hides easily behind your TV and is praised for its long-range W...

How will Samsung improve on the best phones of 2021?After a summer filled with mid-range phones, major flagships like the Pixel 6 and the iPhone 13 will close out the year. We expect these phones to sell like hotcakes, but if Samsung's upcoming Galaxy phones stay on schedule, they're also not that far off. So should you wait for them?We don't have any hard information on the successor to the Galaxy S21 lineup. But the Samsung Galaxy S22 leakers are already out in full force, many of which have proven prophetic in the past. Rumored to have features like ray tracing and vapor cooling, the Galaxy S22 may be a full-fledged gaming machine masquerading as a phone if Samsung has its way. Then again, its performance could vary depending on where you live and which chipset you get your hands on.You may be most excited about the Galaxy S22 Ultra. That device will likely be the spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note Ultra series, with a built-in S Pen slot and a more hard-edged design...

Android 12 is bringing a lot of enhancements to the best Android phones, and one that is a little overlooked is the ability to adjust smart home tech from your lock screen. From dimming lights to adjusting your thermostat, your lock screen offers quick shortcuts that allow you to take control without having to launch an app first. We'll show you where those are and how to configure them to your liking.How to change your lock screen shortcuts on Android 12First, go to your lock screen. The easiest way to do that is to press the power button on your phone to turn the screen off, then press it again to turn the screen back on. From there, follow these steps.Tap the button in the bottom left corner that looks like a little house. That will bring up your home controls. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.Tap Add controls or Edit controls. We'll deal with editing controls first.When you tap edit, put in your PIN (or scan your fingerprint) to unlock the phone.Next, you...

Google Chrome wants to be one step ahead of you.What you need to knowGoogle is making Drive files accessible from Chrome's New Tab page.When enabled, Chrome will suggest relevant files for you in a card underneath the Search bar.The new feature is rolling out over the next two weeks for Workspace, G Suite, Business, and personal accounts.While Google already makes it easy to find files in Google Drive, the company is giving users more ways to access their Drive files without even opening the website. The latest update to the Chrome browser will provide users with even quicker access to their files by placing them on the New Tab page.When the feature is enabled, opening a new tab in the Chrome browser will display a card underneath the Search bar that will display select Google Drive files pulled from the primary account being used.According to Google, Chrome's "intelligent file suggestions" will pull up documents that might be relevant to you. End users will be ab...

Protect your new device with T-Mobile phone insuranceT-Mobile's coverage has significantly improved over the years, and today this carrier offers some of the best cell phone plans out there. There's no better time to join un-carrier, especially if you're a heavy data user and want to start taking advantage of 5G. In fact, T-Mobile is the nation's leader in 5G coverage and has some of the most ambitious plans to continue building out its 5G spectrum throughout the country with increased speed and capacity.If you just purchased a new 5G phone like the iPhone 13 or you're considering making the switch to T-Mobile, adding T-Mobile phone insurance is a great way to protect your shiny new device should anything go wrong. Though most of us overlook phone protection plans, here's what you need to know to make the right decision for you.Jump to:What is T-Mobile phone insurance?Who can enroll for T-Mobile phone insurance?How much does T-Mobile phone insurance cost?What are the be...

As our connected lifestyles and smart homes continue to merge, we find new ways to secure our houses and belongings, like choosing from among the best security cameras with local storage. In light of recent data breaches and privacy scandals, many are looking for options that feature on-device storage solutions (a.k.a. don't use the cloud), so we've put together a list of some of the best options for your reference. My favorite out of the bunch is the eufy Cam 2. It has all of the features I want, with none of the added expenses (subscriptions).Best overall security camera with local storage: eufy Cam 2Eufy makes a line of quality smart home products like this Indoor/Outdoor camera, but one of the things we like best about its products is the one-time fee model they espouse. You don't have to purchase an ongoing cloud storage subscription to access or store your videos, and this device even comes with 16GB EMMC digital storage, which is enough to store up to a year's worth of r...

At this price point, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better Google smartwatch.In the early fall of 2020, Fitbit held a virtual press briefing where it announced updates to its Versa and Inspire wearables and introduced a new holistic fitness watch in the Fitbit Sense. At Android Central, we were quick to test out the latter two devices and write up our impressions of them, but it took a little while for us to sort out our feelings about the former watch. Even at this later date, when I first endeavored to write this Versa 3 review, I wasn't sure that it would blow me away. After all, we'd already been calling its predecessor, the Versa 2, our favorite fitness tracker for quite a while leading up to the launch of this smartwatch. How could the new device be that much better?The Versa 3 had a little bit of a rocky start for some reviewers, including myself, but after a firmware update with new features and bug fixes, I've really been enjoying wearing it on my wrist. It's comfortabl...

PlayStation showcased an impressive roadmap that left us with more questions than answers.Welcome to Android Central's newest PlayStation recap. In an effort to bring our readers all of the latest PlayStation news in one place, we'll be compiling everything that happened throughout the month in PlayStation land, from exclusive game releases to the biggest announcements in the industry, along with any notable happenings in the community. September 2021 was headlined with a massive PlayStation Showcase that gave us a look at the years ahead for the PS5, but that's not the only thing that happened this month. Let's dive in and check everything out.PlayStation Recap:PlayStation ShowcaseSpider-Man 2Marvel's WolverineKnights of the Old Republic remakeGod of War RagnarokFiresprite acquisitionBluepoint acquisitionPS5 SSD updatePS4 Update 9.00Deathloop launchKena: Bridge of Spirits launchThe Last of Us DayPlayStation held an outstanding showcaseWhen Sony announc...

Best answer: Most Chromebooks on the market today have 4GB of RAM, and that is indeed enough to get by. If a model you're considering has options for 8GB of RAM, though, I'd highly recommend it now that Chromebooks are getting significantly longer support lives.What is RAM?RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Think of it as a container where the things you're doing on your Chromebook — both what you can see and what's happening behind the scenes — can store and retrieve data randomly. That means it can access any byte of that data without affecting the preceding or trailing bytes. That makes it fast because the location of the data you need has no effect on the time it takes to read, write, or overwrite it. With no moving parts, there are no mechanical limitations on access times.RAM is also volatile — once the integrated circuits lose their power, the data disappears. That means it's different from your Chromebook's storage (what we think of as a hard drive) and isn't us...

It's the "next step" for the studio, says Bluepoint Games president.What you need to knowSony is acquiring Bluepoint Games, a studio known for working on remasters and remakes.Bluepoint Games' next title is something "original" though there's no further details right now.The team's last game, a remake of Demon's Souls for the PS5, crossed 1.4 million copies sold. Bluepoint Games, a studio well known for its work on remasters and remakes, is the newest member of PlayStation Studios, as announced on Thursday. While that work on remasters and remakes will no doubt continue, it seems like Bluepoint Games will also be making new things, instead of just sticking to revamps of other developers' past titles. Speaking with IGN, Bluepoint Games president Marco Thrust explains that the next title from Bluepoint Games is actually something "original.""Our next project, we're working on original content right now. We can't talk about what that is, but that's the next step in the evolu...

Numerous successful projects secured this team's place at PlayStation.What you need to knowBluepoint Games is a studio that has specialized in remastering and remaking older games.The team has worked with PlayStation on titles like Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, Shadow of the Colossus and the Demon's Souls remake.We've learned that Sony is acquiring Bluepoint Games, which will now join Sony Worldwide Studios.Sony also recently acquired Housemarque and Nixxes Software.Sony Interactive Entertainment isn't done expanding. The company has just announced that it is acquiring Bluepoint Games, a studio in Austin, Texas. Bluepoint Games has specialized in remastering and remaking games, working with PlayStation on games such as Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, Shadow of the Colossus and most recently one of the best PS5 games available, the Demon's Souls PS5 remake.This follows Sony recently announcing the acquisitions of Returnal developer Housemarque, porting s...

Leaked specs of the phone suggest it might be a premium mid-ranger.What you need to knowAn upcoming Xiaomi phone with a 4K display has passed through TENAA.The device is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 700-series chipset. Sony's Xperia 1 III is currently the only Android flagship with a 4K OLED display.Xiaomi could soon launch its first-ever phone with a 4K OLED display, according to a new listing on TENAA. The TENAA listing for the Xiaomi 2109119BC reveals the device will have a 6.55-inch OLED display with 3,840 x 2,160 resolution (via GoAndroid).It is apparently powered by an octa-core chipset running at 2.4 GHz, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Going by the chipset's clock speed, the phone could be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 778G or 780G chipset.The listing also suggests the phone has a triple-lens camera system with a 64MP main sensor and two additional 8MP sensors. More interestingly, the listing claims the phone will be available in...

Here's what we know so far about Google's foldable Pixel phone. Or phones, according to rumors.A mock-up of how the Google Pixel Fold could look.Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola all pioneered the category of foldable phones, pushing out expensive prototypes bordering on unfinished tech demos to eager consumers. But with the arrival of the superb Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, Samsung changed the conversation around foldable phones, proving they can offer a premium experience that slab-shaped phones can't.Now, we're hoping Google gives Samsung a run for its money with its own foldable phones. Throughout 2021, we've seen a series of leaks about a hypothetical Pixel Fold that would launch alongside the highly-anticipated Pixel 6. Google hasn't announced it yet; but we have reason to suspect the Pixel Fold will arrive soon, along with a new operating system update focused on foldables: Android 12.1.What will the Pixel Fold look like, when will it arrive, and could it have more than one...

Major upgradePS5 DualSense$70 at AmazonProsAdaptive triggersImproved haptic feedbackLight bar surrounding touchpadNew textured grips, triggers, and thumbsticksUSB-C chargingBuilt-in microphone and create buttonConsSymmetrical thumbstick layoutThere's good reason Sony didn't simply call this the DualShock 5. DualSense attempts to revolutionize the line with a more ergonomic form factor and features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback to enhance your immersion. It truly is the next big step that Sony is taking, and it speaks wonders for what the company plans with the PS5 in the coming years.On its way outDualShock 4$65 at AmazonProsTouchpadShare buttonBuilt-in speakersLight bar used for certain gamesConsLight bar can drain the batteryGrips aren't comfortable to holdSymmetrical thumbstick layoutFace buttons and D-pad feel squishy to pressMicro-USB for chargingThe DualShock 4 added a light bar and touchpad over its prede...

Now you can talk to teammates on the phone.What you need to knowThe native Stadia app on Android now allows in-game voice chat and party chat.Players started noticing the new feature this week when headsets started to connect and an option for party chat appeared within the app. The feature comes almost two years after Stadia's launch and a year after the iOS web app offered party chat.Google quietly rolled out the ability to talk to strangers and friends within games and party chat for Stadia players through the native Android app this week.Earlier this week, Stadia players started noticing their headsets were connecting to the Android app, and were able to talk to and hear other players in-game while playing on the mobile platform. Soon after, players found a party chat option enabled within the app and were able to start parties, invite others, and send text chat messages.After years of APK teardowns... Finally... Stadia Party on the Stadia Android app! :D pic.twitte...

Looking for good players.What you need to knowStadia players can now make and join public parties based on game and other specifications.Private parties are still an option, but public parties requires owning specific games before creating.Public parties are supported in 20 games initially, including Destiny 2 and Red Dead Redemption 2, with more coming soon.Google has quietly added public party support for Stadia this week, allowing players to join other like-minded players and play online multiplayer games together.The new Stadia feature can be found under the "Parties" option in the Friends panel. Players can either start a party or choose from one of several public parties already listed. Making a private party is still an option, though making a public party requires choosing a supported game, writing a brief description, and setting how many additional players can join. Public parties can support up to 10 players.Currently, 20 Stadia games support the new public...

It's time to practice safe texting.If you use Google's stock Messages app to send your text and SMS messages, we have good news — your chats can now be completely secured from prying eyes! We'll show you how to enable end-to-end encryption in the Google Messages app so that you don't have to worry about your private messages potentially falling into the wrong hands.How to enable and use end-to-end encryption in the Google Messages appEnd-to-end encryption for Google Messages only works if both the sender and the receiver have it. So if you would like to send an encrypted text to someone, make sure they have it on their phone too.Open Google Messages.Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.Tap on Settings.Tap on Chat features.Turn on the toggle for Enable chat features.A prompt will pop up asking Enable chat features from Google?, tap Yes, I'm in.Verify your number.Open an existing chat or start a new one.You should see a lock icon above the message bubble....

Smart glasses are on the rise.What you need to knowThe Nreal Air AR sunglasses provide a full-vision virtual display for streaming content or playing mobile games.They have a micro-OLED chip, 49 pixels-per-degree (PPD), and a 90Hz refresh rate. It must be tethered to your iOS or Android phone to display content, but act as regular sunglasses otherwise, with a 77g/ 2.7oz weight.Nreal Air will ship to Asian markets in late 2021, followed by "other markets" in 2022.In early 2020, contributing editor Russell Holly tried out Nreal Light smart glasses and called them "the first set of Mixed Reality glasses actually worth buying." With them, you could use virtually any Android app in holographic form around your living room, or play 3D-native games on a tabletop. It wasn't perfect: it had to be tethered to your phone via USB-C, its field of view (FOV) was narrow, and its cameras were very blatantly visible — but it was a promising tool.Now, Nreal is pushing out a new pair of ...

When you live in a home with pets, it's not uncommon to find fur balls collecting in different areas of the house. Cats and dogs never seem to stop shedding, which makes cleaning up a bit of a hassle. The best way to keep your home clean is with a reliable robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba i7+ that takes care of the furry mess every day. We've researched and gathered a list of the best robot vacuums for pets, which varies from our picks for best robot vacuums overall. See which one fits your needs.Best overall: iRobot Roomba i7+This is most definitely an expensive choice for your home, but it's also one of the only robot vacuums on the market that can dump its dustbin load and continue working. When you spring for the i7+, you get the vacuum and the Clean Base where dustbin loads are stored. You can also purchase a less expensive i7 vacuum on its own, but it won't be compatible with the Clean Base. iRobot designed the Clean Base's bags to hold up to 30 bins worth of debris be...

What you need to knowDISH is launching an exclusive 5G phone for Boost Mobile this fall.The $279 phone times to bring affordable 5G access to all communities.The phone will come with 12 months of free unlimited talk, text, and data if ordered before 10/31/2021.Boost Mobile, the prepaid carrier owned by Dish, is launching its own 5G phone, the Celero5G, this fall exclusive to the service. This phone is aimed at filling a void in the market for premium and affordable 5G smartphones and comes with a launch price of $279. This device will have a sleek design with plenty of performance to compete with the best budget Android phones available.The Celero5G comes with a 6.56-inch screen and a 4,000mAh battery expected to last 36 hours. This phone is targeted at comfortable one-handed usage. Fast charging is supported at 15W as well. The phone ships with 64GB of storage alongside 4GB of RAM though this can be expanded up to 2TB with SD card support.There are four cameras in total,...

Disappointingly, the phone isn't a big upgrade over last year's POCO C3.What you need to knowPOCO has launched a new C series phone in India.The POCO C31 is a follow-up to last year's POCO C3.It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset and features a 6.53-inch HD+ display.Xiaomi's POCO brand has finally unveiled a successor to the POCO C3, which was launched in October last year.POCO's second C series phone sports a 6.53-inch HD+ display with a tall 20:9 aspect ratio. The waterdrop notch at the top of the display houses a 5MP selfie camera. Powering the POCO C31 is MediaTek's 12nm Helio G35 chipset.The phone comes equipped with a triple-camera setup on the back, featuring a 13MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. It packs a large 5,000mAh battery, which POCO claims can provide up to two days of usage on a single charge.The phone also has rubberized seals and P2i nano-coating to protect it from accidental splashes. Other key features include a ...

The best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers take whole-home wireless speeds to the next level. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has allowed mesh systems to deliver full gigabit speeds easily throughout a large house by getting even more performance out of the available spectrum. Wi-Fi 6 lets compact routers hit gigabit speeds on their own and over 500Mbps while deployed as a mesh. With more phones than ever, including Wi-Fi 6 support, and families asking more of their internet connections than ever, it's an excellent time to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers?If you're looking for a nice balance that's a great fit for an internet connection over 500Mbps, the Netgear Orbi RBK752 is a solid choice, thanks to a tri-band AX4200 setup. This Orbi system dedicates a fast Wi-Fi band to connecting the mesh keeping speeds high and consistent throughout your home.The second best option is the Netgear Nighthawk MK62, designed for people who want a compact mesh system with enough speed for most pe...

With the ability to get good photos from almost any modern smartphone, manufacturers should start focusing on other parts of the phone.Since cameras were invented, these devices have been a cornerstone of society. With the first truly accessible and portable camera, arriving in 1888 from Kodak, people have been taking photos to freeze-frame a moment of time. Fast-forward to smartphones with cameras built-in, and we've reached a point where nearly everyone has a camera — at all times. But with so many fantastic camera phones at nearly every price — is the camera really a selling point when buying a new smartphone?Now, I'm not saying that the camera in your smartphone isn't important or possibly even the reason you purchased that particular device. I'm simply saying that for the average person, not the weekend warrior photographer or budding filmmaker, that camera has gotten so good on so many phones that perhaps manufacturers need to begin shifting their focus (get it…focus)...

It will be available from October 12 in the U.S. and Europe.What you need to knowSonos and Ikea have announced the follow-up to their first smart lamp speaker from 2019.The Symfonisk speaker ships with multiple base and shade options.Its lamp base alone will retail for $140 starting on October 12 in the United States and select European markets.In 2019, Sonos and Ikea released their first Wi-Fi speaker that also functioned as a table lamp. Two years later, and perhaps with some lessons learned, the companies are back with the second-generation Symfonisk table lamp speaker.The refreshed Symfonisk lamp speaker has an improved design and hardware for better aesthetics and sound quality. The Wi-Fi speaker has been updated with a new acoustic architecture that employs a "custom waveguide" to produce high-quality audio.Ikea and Sonos have also come up with a variety of lampshade options with the new Symfonisk, taking into account some lessons from the previous generation. Stj...

For a device with a massive 120Hz screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has truly incredible battery life.2021 has been an exciting year for Android flagships, with phones like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, Xiaomi 11 Ultra, and the OnePlus 9 Pro moving the needle considerably in terms of hardware and camera innovations. Samsung's bold bet on foldables is also starting to pay off, with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 delivering updated designs that hold up to the rigors of daily life.In that context, the iPhone 13 Pro Max doesn't seem that exciting at first glance; after all, the design itself is nearly identical to its predecessor, with Apple focusing on under-the-hood changes with this generation. That said, the iPhone 13 Pro Max introduces a slate of new features: it is the first iPhone to offer a 120Hz screen — a mainstay on Android devices over the last 18 months — you'll find camera upgrades with a new Cinematic mode that extends the iPhone's lead in video recording, and the A15 Bionic...

Fairphone 4 delivers much better hardware while staying true to its sustainable ideals.Fairphone isn't like other phone brands. Most device manufacturers incentivize you to upgrade your phone after every two years; even if you're using one of the best Android phones, lack of long-term software updates or battery issues means you will have to switch phones after a few years.With 1.4 billion phones sold globally and just 15% of those devices recycled, the smartphone industry contributes to a gargantuan amount of e-waste. Fairphone's mission is to promote sustainability and design phones meant to last a lot longer, and limiting e-waste by making it easier to extend a phone's life. To that effect, its phones have removable batteries, internal components that can be easily switched out by users, and long-term updates that ensure its devices get the necessary software updates.The Fairphone 3 launched two years ago featuring recycled and ethically-sourced materials, but for all that i...

Western Digital provides an excellent choice for PS5 users desperate for more storage.The PS5 doesn't have a lot of space for storing games, and due to the need for games to run off of an ultra-fast SSD, upgrading your storage isn't easy. A lot of NVMe drives aren't compatible, needing to fit specific speed and size requirements. Fortunately, the WD Black SN850 fits both and passes any test with ease.Not only is it a great choice, it's easily one of the best SSDs for PS5 available right now. Ultimately, any speed differences between this and the PS5's internal drive are barely noticeable at best, which means reliable speed and storage in one package. Not many SSDs are sure to meet both, but the WD Black SN850 is an easy recommendation.If you're tired of having to redownload the best PS5 games because there isn't enough space on the PS5's internal drive, consider grabbing a WD Black SN850 model, as your troubles will be over. It's going to be tough to find in stock, though, and ...

The new Personal Safety update isn't widely available just yet.What you need to knowGoogle is adding the ability to automatically record an emergency video to the Personal Safety app on Pixel phones.Once enabled, your Pixel phone will automatically start recording a video when Emergency SOS is triggered.The latest version of the app also lets users disable the "Call emergency services" option. Google's Personal Safety app, which is exclusive to the company's best Android phones, makes it possible for users to stay connected to first responders in case of an emergency. In addition to features like the ability to share location and nearby crisis alerts, the app also offers car crash detection.As reported by XDA Developers, Google has now started rolling out a new version of the Personal Safety app with an "emergency SOS" feature.Once you update the Personal Safety app on your Pixel phone to version 2021.08.27 from the Google Play Store, you'll be able to access the new fe...

The standard X70 isn't coming to India.What you need to knowVivo's flagship X70 Pro and X70 Pro+ phones are now official in India.The X70 Pro+ features a 120Hz AMOLED display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888+ chipset, and 55W fast charging. The X70 Pro and Pro+ are now available to pre-order in the country.Vivo's X70 series phones, which made their global debut earlier this month, have now been launched in India to take the fight to the best Android phones from Xiaomi, Samsung, and OnePlus.The Vivo X70 Pro+ has a large 6.78-inch Samsung E5 AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 888+ SoC, coupled with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.In the camera department, the X70 Pro+ comes equipped with an impressive quad-lens system that has been "co-engineered" with ZEISS. The system includes a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide gimbal camera, an 8MP periscope zoom lens with 5x optical zo...

It's now easier for local governments and NGOs to assign functional addresses to remote communities.What you need to knowGoogle has announced new updates to Maps during its Search On event.The search giant introduced the Address Maker app that allows governments and NGOs to easily assign addresses to rural communities.Google Maps is also getting a new feature that lets you see wildfires and tree canopy on your mobile device.Google's Search On event on Wednesday has seen a few updates that should make it easier to discover "under-addressed communities" and locate previously missing roads on Google Maps.The navigation service is trying to address one of the biggest problems in remote communities: nameless streets. To that end, Google has announced the Address Maker app, which relies on its open-source system called Plus Codes to assign functional addresses to those areas.Google noted how difficult it can be for many people around the world who do not have an address to ...

Google throws shade at Bing.What you need to knowGoogle reportedly told the court that "Google" is Bing's most popular search term.The company argues that consumers have chosen Google as the de-facto search platform.Google is currently defending itself against a $5 billion EU fine.Google continues to make a case for itself against a $5 billion fine that was issued by the European Commission in 2018. Its latest defense is that consumers only use Microsoft's competing search engine, Bing, in order to get to Google.According to Bloomberg, Google lawyer Alfonso Lamadrid argued against the Commission's assessment that the company used unfair tactics to maintain its search dominance. The Commission claims that Google unfairly required its apps to be pre-installed and promoted on the best Android phones, further bolstering its position.The Commission alleges that this has led to fewer choices for consumers. However, Lamadrid argues that consumers chose Google. We have subm...

Filling the functionality void little by little.What you need to knowNest Doorbell (wired) will be launching in 2022 with 24/7 continuous recording.This product will likely look similar to the existing Nest Doorbell (battery).The Google Home app will be getting an update in 2022 to bring all your older Nest cameras and any third-party cameras to a single app.Google's latest Nest Cams came with a fancy redesign and the ability to run on battery power, but they left a bit to be desired when compared to previous Nest products. Nest Doorbell (battery), in particular, was missing the continuous recording feature that made the original Nest Hello one of the best video doorbells. While 2021's Nest Doorbell (battery) doesn't appear to be getting new functionality, a new Nest Doorbell (wired) will have what the people want.Debuting sometime in 2022, Nest Doorbell (wired) will, presumably, share looks with Nest Doorbell (battery). Google was light on details in its announcement but...

Samsung's flagship phones can now unlock cars from BMW, Audi, Genesis, and Ford, at least in South Korea.What you need to knowSamsung has started rolling out the Digital Key feature to the Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra in South Korea.The new capability allows users to unlock and start their vehicles using the flagship devices.Samsung is expected to release the feature in the United States and European markets soon.Samsung's Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra have now picked up a digital key control feature in South Korea as part of the latest October security patch for the flagship phones.According to TizenHelp, the update allows users to add a support key to Samsung Pass so that they can unlock and start their car using those devices. You won't have to take your phone out of your pocket to unlock your vehicle: the feature detects when you're close to it and unlocks it. By placing your phone on a wireless charging pad, you can also start the engine.In January, Samsung unveiled the D...

Most people will agree that Samsung makes some of the best Android smartwatches, especially for managing your daily fitness routines. We've collected some of the best Galaxy Watch 4 fitness accessories for you to choose from. Whether you need sporty bands, wireless earbuds, screen protectors, or health-tracking tech, this list should give you a good starting point. You may own the new Galaxy Watch 4, Active 2, or one of the older models, but don't worry: these accessories should work for a wide range of Samsung smartwatches, and we'll specify when they don't.Virtually sweatproof audioJabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless EarbudsStaff PickAll recent Galaxy Watches have built-in music storage, and we prefer pairing them with Bluetooth earbuds over the built-in speaker. These Jabra buds have a near-waterproof IP57 rating, excellent audio quality with a customizable soundstage, 7.5 hours of battery life for all-day workouts, and a comfortable fit.$150 at Amazon $150 at Best ...

Instagram and Facebook are becoming one.What you need to knowFacebook Reels is rolling out widely for U.S. users.Users will be able to create Reels straight from the Facebook app.Facebook is working to allow Instagram Reels to be promoted on the Facebook app.Just over a year after Instagram launched Reels to compete with TikTok, the feature is now coming to the Facebook app.Reels creators will now have an even wider audience to attract and can now create reels straight from the Facebook app. These will show up in the News Feed in a dedicated section that will also house Stories and Rooms. Reels will also be available in Groups and will function more or less how they do on Instagram.Facebook is even testing the ability to have Instagram reels suggested to users on Facebook. This is available to a small group of creators and could potentially help them extend their reach for additional monetization opportunities. Facebook also plans to bring ads to the experience as it ...

The Galaxy S20 has quite the big battery, but with a 120Hz screen and 5G radios inside, you never know when your day will go into overtime, and you'll need to reach for a great portable charger to keep your Galaxy S20 alive. Or, y'know, you need a power bank on the way to work because you forgot to throw it on the charger last night the way I did. Never fear, power banks are here, and they can charge our S20s in many different ways.Pocket-friendlyUGREEN PD 10,000mAh 20W Portable ChargerStaff PickThis compact power bank is like an extra-fat Snickers that can recharge your S20 twice via USB-C Power Delivery or Fast Charge via USB-A. And if your partner has an iPhone, it'll charge that at 20W so you can get it back faster.$30 at AmazonMade specifically for GalaxySamsung Super Fast 25W Portable Wireless Charger (10,000mAh)This power bank supports 7.5W wireless charging so that you can top off accessories like your Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds, and it supports 25W fast ...

Google is putting Lens in more places.What you need to knowGoogle presented several different upgrades for Search and Lens at its second annual Search On event.Google Lens will help power more shopping experiences on phones and Chromebooks.Videos and searches will present the user with more context and related topics.Google held its second annual Search On event on Wednesday, announcing a host of new features and enhancements for Google Lens and Search. With these improvements, Google is giving Search and Lens even more context to help users find what they're looking for and help them stay informed about their results.Some of these features are available today, while many will roll out in the coming weeks or months.Search's bigger, bolder redesignThe Google Search page is getting redesigned to make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. The redesign gives users a more visual experience with images and videos straight from the results page and is intended for...

Using one of the best robot vacuums to help you keep your house clean may be one of the best decisions you can make. Over the past few years, robot vacuums have become much smarter; they last longer and clean better. Options like the Roborock S5 Max, which happens to top the list of our best robot vacuums, lets you control it with just your voice. It can be set to run on a schedule, always vacuums in tidy, back and forth lines, and its sensors help prevent it from bumping into everything.What are the best robot vacuums you can buy today?There are a LOT of great robot vacuum models available right now, and picking the right one can be a difficult task. We've done the research, though, and narrowed down all the picks into a concise list of only the top robot vacuum picks.Our full list is below, but we believe that when you look for a single best overall pick, the Roborock S5 Max is the best robot vacuum on the market today for most people. It offers all the standard features you'd ...

The honor goes to the Quest 2.What you need to knowMedal of Honor: Above & Beyond was previously a PC-exclusive VR shooter and is now coming to the Quest 2.The full single-player campaign has been reworked for the Quest 2, and all multiplayer modes and maps will also be available at launch.The award-winning documentary The Gallery is also included, telling the story behind the game from the eyes of real WW2 veterans.There is currently no announced release date or price.Facebook is on a roll with Oculus Quest 2 announcements lately, and its latest Quest 2-exclusive game is a hugely welcome surprise. The VR-only shooter Medal of Honor: Above & Beyond is coming to the Oculus Quest 2 in the near future with "carefully reworked" content that runs natively on the standalone VR headset. The game is still available on Oculus Rift and SteamVR platforms, but this new version will run on a Quest 2 without any need for tethering.That marks the third announced Quest 2-exclusi...

An update has added voice chat support on mobile.Pokémon Unite is all about teamwork as 5v5 matches take place to see which team reigns supreme. While it launched with voice chat on Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS users needed to wait for an update. Thankfully, that update has arrived, allowing mobile players to communicate through voice chat in matches.It can be easy to miss how to enable voice chat, though, so we'll walk you through everything you need to do. Once you see the icons it should be a piece of cake.How to use voice chat in Pokémon Unite on AndroidBegin a match, either in Ranked, Standard, or Quick Battles. Select the microphone and headset icons near the map in the upper left of the screen.Enable whether you want everyone on your team to hear your voice or just people you've invited.Allow Pokémon Unite to access and record audio on Android.Before enabling your own voice chat (the headset icon), you'll need to turn on incoming voice chat from oth...

The Google Pixel 4a was one of the most compelling phones of 2020, offering excellent performance and cameras for less than half the price of its flagship. While it might not cost thousands of dollars, that doesn't mean it's any less worthy of protection. Whether you need to spice up the Just Black of the Pixel 4a or need to keep it safe from the chaos outside your door, these are the best Pixel 4a cases you can buy right now.Pretty protectionCaseology Parallax for Google Pixel 4aStaff PickThis hybrid case comes in four dazzling color combinations — matte black, classic blue, purple-ish, and a darling coral pink — and offers drop protection and grip in a compact profile.From $15 at Amazon $16 at WalmartGuard the front and backPoetic RevolutionThis heavy-duty case comes with a screen protector built into the front frame, offering 360 degrees of protection for your Pixel 4a. I also like the robust kickstand on the back that can be used in portrait or landscape....

Traditional TV is dead.What you need to knowGoogle is retiring its Fiber TV option in markets where the service is live.The company is providing Fiber TV users with Chromecast with Google TV dongles as a replacement.Customers are encouraged to select a streaming service instead.Google has announced that it's retiring its Fiber TV service across the U.S. and that users are being "upgraded" with streaming options instead.In a blog post on Tuesday (via 9to5Google), the company postures that traditional TV "is expensive and outdated," so it's making the switch to streaming instead. As part of the transition, Fiber TV customers will receive a Chromecast with Google TV dongle and free Google Wi-Fi to replace their old router and Fiber TV box.When upgrading, users will be able to select between a number of streaming services with live TV options, such as YouTube TV, Fubo, and others. Billing will be handled directly through the streaming service. We want to make sure every...

The full dealPS5$499 at AmazonProsAdvanced SSDPowerful GPU/CPUCan play discsBackward compatible with PS4 discsConsVery expensivePhysically larger than the Digital EditionPlayStation's next-generation console packs a ton of power, with a (variable) 10.28 TFLOPs, an ultra-fast solid-state drive, and a 4K Blu-ray drive. This drive ensures you can keep playing digital and disc-based media, including any PS4 titles in your collection.All-digitalPS5 Digital Edition$399 at AmazonProsAdvanced SSDPowerful GPU/CPUPresumably cheaper than the regular editionSlightly smaller due to lack of disk driveConsCan't play any discsNot backward compatible with PS4 discsPlayStation is also offering a digital version of its next console. It's packing the same amount of power and the same incredible SSD. However, there's no disc drive, which means you won't have to bother with discs — but you'll also lose the option forever.Sony surprised the wo...

YouTube says it has seen "false claims about COVID vaccines spill over into misinformation about vaccines in general."What you need to knowYouTube is cracking down on videos spreading misinformation about all vaccines.Any video that falsely alleges that vaccines are dangerous and ineffective, or contain misinformation about a vaccine will be removed.The Google-owned video platform has taken down 130,000 videos so far over violation of its COVID-19 vaccine policies.YouTube is expanding its medical misinformation policies with new guidelines on approved vaccines. The updated policy aims to address vaccine-related misinformation on its platform.The new guidelines will apply not just to content about COVID-19 vaccines, but also routine immunizations like for measles and Hepatitis B. YouTube claims to have removed more than 130,000 videos for violating its COVID-19 vaccine policies since last year.Any video that falsely alleges that approved vaccines are dangerous and could...

Are you searching for the best speakers for Echo Dot? I love how easy the Echo Dot makes it to listen to music, search for the news, add items to your grocery list, and do so much more. The device's sound quality isn't terrible, but if you're looking for more than just low-level background music while you work or do chores, I prefer to pair it with compatible speakers for a better audio experience. There are hundreds, if not thousands, out there for you to choose from, and here are some picks that you'll be sure to be happy with.Best overall speakers for Echo Dot: Sonos One SLSonos is known for its powerful hi-fi speakers, but it makes the dream of owning them a little more accessible with the One SL. Not only is this the most affordable wireless speaker the company offers, but it also produces impressive sound quality and looks stylish to boot. Since it's so compact, it won't take up a lot of space in your home. Both the black and the white version look good, so you can purcha...

The shows you can't miss on Paramount Plus right nowCBS All Access recently relaunched as Paramount Plus, a refreshed streaming service boasting a massive catalog of movies and series from networks including CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Channel. Whether you choose Paramount+'s basic plan with limited commercials or take things to the next level with the ad-free subscription, we've rounded up the best Paramount+ shows available now.Best Paramount+ showsParamount+ originalsBest drama on Paramount+Best reality on Paramount+Best docuseries on Paramount+Best classic shows on Paramount+New series on Paramount+Peak entertainmentParamount+From $5/mo. at Paramount+New and classic shows for youParamount+ offers new original series, shows, and films from networks like Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and more.Paramount+ originalsParamount+ launched in early 2021 with a handful of brand new series, along with a roster of holdovers that in...

The earbuds come with a stylish cylindrical charging case featuring a translucent lid.What you need to knowSony's new WF-C500 are a value-focused pair of true wireless earbuds.The earbuds provide up to 20 hours of battery life and support Google's Fast Pair feature. They are now available to pre-order in the U.S. for $100. Sony has announced a new pair of true wireless earbuds to challenge the likes of Google's Pixel Buds-A series and Apple AirPods. The WF-C500 earbuds promise long-lasting battery life, great sound quality, and unique sound customization features.The new WF-C500 wireless earbuds have a compact design and a new "ergonomic surface" that enables a more stable fit. Despite their small size, Sony claims the earbuds provide high-quality sound.Thanks to the company's DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), they can "restore high-frequency sound" for a more authentic listening experience. Like other Sony wireless headphones, you can easily customize the soun...

It may be hard to pick the best Google Pixel 5 case because there will be so many options. Whether you want a ruggedly handsome heavy-duty case, a super slim and stylish case, or something in between like the perfectly balanced Caseology Parallax, these are the best Google Pixel 5 cases to be found right now.Safe and stylishCaseology Parallax for Google Pixel 5Staff PickThis mesmerizing case has protected my last two Pixels with grace, and the colorways for the Pixel 5 are quite fetching. The Aqua Green will fit the green Pixel 5 perfectly, while Burgundy and Navy Blue jazz up the black Pixel 5.From $15 at Amazon $15 at WalmartLong-term protectionTudia Dualshield Merge SeriesIf you want a heavy-duty case without a heavy-duty price, Tudia has been the go-to for years. The Merge Series gives you the impact protection and grip of a flexible TPU sleeve with the sturdiness of a polycarbonate back.$13 at AmazonMachine washableGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric ...

In the market for a new phone? Here's what you need to know about Samsung's best-selling Galaxy A series.The Galaxy A series forms the bedrock of Samsung's mid-range ambitions. The A-series started by bringing features previously limited to Samsung flagships at a much more affordable price point. While it was traditionally focused on the mid-range segment, Samsung got rid of the entry-level Galaxy J series in 2019 and folded them into the Galaxy A lineup.The result is that the Galaxy A series now starts under $150, thanks to devices like the Galaxy A02. While the budget Galaxy A options make it easier to upgrade to one of the best cheap Samsung phones in 2021, the mid-range options like the Galaxy A52 and A52 5G offer exciting new features for those who want the latest screen tech and 5G connectivity.Choosing the ideal device for your needs can get confusing, with eight models to pick from across various price points. So if you're looking to pick up a new phone in 2021, here's ...

A perfect lifestyle watchFossil Gen 5From $205 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingGoogle AssistantGoogle PayConsOnly one size optionMore expensiveIf you want to go big or go home with your smartwatch experience, the Fossil Gen 5 is a worthy contender. It's nearly identical to the Fossil Gen 5E, with a few key exceptions. On this model, you get onboard GPS, more internal storage, and a rotating crown. It only comes in one size, though.Lite yet efficient wearableFossil Gen 5EFrom $196 at AmazonProsHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingGoogle AssistantGoogle PayTwo sizesConsLacks onboard GPSNo rotating crownLess storageIf looks are more important to you than interior features, you might find yourself favoring the Fossil Gen 5E. You'll have two size options to choose from, which is ideal for users with smaller wrists. It's slightly more affordable, but you'll sacrifice GPS and a few other fe...