Latest from Android Central

Counting down the days until Google opens up Pixel 6 preorders.Not since the original Pixel launch have we seen this level of hype for a new Google phone. The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will dramatically improve on the mid-range Pixel 5, offering true flagship specs. And thanks to its striking two-toned design, Google-made Tensor chipset, exclusive Android 12 features like Dynamic colors for the new Material You UI, and improved camera sensors, the 2021 Pixels are set to make a big splash.Google gave us the first official peek at the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on August 2 after months of rumors, giving us our first proper glimpse of the phone outside of leaks. Since then, Google has kept silent about the phone; but recent rumors and leaks suggest we could see the final announcement soon, which will unveil the release date, price, and full specs.From price, specs, availability, and more, here's everything we know (or suspect) so far about the Google Pixel 6.Half the price, ...

The Galaxy Watch 4 bezel now brings much smoother navigation.What you need to knowSamsung is pushing out new update for the Galaxy Watch 4.The update improves the responsiveness of the Watch 4's capacitive touch bezel.It does not appear to be available on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.Samsung isn't slowing down when it comes to updates to its new Galaxy Watch 4, and the latest brings some much-needed improvements to navigation.The company is rolling out a new update for the Galaxy Watch 4, which includes the usual system stability improvements and aims to make the capacitive touch bezel better.This is the changelog included for the update, which comes in at 159.90MB:Improved usability of the following applications or features: Touch bezelImproved system stability and reliabilityWhile the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic comes with a physical rotating bezel for navigating the watch, the standard Watch 4 retains the capacitive bezel found on Samsung's older smartwatches like th...

The streaming service can now be played on Fire tablets and Chromebooks.What you need to knowAmazon Luna adds a Family Channel today with a retro-themed channel coming soon.Luna Couch allows players to invite others to local multiplayer games through session codes and without the joining players needing to be subscribers. The service is now rolled out to Fire tablets and Chromebooks.The Amazon Luna game streaming service expanded today with more games, another paid channel, new features, and support for Fire tablets and Chromebooks.In a blog post, Amazon announced another collection of more than 35 games with the launch of the Family Channel. The channel includes games such as SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom — Rehydrated, Garfield Kart — Furious Racing, DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of New Riders, Transformers: Battlegrounds, and upcoming skateboarding game SkateBIRD.The Family Channel will add more games over time and costs $3 per month. It remains separ...

Whether it's because you've got something new and exciting, something cool happened, something concerning, or any number of other things that could occur, you want to be able to share it. Any or all of those situations could apply to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series. The latest and greatest smartwatch from Samsung has lots of great features that you may want to share, including some health metrics like results from the new BIA sensor. A great way of doing that is to take a screenshot on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and share it.How to take a screenshot on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Taking a screenshot on the Galaxy Watch 4 series of smartwatches is a quick process, and thankfully, similar to the steps needed to take a screenshot on Android smartphones.Go to the information you want to capture.Quickly press the home and back buttons (top and bottom buttons).Done correctly, the watch screen will show an animation confirming a screenshot was taken.That's all the steps needed...

When will it release?The world of Battlefield is a huge one, and has become known for its large-scale warfare, destructible environments, and cinematic moments of gameplay. Back in April, DICE announced that in partnership with Industrial Toys, the developers would be creating a new Battlefield experience specifically for the mobile audience. The game is set to release some time in 2022, and will aim to be a fully standalone game that operates completely different from the current Battlefield games that exist.While fans wait for more information, DICE has hinted at some of the things they hope to accomplish with the future title, including it becoming one of the biggest and best Android games available With that in mind, here's all we know at the moment about the upcoming Battlefield Mobile.Play the newest entryBattlefield 2042From $60 at AmazonFrom $70 at Xbox (Series X|S)From $60 at Xbox (Xbox One)From $60 at PlayStation StoreBattlefield goes back to the future...

With shades this stylish, you might forget Facebook was even part of the process.There's a high likelihood that when you think of glasses, you think of Ray-Ban. The brand is as iconic as they come, and Ray-Ban is banking on its name and trademark styles to help ease your decision between these shades and the competition. Despite the Facebook involvement in development, you won't find Facebook branding anywhere on these glasses. You won't even use the Facebook or Instagram apps to grab pictures or videos taken with the glasses — a testament to how much work was put into assuaging fears of Facebook's attachment to the product.While that's certainly a win for privacy concerns, it also represents a major missed opportunity to fully integrate these smart glasses with the Facebook ecosystem. After all, they're called Ray-Ban Stories. These glasses have cameras on them that can record video and take pictures, so what makes more sense than integrating them directly into the Stories' fu...

Best answer: Fitbit Premium is a paid subscription with guided programs, detailed health insights, advanced sleep tracking, and dynamic workouts for a more feature-rich Fitbit app. For people who want to get the most out of their Fitbit tracker and can afford the monthly or yearly fee, it's definitely worth a look.The big draw to Fitbit Premium is the Guided ProgramsThere are many different aspects to Fitbit Premium, but the feature we think most people will be drawn to is the collection of Guided Programs.Guided Programs can be found on the Discover page of the Fitbit app, and you'll find ones that aim to help you with a variety of things, including being more active, learning healthy habits, getting more sleep, eating less sugar, and more. The length of the programs depends on the topic, and after joining one, it'll be present on the main Today page of the app.All of the programs can be customized, too. For the Kick Your Salt Habit program, for example, you can choose whe...

Amazon is turning up the heat on home entertainment.What you need to knowAmazon has announced several new Fire TV devices, including the first "Amazon-built" TV sets.The more premium Fire TV Omni series offers hands-free Alexa voice control, 4K Ultra HD, and Dolby Digital Plus from $410.The company also announced the affordable first-party 4K Fire TV 4-Series and Fire TV Stick 4K Max, starting at $370 and $55, respectively.Additionally, Amazon and Best Buy have announced new smart TVs with Fire TV built-in from Pioneer and Toshiba.September is typically a busy month for Amazon when the company releases scores of new Alexa devices, including smart speakers, as well as home security and home entertainment products. This week, the company kept up this fall tradition by unveiling several new additions to its Fire TV lineup, including first-party Fire TV Omni and Fire TV 4-Series, a new Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and several partner Fire TV Edition sets.The biggest announcements h...

Make your life a whole lot easier with these time-saving Google Chrome tips and tricks.Google Chrome is one of the top internet browsers for desktop, at least according to our readers. It may be a little processor heavy, but when it comes to getting things done it can be very useful. If you'd like to squeeze even more productivity out of Chrome on your PC, here are some nifty tips and tricks for Google Chrome.Jump to:Use Tab GroupsSearch tabsLive CaptionRestore tabsSwitch profilesRead LaterUse Google MessagesBlock site notification popupsSnooze Google Calendar notificationsRemove suggestions on new tabsLink to highlighted textCreate shortcuts for extensionsGoogle Password ManagerExport your passwordsControl website privacy permissionsTip 1: Use Tab GroupsThe first thing you'll want to do is clean up the mass open tabs crowding up your Chrome Browser. Luckily, you now have the ability to create Tab Groups. You can then collapse or expand a set of tabs u...

The chipset is a toned down version of the Kompanio 1300T that MediaTek announced in July.What you need to knowMediaTek has rolled out a new 5G chipset for tablets and notebooks.Similar to the Kompanio 1300T, the new Kompanio 900T is built on a 6nm process. MediaTek says the first devices powered by the chipset will be available "soon."Earlier this year, MediaTek launched the Kompanio 1300T chipset for premium Android tablets. The Taiwanese chipmaker has now announced a new Kompanio chipset for tablets and notebooks, dubbed the Kompanio 900T.The Kompanio 900T is manufactured on the same 6nm process as the Kompanio 1300T. It is an octa-core chipset with two Arm Cortex-A78 ultra-performance cores, six Arm Cortex-A55 cores, and an Arm Mali-G68 GPU. As you would expect from a modern 5G chipset that promises "serious computing power," the Kompanio 900T supports LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage.The chipset also supports up to 2K resolution screens with a 120Hz refresh rate. ...

Over the years, water-resistance in phones has gone from being a luxury reserved only for top-shelf phones to a standard feature that's expected of any remotely expensive gadget. We've rounded up the best waterproof phones in 2021, lead by the fantastic Samsung Galaxy S21. Take a look at our list for more options that will fit any budget and lifestyle needs.Best overall waterproof phone: Samsung Galaxy S21The Samsung Galaxy S21 burst onto the scene in early 2021 and quickly became our consensus choice for the best Android phone most people should buy. That doesn't mean that it had the best specs overall or was the best-priced phone. No, we love the S21 because of how well it balances price, features, and built quality, and part of that build quality is its IP68 water and dust resistance.Unlike its higher-priced siblings in the S21 and Note 20 lineup, this phone has a plastic, or rather, "glasstic" rear panel, but that doesn't make it feel cheap or less premium to us. On the c...

Fixing the latest bugs and exploits in Android every month.Google has detailed the latest Android Security Bulletin and released the fixes for Pixel devices.These are exploits and other security concerns that affect Android as a whole. Issues with the operating system, kernel patches, and driver updates may not affect any particular device, but these need to be fixed in the Android base by the folks maintaining the operating system code. That means Google, and they've detailed the things they have improved for this month.Updated factory images for Pixel devices that are still supported are available, and over-the-air updates are rolling out to users. If you don't want to wait, you can download and flash the factory image or OTA update file manually, and here are some handy instructions to get you started. The company that made your phone uses these patches to send an update out to you.These changes have been released to the people making the best Android phones for at le...

Google may have to pay another hefty fine if it is found guilty.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly under renewed EU antitrust investigation for forcing Android OEMs to use Google Assistant as the default voice assistant on their devices.EU regulators had raised concerns over "attempts to restrict the number of voice assistants" on smart devices in June.Regulators are also concerned about Google and other voice assistant providers pushing their own services via default settings on smart devices.Google is facing a renewed antitrust investigation from EU regulators over "possibly forcing" device makers into using Google Assistant as the default voice assistant on Android devices, according to a tweet by Mlex reporter Sam Wilkin. Android Central has reached out to Google for a comment on the report.Scoop: Google under renewed EU antitrust investigation, this time over possibly forcing device manufacturers to use Google Assistant as the default voice assistant on Androi...

Smart Wi-Fi plugs are a dime a dozen, and they are wonderfully affordable devices. The best smart Wi-Fi plugs let you effectively turn just about anything plugged into them "smart." Once plugged in, you can control the device, be it a coffee maker, fan, or lamp, from your phone or even, in some cases, your voice. But not all of them are rated for use outdoors. Why would you want to use one outdoors? Whether it's to control your holiday lights or inflatables, set a sprinkler to water the flowers on a schedule, or turn a porch light on every night at a specific time, there are plenty of reasons these can come in handy. We have rounded up some of the best outdoor smart Wi-Fi plugs you can buy.For the full Ring of securityRing Outdoor Smart PlugStaff PickIf you have other Ring products around the home, or even if you don't, this is a solid option that works with Alexa for voice control and can connect to a Ring Bridge so you can control and customize settings right from the Rin...

If the original Chromebook Duet was an appetizer, the Duet 5 is the main course.This week, Lenovo announced several new products as part of its Lenovo Tech World event, including new wireless earbuds and a couple of exciting new tablets. One of these new tablets is the Tab P12 Pro, an Android tablet that is designed to also work as a second screen with Windows computers. The other tablet (and the one I really care about) is the successor to last year's popular Chromebook Duet — The Chromebook Duet 5.At 13.3 inches, the newer Duet 5 is significantly larger than the last Duet, so why is it called the Duet 5 instead of, I don't know, the Duet 13, or the Duet 2nd Gen? That's a good question, and I'm so glad you asked! We're not sure if Lenovo is calling this version the Duet 5 in homage to its popular Flex 5 Chromebook, which incidentally, is still our pick as the best Chromebook for most people. On the other hand, it could just as easily be because many of Lenovo's devices over 13...

Bringing some of Google Assistant Driving mode features into Android Auto would be a big boost for the automobile infotainment software.Software in automobiles that restricts phone usage while driving is a good thing — period. However, not all vehicles are compatible with Apple Car Play or Android Auto. That's what Android Auto for phone screens was for, but with it going away in favor of Google Assistant Driving mode, could that be foretelling as to what may be in the future for Android Auto proper?Finding ways to move essential phone functions like navigation, conversations, music, and phone calls to a larger display that is more within the driver's view is far better than reaching for a smaller phone screen. Not only is the screen smaller, but so are the touchpoints. Also, using voice control through Google Assistant in a noisy vehicle is hit and miss. A phone as the infotainment option in a vehicle is not a great experience for a few reasons, but it's really bad when ...

A tiny computer that makes it possible to turn an idea into reality, without taking up much spaceIf you're in the market for a new side project, then you might want to check out the Raspberry Pi. This is a little computer available in a few different sizes, but the primary board comes in the size of a credit card. On the PCB, you'll find a bunch of little transistors along with a few different connection ports, and soldered right in the middle is the brains of the operation. But instead of coming pre-installed with Windows or macOS, you have the ability to choose what Linux-based operating system you want to use.If you have an idea for some home automation, the chances are that the Raspberry Pi can provide the brains and brawn for the operation. Maybe you want to create a portable retro console; Raspberry Pi can do that, too. Or maybe you just want to learn how to code and use a command line. Well, the Pi can do that. The possibilities are truly endless for what can be accomplish...

It may or may not come to your smartphone, though.What you need to knowSamsung has recently revealed its camera sensor roadmap at a summit in Europe.The roadmap indicates the company is planning to introduce a 576MP sensor to the market in four years.It's not clear whether the large image sensor will be baked into future smartphones.Samsung looks set to push the envelope even further for camera sensors. The company is supercharging its imaging capabilities with a 576MP sensor that it plans to release in four years.Haechang Lee, Samsung's senior vice president for automotive sensor, recently showcased the company's roadmap for image resolutions at the SEMI Europe Summit. The roadmap reveals its ambition to bring a 576MP sensor to the market by 2025, as spotted by Image Sensors World.However, Samsung did not mention specific applications for that sensor. There are speculations that it could be used for autonomous vehicles, drones, and virtual reality. But that doesn't n...

The Realme 8s 5G is the first phone to be powered by MediaTek's 6nm Dimensity 810 chipset.What you need to knowRealme has introduced two new additions to the Realme 8 series.The Realme 8S 5G is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 810 chipset, while the Realme 8i packs the Helio G96. Realme has also unveiled its very first Android tablet, dubbed the Realme Pad. After launching its first notebook last month, Realme has now expanded into the tablet market with the Realme Pad. Alongside the new tablet, the company has also launched two new Realme 8 series phones to challenge the best cheap Android phones from Xiaomi and Samsung.The Realme 8s 5G is the first phone to launch in India with MediaTek's new Dimensity 810 chipset. It sports a 6.5-inch display with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. On the back of the Realme 8s is a triple-lens camera system featuring a 64MP primary sensor. For selfies and video calling, the phone has a 16MP camera on the front. It packs a 5,000mAh...

Google may be dropping hints at when we can expect the Pixel 6 to launch.Update, Sept 9 (2:40 a.m. ET): Google releases first Pixel 6 commercialWhat you need to knowGoogle releases a Pixel 6 teaser on Instagram.The image shows off the device with new Android 12's new Material You widgets.Some images may hint at the device launch date.The Google Pixel 5a just launched, but fans are no doubt waiting for a full Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro announcement, especially following last month's unexpected teaser. Meanwhile, Google continues teasing its upcoming flagship with a new image that was just posted on the company's MadeByGoogle Instagram account.The image shows the Pixel 6 display, complete with the center hole punch and Android 12's uniquely-styled Material You widgets. It's not too different from Google's earlier Pixel 6 sneak peek video showing off the Material You design. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Made by Google (@madebygoogle)Wh...

Four years of security updates could become the norm for Android flagships in the near future.What you need to knowXiaomi's upcoming 11T series phones will receive three Android OS updates and four years of security updates.The company is also evaluating the possibility of bringing extended Android updates to more devices.Samsung and OnePlus are currently the only Android OEMs that promise four years of security updates for their flagship devices. Xiaomi announced on September 9 that its upcoming Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro phones will receive "three generations" of Android OS updates, along with four years of security updates. The flagship duo is set to be unveiled at a virtual launch event on September 15.The company is also evaluating the possibility of bringing extended Android OS and security updates to its existing devices. While it is unlikely that Xiaomi's best cheap Android phones will get four years of security updates, flagship devices such as the Mi 11 Pro and Mi 1...

MIUI 12.5 doesn't introduce groundbreaking features — it instead fixes long-standing issues.While Xiaomi now makes some of the best Android phones, it started out with MIUI, offering a software interface with a design inspired by iOS but with several unique additions, including a robust theming engine and useful pre-installed apps. The first time I used MIUI was on a Nexus 4 all the way back in 2013; MIUI 5 was very different to the default Jelly Bean interface, offering an astounding level of customization (for the time), permission management, live icons, a music player that was better than what you'd get on most phones, and robust security features.Of course, Xiaomi was already making phones by this point, but they were limited to its home market. MIUI allowed Xiaomi to gauge interest in its software interface outside of China, and the brand amassed a decent userbase in a short amount of time, paving the way for an entry into the Indian market, where it debuted its first pho...

Google may be dropping hints at when we can expect the Pixel 6 to launch.What you need to knowGoogle releases a Pixel 6 teaser on Instagram.The image shows off the device with new Android 12's new Material You widgets.Some images may hint at the device launch date.The Google Pixel 5a just launched, but fans are no doubt waiting for a full Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro announcement, especially following last month's unexpected teaser. Meanwhile, Google continues teasing its upcoming flagship with a new image that was just posted on the company's MadeByGoogle Instagram account.The image shows the Pixel 6 display, complete with the center hole punch and Android 12's uniquely-styled Material You widgets. It's not too different from Google's earlier Pixel 6 sneak peek video showing off the Material You design. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Made by Google (@madebygoogle)While Google doesn't actually mention a launch date in the caption, photos ...

New canvas print sizes are coming in the next few weeks as well.What you need to knowGoogle Photos has expanded its options for photo printing and delivery.It added four new size options for photo prints, with six new sizes for canvas prints coming in the next few weeks.You can have your prints shipped to your home for at least $0.18 per print.Google has announced new printing options for Photos in the U.S. and Japan. The service now adds bigger size options for photo and canvas prints as well as a new way to have your print orders delivered to your doorstep.The usual photo print sizes, including 4×6, 5×7, or 8×10 are still in place. In addition to those formats, you can now have your best shots printed out in 11x14, 12x18, 16x20, and 20x30. For $0.18 per print plus a shipping fee, you can get your photo prints delivered straight to your home.As usual, you can order same-day prints from CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens in the U.S. However, the only sizes available for t...

More people will be able to use their Wear OS watch for payments.Update, Sept 8 (5:30 p.m. ET): Google Pay support expands to more countries.What you need to knowGoogle Pay is getting expanded support in more countries.16 additional countries will support contactless payments on the Galaxy Watch 4.The expanded support will also come to older Wear OS smartwatches "in the coming weeks."With the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4, Google has highlighted some of the new app experiences that will come with the new Wear OS 3 update. Google Pay is among the apps that are getting a redesign based on Material You, but Google also announced that it's expanding support for more countries.As it stands, Google Pay only supports a handful of countries for contactless payments on Wear OS. Google is now adding 16 additional countries to the list, which include the following:BelgiumBrazilChileCroatiaCzech RepublicDenmarkFinlandHong KongIrelandNew ZealandNorwaySlovakiaSwedenTai...

The Raspberry Pi makes a great retro gaming console, so it only makes sense for you to want to get the best Raspberry Pi controller. You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of storage for all of those games with the best Raspberry Pi 4 SD cards. There are quite a few different controllers to choose from, so the decision can be rather rough. So to find a good controller that will pair perfectly with the best Raspberry Pi emulators, check out our suggestions for the best Raspberry Pi controllers!Comfortable and durable8Bitdo SN30 Pro USB Gamepad for WindowsStaff PickThis SNES-styled controller is built tough and is comfortable enough to play with all night. It also has an extra-long cable so you can lean back. Plus, it not only works with your Raspberry Pi, but it can also connect to your Windows PC or Nintendo Switch (with the right software version).$40 at WalmartUSB champLogitech G F310 GamepadThe Logitech F310 can be used through a USB hub and still ...

Although "again" implies selfie sticks were ever cool to begin with.What you need to knowDJI has launched its latest smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 5.The OM5 features an updated design with a built-in extension rod, although battery life takes a hit.The OM5 is available now in two colors and retails for $159.DJI has just launched a refresh to its Osmo Mobile series of smartphone gimbals with the new Osmo Mobile 5, which may end up becoming one of the best smartphone gimbals on the market.The new gimbal features an updated design that the company says is 1/3 smaller than the Osmo Mobile 4. There's also a newly designed magnetic clamp to better accommodate smartphone cases and is "compatible with even more smartphone models than its predecessor."However, the biggest upgrade found in DJI's new gimbal is the built-in extension rod which essentially turns the OM5 into a $159 selfie stick. That said, it should also make it easier to get to those hard-to-reach places for b...

If you're an active individual and you want to track your workouts with an Android smartwatch, there are several options out there. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the best fitness smartwatches for many reasons. You'll have tons of perks such as GPS, activity/sleep tracking, music storage, and full waterproofing. It's as fully featured of a smartwatch and fitness tracker that you'll find, so it might be precisely what you're looking for.Best overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4The Garmin Vivoactive 4 isn't the newest watch on the market anymore, but it's still one of the best fitness smartwatches you can buy. Most importantly, it offers some significant upgrades compared to its predecessor, including on-screen workouts, two size options, and music storage is now a standard feature. It's not quite as expensive as it once was, but it's not the cheapest option either. With that said, it's a phenomenal fitness smartwatch that will track your every move. It's also an ideal option if you ...

Good artists copy; great artists steal.If you've bought a new Android phone in the past two or three years, chances are your phone has a hole in the display where the front-facing camera lives if a leak is to be believed the iPhone 14 will finally get on board. The Holey Grail of iPhones.Yes, this is an Android website where you can learn all about the latest Android news and the best Android phones, and maybe even learn a thing or two you didn't know about how your phone does stuff. But here we are, and we're going to talk about the iPhone 14 and how Apple decided to copy borrow steal innovate copy the design of so many Android phones made by so many other companies.First, in case you have no idea what I'm talking about, a leak suggests that the iPhone 14 — the model to be released next year — will forego the deep notch in favor of a central hole punch in the display. It will also be thicker to hide the camera bump and look a lot like a great big iPhone 4. Remember, t...

Chalk this under "ridiculous and strangely enticing."What you need to knowSomeone was able to get Assassins Creed running on a smartwatch via Google Stadia.The Kospet Optimus 2 runs full Android 10, comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.The smartwatch also features a 13MP camera capable of 1080p video recording.Wear OS may be the talk of the town amongst Samsung and Android enthusiasts, but one smartwatch decided that Wear OS wasn't good enough and went with full Android 10 instead. And to really bring things home, someone was able to get Assassin's Creed running on the smartwatch.That wasn't a typo; Mark B of MBReviews played Assassin's Creed Unity streaming with a connected controller from Google Stadia.The game ran surprisingly well on the small 1.6-inch 400x400 ISP display, despite the smartwatch rocking only 4GB of RAM. However, Mark notes in their Kospet Optimus 2 review that the experience playing Stadia on a smartwatch "has been a very weird experience" and ...

While the Google Pixel 4a 5G isn't going to be winning any beauty contests, the best Pixel 4a 5G cases jazz up this affordable 5G phone. Protecting your investment is paramount, but let's get real. Life's too short for boring phone cases. Thankfully, these Pixel 4a 5G cases are anything but and add pops of color and extra protection to keep your phone looking brand new.Keep it safeTudia DualShield Merge SeriesStaff PickTudia's Merge Series has been protecting Pixels big and small for years, and if you need some heavy-duty support for your Pixel 4a 5G from Day One, this case will do the job for less than a large pizza.$13 at Amazon $13 at WalmartFabulous feelGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric case feels just as amazing on the Pixel 4a 5G as it has in previous generations. This case comes in fun color options like Blue Confetti and the classic, but sophisticated Basically Black.From $45 at Amazon $40 at Best BuySuper ruggedSpigen Rugged Armor CaseFinished i...

While there are plenty of streaming services to choose from, Hulu has established itself as one of the best platforms for original movies. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of the best original movies on Hulu right now.The best Hulu Originals moviesPopular on HuluComedy on HuluHorror on HuluDocumentaries on HuluStream originals nowHuluFrom $6 at HuluHulu Originals and moreHulu is one of the best streaming services when it comes to original content. Sign up now to check out Hulu Originals series like The Handmaid's Tale and The Great, as well as new Hulu Originals films that span genres.Popular on HuluIf you're looking for original movies on Hulu, a good place to start is the Popular section on the platform's home page, which is where you'll land after logging in. Here are a handful of films that are trending now on the platform.Boss Level (2021)Boss Level stars Frank Grillo as former special forces agent Roy Pulver, who uncovers clues a...

Craving cat tweets? Sidestep your usual doomscrolling with Twitter Communities.What you need to knowTwitter Communities are alternate timelines focused on a specific topic, interest, hobby, or type of person.They will be invite-only and run by moderators. Anyone can see Community tweets, but only members can participate.Communities are being tested on iOS and the web; no Android access yet.You can apply to found and moderate your own Twitter Community if you want.Twitter has recently been on a privacy and safety tear, testing new features designed to make the app a bit less painful to use. Last week, it added a new Twitter Safety Mode to auto-block hostile users. Yesterday, we learned of new Twitter social safety tools like removing followers without actually blocking them. And today, we saw the newest way to insulate your feed to focus more on specific content you crave.imagine an alternate timeline where everyone just gets yousay hi to Communities—the place to connec...

Bringing new meaning to "wearable" tech.What you need to knowFitness wearable company WHOOP has announced its latest products with the WHOOP 4.0 band and WHOOP Body clothing line.The new WHOOP 4.0 band is 1/3 smaller than before and includes a new and improved sensor array and battery.WHOOP Body is a new line of clothing featuring the company's Any-Wear Technology that enables WHOOP customers to wear their tracker across multiple locations on their bodies.Fitness company WHOOP recently announced a couple of major updates to its refined product lineup in the form of a new fitness tracker, the WHOOP 4.0, and a new line of technical fitness garments called WOOP Body which are intended to work with the new tracker. This is the first major update to WHOOP's device lineup in over two years, and it comes fast on the heels of a major new fundraising and evaluation announcement, and its recent acquisition of PUSH, a personal training solutions provider.The WHOOP 4.0 is the succe...

Best answer: You should only buy a Wi-Fi 6E router if you already have devices that can use Wi-FI 6E. While Wi-Fi 6E offers a great upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 performance, the increase in speed isn't significant enough to justify the high price for most people.What is Wi-Fi 6E, and how is it different from Wi-Fi 6?For years, Wi-Fi has used channels at 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz, with 5.8 GHz adding a bit more capacity a while later. If you don't have a lot of close neighbors, these channels probably offer more than enough speed even when your connection is pushed beyond gigabit speed. For those of us that live in a dense area, we're starting to hit the limits.If you check out all of the connections in your area, you start to understand the congestion your router needs to navigate. A Wi-Fi analyzer app can help you see overlapping Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6 has been able to do more with this space thanks to tech like a more advanced QAM setup, but it still has to share the same chunks of spectrum. Wi-Fi 6...

Chrome 93 brings some enhancements to Tote.What you need to knowChrome 93 is rolling out on Chromebooks with several quality-of-life improvements.Users can now find more of their files in Tote, and the keyboard is easier to customize from settings.Apps can now be easily resized to preset phone or tablet orientations.Owners of the best Chromebooks are being treated to a fairly small update with the stable rollout of Chrome 93 on most Chrome OS devices.Following the release of Chrome 93 on mobile devices, the update for Chome OS is fairly small, bringing a few quality-of-life improvements.One feature that Chrome OS users should enjoy is better window management for Android apps. Chromebooks running Android 11 will automatically launch Android apps in their "defined orientations," and users will be able to resize apps easily with a new UI that appears when hovering over the top portion of the app window.The new resize lock should help Android mobile apps play better on...

The affordable Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE has finally launched in the U.S., and it comes with many favorite features from one of the best Android tablets, the Galaxy Tab S7. One notable difference, however, is its larger 12.4-inch LCD, making this a great tablet for work, entertainment, and everyday tasks like jotting down notes or drawing with the included low latency S Pen. To ensure your tablet's screen stays looking new and remains protected from unwanted scratches, these are the best Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE screen protectors to consider.Solid reputationSPARIN Screen ProtectorStaff PickSPARIN is a brand you can count on when it comes to protecting your electronics' screens, and this is no exception. This two-pack of 0.33mm ultra-thin screen protectors will, most importantly, support the Galaxy Tab S7 FE's S Pen without affecting touch sensitivity. And thanks to 9H tempered glass, it'll also be scratch-resistant as well as crystal clear.$15 at Amazon (2 Pack)Fan...

We've reached the final stretch before the full Android 12 release.What you need to knowGoogle rolls out the final beta release of Android 12.Developers are encouraged to complete final app compatibility tests before the full Android 12 launch "in the weeks ahead."The new Google Pixel 5a is eligible for Android 12 Beta 5.Google is rolling out Android 12 Beta 5, which is the last beta release before the full version is launched.Android 12 reached "Platform Stability" with Beta 4, so all system behaviors and APIs are already final and ready for developers to complete final app compatibility tests. That means making sure apps work with new Android 12 features like the Privacy Dashboard, new privacy toggles and indicators, the new app splash screen, and more.While the final beta release means there shouldn't be anything particularly new coming out of Beta 5, it does mean that many of the bugs found in Beta 4 should hopefully be ironed out by now.One notable addition to An...

Best answer: If you need a replacement S Pen for your Samsung Galaxy Tab, you'll need to purchase one.What's so great about the S Pen anyways?Samsung's decision to include an S Pen in the box with its last few Galaxy Tab devices is genius. It removes the burden of needing to purchase something else just to get the full experience of the device. The trend continues as the Galaxy Tab S7 FE includes an S Pen right in the box.Not only can the Galaxy Tab S7 FE's S Pen attach magnetically on the back, but it opens a world of creative and productive possibilities. From being able to take advantage of the best drawing apps for Android control your Galaxy Tab with Air Actions, or even marking up those annoying PDFs, there's something here for everyone.It's easy to understand why the Galaxy Tab S7 family of tablets are some of the best Android tablets, and that's without diving into extra software features like Samsung DeX Mode. The latest Galaxy Tab S Pen features the same ultra-lo...

The world may be on fire but at least the PS5 is here to distract you.Sony launched its most ambitious console to date on Nov. 12, 2020, with the PS5. The company dominated the last generation with the PS4 and silenced naysayers who said that console gaming was dead. After selling upwards of 112 million units over the last seven years, Sony hopes to replicate its success with the PlayStation 5, and if early demand is any indication, that shouldn't be a problem. According to the NPD Group, the PS5 is the fastest-selling console in U.S. history for unit and dollar sales within its first five months on the market. As of July 2021, Sony says that the PS5 has sold over 10 million units.Ever since I was a kid I've had an Xbox. I played every Xbox console right up until I had to buy a PS4 Pro for this job, actually. But now that I've used a PS5 for several months, I see it as my main console moving forward. The strength of the PS5, plus the revolutionary and welcome changes Sony made to...

After almost two years, Rza, Gza, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan are back for the second season of Wu-Tang: An American Saga and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes of the show online.After launching in the fall of 2019, Wu-Tang: An American Saga was quickly renewed for a second season by Hulu back in January of last year. However, just like with many other shows last year, filming was delayed which is why season two is releasing now. Hulu will kick off the second season of Wu-Tang: An American Saga by making the first three episodes available to watch at once while the remaining seven episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays.Set in New York City during the height of the crack cocaine epidemic of the early 90s, Wu-Tang: An American Saga tells the story of the birth of the infamous Staten Island hip-hop collective. Bobby Diggs aka The RZA (Ashton Sanders) turns to rap as a way out himself and a ...

Google has also announced new Meet features — including a "Companion mode."What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a bunch of new Workspace updates.Spaces are now live for all users. You will soon be able to "ring" other users with Google Meet inside the Gmail app.Google has announced new Workspace updates that aim to help hybrid work a lot easier. Spaces, which is a rebranding of Google's Slack competitor "Rooms," is now live for all Workspace users.Spaces make it possible for teams to easily "share ideas, collaborate on documents, and manage tasks from a single place." They offer deep integration with Workspace tools such as Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and Tasks. Google says Spaces will become even more useful in the coming months with a more flexible UI, discoverable spaces, enhanced search options, in-line topic threading, and new content moderation tools.To help make meetings more spontaneous, Google is rolling out the ability to "ring" member...

Looking to the futureFossil Gen 6From $299 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCImproved health trackingSnapdragon Wear 4100+Eligible for Wear OS 3 upgradeTwo size optionsConsWear OS 3 not available until 2022Pretty expensive The wearable world is changing before our eyes, especially when it comes to Wear OS watches. If you want a watch with any kind of a future, you'll need to be open to newer models such as the Fossil Gen 6 smartwatches. Not only do you get the latest processor and improved performance, but your watch will be eligible to upgrade to Wear OS 3 in 2022.Living in the pastFossil Gen 5From $207 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity trackingStunning designsGoogle AssistantBuilt-in mic/speakerConsOnly one size optionOutdated processorNot eligible for Wear OS 3 upgradeThe Fossil Gen 5 smartwatches were a hit when they first came out. While there may still be some appeal, users will have to start thinking about the bigger picture....

One of the best storage expansion options for PlayStation 5.Solid-state drives (SSDs) have been a staple in the PC gaming space for years now, but consoles have been well behind the trend since their inception. It's only now in the ninth generation that systems from Xbox and PlayStation are seeing SSDs built-in, favoring those higher speeds as opposed to the inferior speeds of comparably stone-aged HDDs. This all means bigger and better games for players, but most importantly — faster games. Load times on new-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X have been reduced to a handful of seconds, and in some cases they are almost instantaneous.Much to people's confusion, Sony shipped the PS5 with an 825TB (the Xbox Series X features a 1TB SSD), of which only 667GB is usable. That's not ideal for anyone, especially when games are frequently 50GB or larger. Because the PS5 didn't launch with storage expansion for PS5 games, players needed to delete and redownload their games if the...

This is the fourtheenth distinct first-party studio under the Sony Worldwide Studios umbrella.What you need to knowSony announced that it is acquiring Firesprite.Firesprite is a U.K. studio that has previously worked on games like Playroom VR. Sony announced the acquisition of Returnal developer Housemarque and PC porting team Nixxes earlier this year.Sony announced on Wednesday that is is acquiring Firesprite, adding the Liverpool-based studio to the Sony Worldwide Studios first-party family. Sony worked with Firesprite in the past on games such as Playroom VR. This team has over 250 developers and is looking to grow even further."I firstly want to thank PlayStation and their community for the warm welcome into a family of incredible creators. I'd also like to thank all of our 'Sprites, past and present, who have helped shape the Firesprite we see today. I'm proud of the talent we have at Firesprite and you'll continue to hear and see more from us all very soon!" says Gr...

The best Nokia phones are aimed at the budget and mid-tier segments. Nokia devices feature a classic industrial design and clean software with Android One, ensuring fast updates and no bloatware. The Nokia 5.4 continues to lead the pack, and Nokia has plenty of other options that are just as exciting. Here are some of our favorites to get you started.Do everythingNokia 5.4 | Android 10 | 128 GBStaff PickThe Nokia 5.4 is still one of the best options if you want a value-focused phone. It has great hardware in the form of a Snapdragon 662 chipset, 4GB of RAM, and 64 or 128GB of storage, and you get a 48-megapixel camera at the back and a 16-megapixel shooter upfront. The 6.3-inch has 400 nits of peak brightness, there's a 4,000mAh battery, and the phone also has a 3.5mm jack.$238 at Amazon (128GB) $250 at Best Buy (128GB)A new budget optionNokia G20 | Android 11 | 128GBThe Nokia G20 is an exciting budget device that is powered by the MediaTek Helio 635 chipset. As a...

Samsung's smartwatches are great for managing notifications and track health and fitness, but they're also great for music playback, thanks to Bluetooth and local media storage. So whether you want to listen to your favorite tunes on your weekly jog or take in a new audiobook, these are the best wireless headphones for your Galaxy Watch.Overall bestSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro - Bluetooth EarbudsStaff PickThese are Samsung's premium wireless earbuds and are also the most durable, with an IPX8 rating. If you're looking to do some runs and workouts with your Galaxy Watch, sweating in these buds won't be a problem. Doesn't hurt that you get excellent sound, active noise cancelation, and decent battery life to go with it all.$153 at Amazon $170 at Best Buy $170 at B&HNext in lineSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 - True Wireless EarbudsThese ultimately replace the Galaxy Buds+, and in so doing, come with an even better fit, greater comfort, and improved audio performance. They're n...

Google has been rolling out RCS messaging, colloquially known as "Chat features," to Android phones for years, and has finally gotten penetration to all three carriers in the United States. RCS messaging allows you to see when messages have been delivered and when someone is responding, send messages over Wi-Fi and mobile data, and more.With all of that comes one minor issue. You need to turn off chat features when you move to a different phone. Failure to do so can result in unpredictable behavior for up to eight days. That behavior can manifest itself in various ways, such as multiple phones receiving messages or the wrong phone receiving messages. Bottom line, if you don't turn off RCS messaging, things can get wonky #TechnicalTerm. Of course, that doesn't always happen, but why chance it? Messaging is something that should be absolutely bulletproof. So, to make sure it stays that way, we'll show you two ways to turn off RCS messaging.How to turn off RCS messaging on your pho...

Galaxy Z Fold 3 features great hardware with meh software and could be a better user experience.Foldable phones are still relatively new in the grand scheme of smartphones. But that doesn't mean that some of these products aren't impressive. For example, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 isn't a significant improvement over the second generation Galaxy Z Fold 2, the fine-tuning that Samsung has done with the device is very much welcomed. However, the bulk of that tweaking Samsung did with the Z Fold 3 was mainly on the hardware side of things. The software and UI are very much the same as the prior version — and that's unfortunate because it's still kind of a mess.Yes, Samsung did add a couple of new features and expand on a few others as well. But, when fellow freelancer Andrew Myrick put together his first 12 things to do with your new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, it further solidified the complicated feelings I had when using my own Z Fold 3. Put simply — if you want to get th...

The phone will likely be the first to use Samsung's new ISOCELL HP1 sensor.What you need to knowA new rumor suggests Xiaomi's next-gen Android flagship will arrive with a 200MP main camera.It is likely that the phone will use Samsung's recently announced ISOCELL HP1 sensor.Xiaomi will apparently continue to use 108MP and 64MP sensors for its mid-range and high-end devices.Xiaomi's Galaxy S22 challenger will come equipped with a 200MP camera, according to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station. In addition to the 200MP sensor, the phone will apparently have a 50MP "main" sensor as well.Although the tipster hasn't revealed more details, there's a good chance that the phone will be the first to feature Samsung's 200MP ISOCELL HP1 sensor. Announced last week, the ISOCELL HP1 sensor is Samsung's first mobile image sensor to have ChameleonCell technology for improved low-light performance.While the new 200MP sensor offers significantly higher resolution than the 50MP ISOCELL GN2 ...