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by Samuel Contreras on (#5KHM7)
The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds over 10Gbps by combining 2.4GHz and wider 5GHz bands to provide a better experience and much more extensive coverage at home. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops. Now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 comes with everything people expect from a Wi-Fi 6 router with great AX6600 speeds, tri-band, eight streams, and 160MHz support. QoS by application and a great control app make this the best-balanced Wi-Fi 6 router around.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, which is for people who don't necessarily need a mesh solution right now but may want to expand their network in the future. Mesh router solutions pair multiple "nodes" together to increase signal quality and speeds throughout larger h...
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Latest from Android Central
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Updated | 2025-07-01 03:00 |
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by Mick Symons on (#5KHHV)
A Wi-Fi-enabled security camera is an excellent way to keep an eye on your home while you're away. If you can find any Alexa-compatible security cameras, that makes watching over your home that much easier. You can check in on the pets while you're at work, and in the case of those with built-in microphones, quickly tell your kid that they're supposed to be studying instead of playing video games. With these cameras, you can ask Alexa to show you what is happening at any point in time and connect your cameras to Alexa routines for further home automation.Budget pickWyze Cam v3 with Color Night VisionStaff PickThe latest Wyze Cam v3 comes with all the great features of the favorite v2 camera plus the bonus of 1080p color night viewing thanks to its impressive Starlight Sensor. This means you'll be able to easily spot your dog playing in the backyard even after the sun goes down. Also, unlike its predecessor, it's water-resistant with an IP65 rating so that you can use it bot...
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by Ted Kritsonis on (#5KHCM)
Crank up your tunes with our favorite headphones, Sony's WH-1000XM4. These outstanding cans feature class-leading active noise cancelation (ANC) and come with great sound, battery life, and comfort. Jam out to your favorite tunes, talk to Alexa, and even take a phone call without ever having to take your headphones off. Sony has built its reputation on high-end headphones, and these are the best Sony headphones you can buy.Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM4Sony didn't have to rethink its approach with the WH-1000XM4 because the previous WH-1000XM3s were already among the best in the industry, topping some of our own lists. The two biggest reasons were the audio quality and ANC performance, both of which got decent upgrades with the WH-1000XM4. Sony put in its QN1 processor and dual noise sensor to further improve blocking ambient sound. While it's highly debatable that the results are a big leap forward from their predecessors, they do get help from other areas.Sony could've chose...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5KHCN)
The CMA is concerned that Amazon and Google haven't done enough to combat fake reviews.What you need to knowUK's competition regulator has initiated a probe against Google and Amazon.The probe will assess whether the two tech giants may not have done enough to tackle fake reviews. The regulator could take enforcement action against the two companies if it concludes that they violated the consumer protection law. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) today launched a formal investigation against Amazon and Google to determine whether the two companies "may not have done enough" to deal with the problem of fake reviews on their platforms.If the British regulator finds that the two companies violated the country's protection law, it may take enforcement action against them. This can include securing formal commitments to change the way they tackle fake reviews or escalating to court action.Yesterday, Google announced that it would delay its plans of killing thir...
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by John Levite on (#5KHCP)
You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even after Sony and its competitors have unveiled a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: now $300PlayStation 4 Pro: refurb from $390PlayStation VR: starting at $150More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals around. Now...
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5KH8M)
Fitness companionFitbit Versa 2From $170 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringSpO2 trackingVoice assistantFitbit PayConsNo GPSNot quite as stylishThe Versa 2 may not be made with luxury in mind, but it offers an ideal blend of fitness tracking and smartwatch features that most people will love. For example, you'll have detailed health/activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, Amazon Alexa, and NFC for Fitbit Pay.Style iconFitbit Luxe$150 at Best BuyProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringSpO2 trackingActive Zone MinutesStylish designConsExpensive for a trackerNo GPS, NFC, or voice assistantPerhaps you want to start tracking your health and fitness, but you still want to showcase your luxury sense of style. If so, you'll have met your match with the Fitbit Luxe. It's an attractive accessory that tracks important metrics, including activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and mo...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5KH8N)
The Chromecast with Google TV is a great little streaming box, but it only has one port on it: a single USB-C port through which the device is powered. If you want to add extra storage to the internal 8GB or you want to add Ethernet for faster speeds and fewer buffering issues, you'll need to get a USB-C hub that offers up a plethora of ports and pass-through charging to ensure your Chromecast with Google TV has the power it needs, too.Fan favoriteVemont Premium 5-in-1 Type-C HubStaff PickVemont's hub has been strenuously tested by /r/Chromecast with various power supplies, including the standard Google TV power brick. While it's only a 5-in-1, it has Ethernet and three USB-A ports.$22 at AmazonUSB-C data inputAnker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB C PD Ethernet HubIf you have a big external drive that uses USB-C, there are very few hubs that support it. Anker's PowerExpand 6-in-1, however, offers both a PD pass-through port and a USB-C data input so that you can hook up ev...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5KH5M)
It may take a while before the functionality is enabled for everyone.What you need to knowInstagram is testing the ability to create and publish posts from a desktop browser.The test appears to be limited to select users currently.There's no word yet on when a broader rollout will commence. Instagram has finally started testing the ability to create new posts from personal desktop computers. The feature was first spotted by social media consultant and industry commentator Matt Navarra.A Facebook spokesperson confirmed the test to Android Central and said that the feature aims to improve the experience for people who access Instagram from their computer. We know that many people access Instagram from their computer. To improve that experience, we're now testing the ability to create a Feed post on Instagram with their desktop browser.As you can see in the screenshots below, Instagram's web app offers a few basic editing features — including built-in filters and an...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5KH5N)
Best answer: No, not yet. Android phones will not be updated to support 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E unless they ship with support. Some PC expansion cards are available, but neither Windows 10 nor MacOS support 6GHz bands yet.Stick with Wi-Fi 6 for nowWi-Fi 6 is high-speed, with some routers offering up to AX11000 speeds and many devices supporting link speeds of 2.4Gbps. For pretty much anything you need to do on your wireless devices, this is more than fast enough. Wi-Fi 6E, however, doesn't set out to increase the top speed of Wi-Fi 6 but to keep those speeds up even in heavily congested areas. This is thanks to support for 6GHz spectrum, where there are many more WI-FI channels available.For years, our Wi-Fi devices have been using spectrum at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and while this spectrum supports more than enough speed for our devices in a vacuum, things look very different when you add dozens of routers and wireless devices to the mix. Even 5GHz Wi-Fi, which offers multiple channels capable...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5KH2X)
Mobile gaming will only continue to grow and its place in the industry is here to stay, regardless of what "hardcore" fans think.Mobile gaming is often viewed as a community of "casual" fans who aren't "real gamers." Likewise, games developed for mobile, even some of the best Android games, tend to be scorned by people in the console and PC gaming space.As someone who grew up on console games, there's a lot I don't like about mobile — touch controls, smaller screens, and, often, inferior games. But it's successful for a reason, and I wanted to understand why it's so popular, so I reached out to Clash of Clans developer Supercell to gain some insight.I spoke to Jere Sanisalo, game programmer on Clash Royale, who was able to help me better understand mobile game development and why people may consider it over console development. As someone who worked at Housemarque producing console games, Sanisalo said that a large amount of the development process is actually the same, regar...
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by Keegan Prosser on (#5KH2Y)
One of the best ways to enhance your viewing experience while using Chromecast with Google TV is to refresh your home screen with apps you use regularly. With that in mind, we've provided a guide that explains how to download and uninstall apps on Chromecast with Google TV. Let's get started!How to download apps on Chromecast with Google TVChromecast with Google TV makes it super easy to download your favorite apps with just a few clicks. Here are the steps you need to take to download apps on Chromecast with Google TV right now.Make sure you are logged into your Google account.Scroll over to the Apps menu at the top of your home screen. Under the App categories, select Search for apps.Use the keyboard to Search the app you want to install. Once you've found the app, select Install.After you've downloaded the apps you want to use, they should appear on your Google TV home page. Then, all you need to do is log in and start streaming.How to uninstall apps on Chrom...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5KH0E)
A small group of European companies is trying to make the process of using mobile technology fairer and more sustainable.Reading about the topic of sustainability in tech is often as interesting as the idea of recycling itself; nominally, you know it's good for you (and the earth), but you often just want to chuck that can in the garbage and be done with it. Although we've made an effort to talk about environmental issues in the smartphone space, with our annual Earth Day coverage and occasional reviews of devices like the Fairphone 3 and Teracube 2e,Of course, that's not to say that the companies and products we cover aren't making important strides towards greater sustainability. For example, tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung have all introduced more recycled components into their products and packaging and are even making big efforts to reduce their organization's carbon footprints and energy consumption.As impressive as these moves are, they're primarily...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#5KH0F)
Chromeboxes aren't laptops. You're not tossing one into a backpack and setting it up at Starbucks. Instead, it sits quietly behind a screen of some sort and is always ready. That means there's no reason to try and get by with 16 or 32GB of storage. Most models are easy to take apart and upgrade if you're the DIY type, but adding more storage is as easy as plugging in a cable. These are the best external hard drives and SSDs for your Chromebox.The affordable choiceWD 1TB My Passport Portable External Hard DriveStaff PickWD My Passport is the best Chromebox hard drive you can buy at a bargain. It's a spinning disk drive so you won't be breaking any read speed records, but it's perfect for storing photos, music and video. It's also available in 1TB to 5TB options.From $52 at Amazon From $55 at Best BuyWhen you wanna go fast!SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State DriveIf you need a big boost in storage for your Chromebox but need to have SSD speeds, th...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5KH0G)
The BIA sensor will help you easily track your fat loss progress.What you need to knowA new leak suggests the upcoming Galaxy Watch 4 will come equipped with a BIA sensor.A Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor is used to assess a person's body composition. Samsung is expected to take the wraps off the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 at its MWC event next week. Earlier this week, we got our first look at the design of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch Active 4. Now, a new leak has revealed one of the key features of the Galaxy Watch 3 successor. According to reliable tipster Max Weinbach, the Galaxy Watch 4 will feature a BIA (Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis) sensor to enable users to easily measure their body fat percentage in relation to the lean body mass.Since body composition is directly related to health, the Galaxy Watch 4's BIA sensor will allow you to better track your current state of health. While BIA sensors are common in smart scales, it l...
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by Rachel Mogan on (#5KGYD)
Thimbleweed Park is a callback to they heyday of point-and-click adventure games with great graphics, solid puzzles, and a lot of heart.There's only so much resistance one can put up against an algorithm that desperately wants you to play a game, and ever since I became a Play Pass subscriber, Google has been dead set on getting me to play Thimbleweed Park. After two pretty heavy strategy games back to back the past couple of weeks, I decided I was ready for a change and downloaded it.Starting, I had a vague idea of what to expect, knowing already that it was an adventure game steeped in traditions laid down by classic point-and-click adventure games (à la LucasArts and Sierra Entertainment) combined with an atmosphere harkening to The X-Files and Twin Peaks. Beyond that, I didn't have much else to go on, and I'm numbered among the chosen ones who played classic adventure games like Maniac Mansion or Secret of Monkey Island back in the day.That being said, Thimbleweed Park has...
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by Thomas J Meyer on (#5KGW9)
Google recently announced that its Stadia video game streaming service will be available for more Android TV devices. Before, people who wanted to stream games from the cloud to their televisions needed the aging Chromecast Ultra. While the Chromecast Ultra worked well and was bundled with the Stadia Controller, it was the only option to play Stadia games on the television. Here is a list of every Android TV model that will officially support Stadia.Google's ownChromecast with Google TVStaff PickThe Chromecast with Google TV replaces the Chromecast Ultra and does everything of its predecessor and more. It can cast content from an Android or iOS device, allow users to browse content among several apps without switching, and control smart home devices. It also comes with a dedicated voice remote equipped with Google Assistant.$50 at Google$50 at Best BuyNew TVHisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)Those looking to upgrade their screen can go with the 2021 s...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5KGWA)
The phone isn't expected to be announced before October.What you need to knowAs per a new report, Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE successor will only launch in the U.S. and Europe due to a shortage of Snapdragon 888 chips.It is expected to be launched sometime in October. Rumored specs of the phone include a Snapdragon 888 chipset and a 120Hz AMOLED display. Samsung is mulling to launch the Galaxy S21 FE only in the U.S. and Europe, according to a report from South Korea's FNNews. The publication claims Samsung hasn't been able to procure enough Snapdragon 888 chipsets from Qualcomm for a global launch. Even in the U.S. and Europe, the phone is likely to be available in limited quantities.Samsung was expected to announce the Galaxy S21 FE at its Galaxy Unpacked event in August, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. Due to the ongoing global chip shortage, however, the company has apparently halted production of the Galaxy S20 FE successor.The chip shortage is also ...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5KGK6)
Whether you're upgrading to a new device or are resetting your phone, it's incredibly easy to restore your apps and settings. Google automatically backs up information like contacts, calendar entries, call logs, texts, Do Not Disturb settings, and more to the cloud, allowing you to pick up from where you left off. Here's how you can restore your apps and settings when moving to a new Android phone.How to enable the Android backup serviceBefore we get started with restoring data, you have to make sure that the backup service is running on your current phone. Here's how you can get started:Open Settings from the home screen or app drawer. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Tap System.Select Backup. Ensure the Back up to Google Drive toggle is selected. You'll be able to see the data that is being backed up.Now that you've enabled the Android backup service, your system settings and app data will be automatically saved to Drive. When you're switching to a new phon...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5KGK7)
Google rolled out a new update to Chrome for Android that introduces a new interface for tab management. Instead of the vertical tab layout, tabs are now sorted into a grid view whenever you open a link. If you're not a fan of tab groups, you can easily switch back to the old vertical layout. Here's how to turn off grid view on Chrome for Android.How to turn off tab groups and grid view on Chrome for AndroidOpen Chrome for Android. Type chrome://flags/#enable-tab-grid-layout in the address bar and hit Enter. You should see a Tab Grid Layout setting highlighted in yellow. Select the drop-down menu.In the drop-down menu, select Disabled. Hit the Relaunch button at the bottom of the page to restart Chrome. You should once again see vertical tab management in Chrome.I had to relaunch Chrome twice for the changes to take effect, so if you don't see the old layout with a restart, try reloading Chrome again. While the new interface may be confusing at first, I've been using...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5KGC9)
Amazon workers get another shot at unionizing, but only if they'll take it.What you need to knowThe International Brotherhood of Teamsters has announced a new resolution to try to unionize Amazon workers.The organization will create a dedicated Amazon Division to help support Amazon workers and related industries.The resolution comes just days after the massive shopping Prime Day event.The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest labor unions in the United States, has voted to move forward with a resolution to help push Amazon workers towards unionizing.The "Amazon Project," as the initiative is called, aims to address working conditions for Amazon workers and will be fully funded by the union.Randy Korgan, Teamsters National Director for Amazon, says that Amazon workers have no voice while working in dehumanizing and low-paying positions. "Amazon workers are calling for safer and better working conditions and with today's resolution we are activating ...
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by Joe Maring on (#5KG63)
With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to pick the best Android phone from AT&T's selection. If you're a little overwhelmed by all of the options and want some help determining which AT&T phone is the right for you — you've come to the right place. Here are some of the best AT&T phones available right now!Best overallSamsung Galaxy S21 UltraStaff PickNeed a powerful Android phone that can do it all? Look no further than the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It has a big, brilliant 6.8-inch display, a Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G support, and a 108MP main camera backed by a 100X telephoto and an ultra-wide. Of course, it's also water-resistant, and it supports not just wireless charging, but reverse wireless charging — and even the S Pen stylus.$34/mo. at AT&TBest for lessSamsung Galaxy S20 FEThe Galaxy S20 FE offers almost everything you'll find in the S21 Ultra (minus the S Pen) in a smaller, much more affordable package. You get the same o...
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by Staff on (#5KG64)
The era of unlimited cloud storage for major providers has recently ended, or will be ending soon. Cloud storage has its benefits, such as files being synced and updated across devices — as long as you have an internet connection. Up until very recently the free unlimited storage offered was enough to keep most users hooked, and seemed a boon to those not bothered about the 'cloudiness' of privacy issues. However, changing to a subscription service means concerns like security, control, or possible data leakages by third-party providers are all much more in focus.So what are the options if you're not keen to add yet another subscription fee on top of the many you already have? The alternative to cloud storage seems simple enough: an external hard drive. But not an external hard drive as we know it. Nope, SanDisk has made a viable alternative to cloud storage that emphasizes privacy options as well as accessibility — with a whole lot of capacity, too. Welcome back to the heady d...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5KG3E)
The library continues to grow.What you need to knowLuna is a cloud gaming service from Amazon currently in early access.Dirt 5, Saints Row: The Third Remastered, and Valkyria Chronicles 4 are coming to its games lineup in July.Luna Plus costs $6/month for unlimited game streaming on up to two devices.Amazon Luna's growing games library is adding three new games in July with Dirt 5, Saints Row The Third: Remastered, and Valkyria Chronicles 4. This comes after the service saw Yakuza 0, The Falconeer, and Killer Queen Black join in June.Dirt 5 released around the same time as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, and is billed as developer Codemasters' most ambitious title yet in the off-road racing series. Saints Row: The Third Remastered is an enhanced edition of the wacky action/adventure title from 2011. Lastly, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a beloved tactical RPG where players command a squad in the Second European War. All three games offer something a little different depending on yo...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5KG3F)
Well-roundedAmazon Echo Dot (4th gen)$50 at AmazonProsAll-new designImproved soundNew color options$10 cheaperConsNot ideal for kidsLack of extended warrantyHave to pay extra for Amazon Kids+The new Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) brings a new form factor to the Echo Dot lineup with improved sound quality. However, this is not an ideal solution for potentially messy kids, the warranty is nowhere near as good, and you have to pay extra to access the expanded parental controls.Kid-centricAmazon Echo Dot Kids (4th gen)$60 at AmazonProsAlexa Blueprint helps kids create Skills2-year worry-free guarantee warranty1-year Amazon Kids+ includedFun design choicesCons$10 more expensive than Echo DotKids+ only supports four music services This is the obvious choice if you want to put Alexa in your child's playroom or bedroom. The included warranty and Amazon Kids+ are almost worth the price of admission. However, if that is worth the extra cost t...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5KF7R)
The phone will also support 9W Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.Update, June 24 (2:30 p.m. ET): Alleged press images corroborate S Pen supportWhat you need to knowAn FCC listing has confirmed that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 will have S Pen support.In addition to being the first Samsung foldable with S Pen support, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will include UWB support too. It is rumored to be unveiled at an Unpacked event next month. Back in October last year, a report claimed that Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2 successor will include S Pen support. Since then, several other reports have corroborated the claim. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 has now been spotted on the FCC website, and a test report for model number SM-F926U confirms the S Pen can be used with the upcoming flagship foldable (via MySmartPrice).The equipment description states: This device features a digitizer function that operates with the S-PEN via inductive coupling.Like the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the phon...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5KG0R)
Nothing can turn your great Android phone from state-of-the-art to overpriced paperweight faster than a dead battery. The best portable chargers and power banks can help recharge your tech when life plays keep-away with your power outlets. Portable chargers used to be big, bulky, and slow, but USB-C power banks and Power Delivery charging standards have made things much faster — fast enough to charge laptops, even — and have allowed power banks to get slimmer and better than ever. There are plenty of options in every shape or size, but our favorite is the versatile Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless. Still, there are plenty of other choices that rank among the best portable battery packs. Here are our top recommendations that you can buy today.Best overall: Anker PowerCore III 10K WirelessWhile most portable chargers only let you recharge your devices with wired charging, wireless portable chargers are finally becoming somewhat mainstream. There were several hurdles that ea...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5KG0S)
Quality improvementsFire HD 8 Kids$140 at AmazonProsImproved screen resolution32GB or 64GB built-in storage and 2GB RAMUp to 12 hours of battery lifeDual speakers with Dolby Atmos supportUp to 1TB of expandable storageConsA bit more expensiveSize and weight could be a lot for some kidsAmazon updated its Fire HD 8 line-up, and when it did, the Kids got the same quality improvements. With 2GB RAM, 32GB or 64GB built-in storage, and up to 1TB of expandable storage, you have plenty of power to make use of the 12 hours of battery life. When it's time to power up, the USB-C port will be much appreciated.Just getting startedFire 7 Kids$100 at AmazonProsLittle easier to holdLower cost of entryConsDisplay is just OKMono speakerOnly 1GB of RAMOnly seven hours of batteryIf you're looking for a tablet to get your kids started with their own tech, or you want something that will have excellent parental controls at a low cost, then the Fire ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5KFY2)
Android apps on Windows 11 will be handled by two separate app stores.What you need to knowWindows 11 was announced on Thursday with new design elements and features.The new update will bring official, native support for Android apps.These apps will be discoverable through the Amazon app store on Windows 11.Windows 11 is coming. The big new update was announced during a live stream on Thursday morning with tons of new features and design changes. One of the biggest additions coming to the platform is official support for Android apps on Windows.Soon, users will be able to find popular Android apps directly from the Microsoft Store and download them via the Amazon Appstore. You likely won't find the entire Android app catalog through Amazon's fairly limited store, but out of the roughly 500,000 apps, you'll find popular ones like TikTok and Spotify. Nonetheless, this move represents an important step for Microsoft and Windows.The experience will be powered by Intel Bri...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5KFY3)
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....
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by Rachel Kaser on (#5KFTG)
Save the world from aliens in turn-based gameplay on your phone.What you need to knowFeral Interactive is porting the XCOM 2 Collection to Android. It's set to be released on July 13, and users can pre-register now.XCOM 2 is a turn-based strategy title that was originally released on PC, PS4, and Xbox One in 2016.The collection was ported to the Switch and iOS last year, and now it's finally coming to Android.Feral Interactive today announced that it's bringing the XCOM 2 Collection, the complete edition of the original strategy game, to Android. The game is set to launch on Android on July 13. The collection includes the base game, the expansion pack War of the Chosen, and the four DLC packs. Interested users can pre-register now on the Play Store page, and the game will set you back $25.XCOM 2, the sequel to 2012's XCOM: Enemy Unknown, was originally developed by Firaxis, and launched on PC, PS4, and Xbox in 2016. It takes place in a future in which alien invaders have ...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5KFTH)
The new security change will not affect unlisted videos uploaded to YouTube after 2017.What you need to knowGoogle has announced new changes to make its YouTube and Drive services more secure.As part of the changes, all Unlisted videos uploaded to YouTube before 2017 will be made private starting on July 23. Google will also change the links used for some Drive files. Google is rolling out a security update that could make several public links to files stored on its YouTube and Drive platforms to stop working. As reported by The Verge, the update will affect videos that are marked as "Unlisted" on YouTube.Unlisted videos on YouTube can be viewed and shared online by anyone who has a link to the video. However, unlike public videos, Unlisted videos do not appear in search results or other tabs. Google rolled out a security update in 2017 to make it harder for people to discover links to Unlisted videos.As part of Google's latest changes, all Unlisted videos uploaded to Y...
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by Carli Velocci on (#5KFPM)
What you need to knowThe West is has gotten more into mobile gaming over the past four years, and it shows no signs of stopping.A key improvement has been in our interest in more complex mobile titles like Call of Duty Mobile or Pokémon Go.The move is partially driven by AAA publishers getting into the mobile space, but also improvements in mobile phone technology and 5G.When most people in the U.S. think about mobile games, they likely picture casual games like Candy Crush Saga or Homescapes. They're easy to play, idle, puzzle games that are good for passing the time and can be played by just about everybody. However, larger, more complex mobile games are on the rise in many parts of the world, according to a new report published today by Newzoo, a games and esports data company.The report, co-published with ARM, a processor company, calls these titles "high-fidelity games," or games that feature "advanced graphics and/or complex mechanics and gameplay." That includes mob...
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by Adam Doud on (#5KFPK)
Driving Mode is similar to Android Auto, but it lives entirely on your phone, and oddly enough, only in portrait orientation. If you often use your phone to navigate and don't have Android Auto, this is a great way to get a similar experience. The apps and buttons are laid out more organized and large enough to press easily.Please note, we here at Android Central do not endorse actively using your phone while driving. But we recognize that sometimes you want to do something quickly, and Driving Mode is a better way to do that. What's most aggravating about this, and we'll detail this more in a bit, is that driving mode doesn't even kick in until you're actually driving/moving with velocity. So please use appropriate caution when navigating while driving, and where possible, use voice commands exclusively.With all that being said, here's how to turn on Driving Mode.Open Maps and tap on your profile photo in the upper right corner.Tap Settings.Tap Navigation settings.Tap Go...
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by Shruti Shekar on (#5KFPN)
Many of Chrome's biggest competitors have already FLoC-blocked.What you need to knowGoogle is delaying phasing out third-party cookies on Chrome to 2023.The company says it is working with authorities to "get this right."It is subject to engagement with the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority.Google is delaying its plans to phase out third-party cookies in the Chrome browser until 2023, a year later than when it was originally going to happen, Google said in a blog post.The tech giant said that while there is "considerable progress" with the initiative the company requires more time "across the ecosystem to get this right."This initiative is part of the company's bundled project called Privacy Sandbox, which includes several proposals for Chrome and the web."The Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to create web technologies that both protect people's privacy online and give companies and developers the tools to build thriving digital businesses to keep the ...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5KFPP)
The phone won't be limited to the Indian market.What you need to knowReliance Jio has announced its first Android-powered smartphone.The JioPhone Next has been developed in collaboration with Google and promises to deliver an "optimized" Android experience. It is slated to go on sale in India from September 10. Indian telecom giant Jio Platforms has announced an "ultra-affordable" new Android smartphone called JioPhone Next, developed in collaboration with Google.The JioPhone Next has been developed for people looking to upgrade to a smartphone from 2G feature phones. Despite being the world's second-largest smartphone market, smartphone penetration in India still stands below 50%.It comes with a built-in voice assistant, a "smart camera" with AR filters, language translation, and automatic read-aloud of screen text. Unfortunately, the company hasn't announced any details regarding phone's specs.As you would expect from an entry-level device, the device doesn't look a...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5KFPS)
TCL starts things off with a pair of forgettable smartphones.What you need to knowThe Alcatel 1 and 1L Pro are the latest budget offerings from TCL.Both smartphones run Android 11 Go Edition out of the box.The Alcatel 1 and 1L Pro launch in August and September, respectively, starting at €59.MWC kicks off next week, but companies are already getting a headstart on product announcements, including TCL. Among its latest launches are the new budget-friendly Alcatel 1-series smartphones.The new Alcatel 1L Pro is the "higher-end" model of the new smartphones. It offers a 6.1-inch HD+ display with a notch and a fairly sizeable chin. On the back is a dual-camera setup with a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. There's a rear fingerprint sensor, and TCL also highlights the gradient color scheme on the rear to help make the device stand out.Powering the device is an unnamed octa-core processor and just 2GB of RAM. It's not the most powerful by any means, but it should be ...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5KFPR)
The original TCL MOVETIME Family Watch gets substantial upgrades with a camera and 4G connectivity.What you need to knowThe MOVETIME Family Watch 2 will feature a 2MP camera for taking photos, videos, and video chatting with family.The connected smartwatch will offer real-time location tracking and geofencing so parents can have peace of mind knowing their child is safe. With a €149 price tag, the MOVETIME Family Watch 2 will launch in Europe in mid-August 2021.Tech for parents is getting another entry with the announcement of the TCL MOVETIME Family Watch 2 at MWC. This is the sequel to TCL's original MOVETIME Family Watch, and it comes with some very nice upgrades.The TCL MOVETIME Family Watch 2 has a larger 1.5" display housed inside a more robust watch design. Also new this year is the inclusion of a 2MP camera so your child can take photos of things they find on their adventures and video chat with their parents or approved contacts. With 4GB of internal memory, th...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#5KFPQ)
The display that moves with you wherever you go.What you need to knowTCL NXTWEAR G is a smart display disguised as a pair of sunglasses that creates a private 140-inch display for the wearer.TCL's Wearable Display connects to your phone, laptop, or other supported device via USB Type-C cable and doesn't need to be charged.These glasses go on sale in Australia in July, followed by a wider release sometime later this year with a targeted price point of $599 Euros (or thereabouts, depending on the market).The smart glasses market feels a bit random right now, but TCL is hoping its wearable glasses finally act as an anchor in the space. While some smart glasses, like the Razer Anzu or Fauna Audio focus on delivering music or hands-free calls to a fairly traditional-looking set of spectacles, TCL is going for a completely different angle — one that it hopes will catch the attention of travelers and commuters alike as we get back to moving about the cabin.While the product na...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#5KFPT)
Does your phone support wireless charging?Wireless charging has been around for a few years now, but sadly it hasn't become as widely adopted as we'd like. That's changing and the various groups that build wireless charging standards are working together, and even Apple finally embraced the technology starting with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.Many of the best Android phones likely already embrace wireless charging, and if that's something you're looking for in your next phone, here's a list of those lucky devices. Then, once you've found the phone to upgrade to, make sure you get the best wireless charging pads to pair with it.Jump to:SamsungLGHuaweiGoogleSonyXiaomiNokiaOnePlusZTEUlefoneThe RestSamsungSamsung Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 UltraSamsung Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 UltraSamsung Galaxy Z Flip / Z Flip 5GSamsung Galaxy Fold / Z Fold 2Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20 Plus / S20 Ultra / S20 FESamsung Galaxy Note 10 / Note 10 PlusSamsung Galaxy S10 / S10+ /...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5KFG4)
Best answer: Yes, and you probably should. Starlink comes with a router, but may not offer the coverage and settings many people have come to expect from their routers.You should use your own router with StarlinkStarlink comes with a basic router in the box, and you will need to use it in some capacity, but if you're looking for Wi-Fi coverage for a large home or just want the options that come with a standalone unit. A Nest Wifi mesh system was used in our Starlink Review, and it worked well. To get it working, you need only connect your router to the Ethernet port of the Starlink router. It might be necessary to factory reset your router if you were using custom settings with your previous internet service provider.While Starlink's service reaches a huge service area, your personal connection will only reach as far as your router. The included router should be adequate for a small to medium home, but if you have a large house or one made from dense materials like brick or c...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#5KFG5)
Your loved ones have enough to worry about when you shuffle off this mortal coil. Preparing your Google account is easy and something we all need to do.It's not something we like to talk or even think about, but we're all going to die one day. I sincerely hope that day is far off for all of us and the time between now and then is filled with happy memories, but when it does happen your friends and family probably aren't going to think about your Google account and all the personal information you have stored there. It might seem trivial to some, but for others, it's important that this all be given to someone who can take care of it all responsibly.Your Google account holds more than just your search history. You may have active credit information or even funds in Google Pay, Google Photos will likely be filled with memories your friends and family will want to see, or you might have important documents in Google Drive. Any information about you will be important to those you lea...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5KFG6)
Prime Day victory stories are great, but we want to hear about the deals that got away.Amazon's annual Prime Day event is always an exciting experience with tons of opportunities for customers to save money on their favorite products and services, and this year was certainly no different. We saw literally thousands of deals come and go over the two-day period — some of those offers were amazing, some were not so great, and some were just plain bad.Despite frantically covering all of the best deals that we could find and passing them along to you, our dear readers, the Android Central team was able to pick up some really useful items for themselves. These included big-ticket items like noise-canceling headphones and fancy 4K TVs, as well as more practical pick-ups like wall chargers and Raspberry Pi accessories. You can't always get what you want — even on Prime day.However, just as interesting as the deals we scored were the deals we missed out on. I know my colleague ...
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5KFG7)
Premium running watchGarmin Forerunner 945$600 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCFull-color mapsUp to 2 weeks of battery lifeAdvanced training metricsConsOnly comes in one size and colorMust pay for a model with LTENot the most attractive designIf you consider yourself a serious runner, then you'll probably need much more than a basic lifestyle watch. The Garmin Forerunner 945 offers premium features and advanced training metrics that will probably meet all of your needs. It's expensive, but it may just be worth it.Casual lifestyle watchApple Watch Series 6$349 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCAttractive designTwo size optionsECG and SpO2 readingsConsLacks full-color mapsPoor battery lifeNot for Android usersIf you're an iOS user seeking a lifestyle smartwatch that's perfect for daily wear, the Apple Watch Series 6 might be the best option for you. You get solid app support, activity/sleep tracking, plenty of storage, Apple Pay, optional LTE...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5KFE0)
Peacock is now available on pretty much all major smart TV platforms.What you need to knowNBCUniversal's Peacock app has officially arrived on Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets in the U.S.Along with Peacock, NBCUniversal's 15 network apps are also being added to Amazon devices. Customers will be able to navigate Peacock's entire catalog from their Alexa voice remote later this year. NBCUniversal's Peacock streaming app has finally arrived on Amazon devices. Starting today, users in the U.S. will be able to watch "hours of on-demand movies and shows, as well as live news and sports programming" on the best Fire TV Smart TVs and Fire tablets.Daniel Rausch, Vice-President of Amazon Entertainment Devices and Services, said in a statement: Peacock has built an engaging streaming library that we know Fire TV customers will enjoy By pairing Peacock with Fire TV, our joint customers will be able to use Alexa and personalized recommendations to rediscover some of the world's mos...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5KFBJ)
DSM 7.0 is Synology's biggest update yet, and you can install it on your NAS right now.Synology is rolling out the next big update to its operating system, DiskStation Manager 7.0. Synology makes the best NAS enclosures for home, and with 8 million active users around the world, it is also the largest manufacturer in this category.DSM 7.0 started off as a beta build six months ago, and is now available as a release candidate for dozens of NAS enclosures. DSM 7.0 is going live on June 29, following which you will get an update on your NAS. But if you're like me and don't want to wait for the update to show up, here's how you can install DSM 7.0 on your NAS right now. But first, here's a quick look at all the new stuff that's in DSM 7.0.The ideal NASSynology DiskStation DS220+$299 at Amazon$299 at Newegg$300 at B&H PhotoAll the features you needThe DiskStation DS220+ is an ideal NAS enclosure for home or Plex use. With two Gigabit Ethernet ports, the ability to ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5KF1M)
Google commits to making apps work better across devices.What you need to knowGoogle announces the global rollout of its Play Media Experience program.The program will allow developers to more easily enable cross-device experiences.Google commits to a 15% service fee for developers that join the program.Google has announced that its Play Media Experience program is launching globally, allowing developers to enable deeper integration between their apps and Google's services and platforms.The program gives developers the ability to enable app experiences across devices, including Wear OS, tablets, the best Android TVs, and more. Google says that it's "excited to help developers scale their services beyond mobile and across all the form factors that are important to users."According to Google, the program will enable "additional discovery and engagement opportunities" through the following media:Video: Will enable integration with Android TV, Google TV, and Google Cast ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5KEYT)
John McAfee was reportedly found dead on Wednesday.What you need to knowJohn McAfee was reportedly found dead while being held in a Spanish prison cell.The software entrepreneur was being held on tax evasion and faced up to 30 years in prison.Despite his troubles, McAfee had far-seeing insights on the state of security as it relates to Android.In 2015, he gave an interview to Android Central where he talked about Google's security shortcomings. Many of the things he talked about are still relevant today.Various news outlets have reported and confirmed that John McAfee was found dead on June 23 while being held in a Spanish prison. His death was due to an apparent suicide as McAfee faced up to 30 years in prison.McAfee was being held in Spain on charges of tax evasion between the years 2014 and 2018.In the late '80s and early '90s, he was responsible for establishing the company behind McAfee Antivirus software, which is still a well-known brand on PCs and mobile today....
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5KETK)
This could shake things up for Google and Microsoft.What you need to knowAfter being announced in March, Brave Search is available in beta form.The feature is available for all devices, including your current browser.It's unknown when Brave Search will be moved into the stable version of the browser.The day has arrived for everyone to give the new Brave Search a chance for themselves. The new search engine has started rolling out to the beta versions of the mobile and desktop browsers. However, everyone can try it by navigating to search.brave.com.Back in March, the developers of Brave Privacy Browser announced that it would be launching its own private-first search engine. The company acquired Tailcat, an open-source search engine, and stated that this would be integrated into the Brave web browser.When you open the updated app on your Android or iOS phone, you will be asked which search engine you want to use. Google is selected by default, but right below that, the B...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5KERM)
Now that's it's officially out, the PS5 is pretty hard to find due to low stock and high demand. As PlayStation fans continue to check the PS5 restocks, one of the most crucial accessories many players need alongside this extremely in-demand system is a headset.Not only does a headset enhance your gaming experience with its immersive qualities, but thanks to the variety of incredible multiplayer games available, you'll need something to interact with your friends and other players. Thankfully, there are tons of wireless options available, so we put together a list that features some of the best wireless PS5 headsets on the market.The best Wireless PS5 Headsets 2021, at a glanceSteelSeries Arctis 7P for PlayStation 5 — Best Overall: The best bang for your buck.Pulse 3D Wireless Headset — Best official: The official model and supported headset for the PS5.HyperX Cloud II Wireless - Gaming Headset — Best Battery Life: This headset gives you the longest battery life around....
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5KEKW)
If you've ever found yourself searching for the best Android smartwatch or the best fitness tracker, you've likely come across a Garmin device along the way. The company is known for offering a wide range of wearables that cater to both fitness and smartwatch enthusiasts, including the Vivoactive 4. With stellar battery life and advanced tracking, this is the best Garmin smartwatch you can buy. Whether you're a serious athlete or a first-time runner, there are many other amazing options to consider.Best overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4The Garmin Vivoactive 4 might be a year old now, but it's overflowing with features that make it a worthy upgrade from the previous model. You'll now have your pick between two sizes: 45 mm and 40 mm. The larger model gives you an extra day of battery life in smartwatch mode at eight days. It'll last six hours when it's in GPS and music mode. The smaller model dips down to seven days and five hours, respectively.As for the good stuff, you'll have al...
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