Latest from Android Central

Advertisers want the right people to see the right products, and Google uses the advertising ID to do it.Google has built many of the products and services we use every day, but selling things to consumers isn't how the tech giant makes the bulk of its money. Google is primarily an advertising company.That doesn't mean Google is creating ads and making sure you see all of them (though the company can help create captivating advertisements); it means that Google sells advertising space for other companies to use inside of its products and across the web. This is a very competitive space and one where Google has a unique (and potentially unfair) advantage: tracking our interests can focus on showing the right ads to the right people. Google makes money because it knows what you like.I'll use the same analogy I always use here. I like fishing. I buy fishing equipment on the internet, research fishing spots on the internet, and watch videos about new fishing techniques on the ...

The best chargers to buy today for laptops, Android phones, and everything in between these days are GaN chargers, short for Gallium nitride. Semiconductors made with Gallium nitride like the Anker Nano II can be smaller than traditional silicon chips, and smaller chips make smaller, lighter, and ultimately better chargers. The tech has been around for a couple of years now, but this is still a relatively small field. These are the best GaN chargers with Power Delivery charging you can buy today.Too small to pass upAnker Nano II 45WStaff PickThis 45W charger is smaller than most 30W chargers, thanks to what Anker calls "GaN II" chips, making it even more efficient and limiting heat buildup. The folding prongs also make it perfect for travel.$36 at Amazon $36 at WalmartBest dual-port chargerRAVPower GaN PD 90W Wall ChargerI love the utility of this charger. You can charge a Macbook at top speed, charge two Chromebooks at top speed, or fast-charge a laptop and a tab...

Messenger and Instagram gain new themes paying homage to World Oceans Day and two pop media releases.What you need to knowFacebook today improved Messenger's payments support with QR codes and links.The app, including Instagram, also picked up new themes.Finally, Facebook makes it easier to reply to media in conversations with a quick reply bar. Facebook today is rolling out new updates to Messenger and Instagram (for users who've updated to the new Instagram). The update adds support for new themes, a quick reply bar when sending or receiving media, and new ways to send and receive money from anyone using Facebook Pay.The payment feature is probably the most significant. Like Apple Pay and iMessage, Facebook has allowed U.S users to send each other money without leaving the app. Messenger payments are probably not coming outside the U.S. because there are easier methods for P2P transfers in international markets, but that doesn't stop Facebook from improving on it.The ...

Gmail and Google Photos are two of Google's best services. But they've never worked well together, until now. So if you're still using Google Photos, even after Google did away with unlimited storage, and haven't moved on to a cloud backup alternative, you can now save photos directly to Google Photos with a click.In May 2021, Google announced that the two services will now work better together. You can save photos sent via email directly to Google Photos, but there are some limitations. First, it only works with JPEG images. Second, it only works when viewing Gmail in a browser; this is not for mobile yet. Here's how to do it.How to move photos from Gmail to Google PhotosWhen you receive an email with a JPEG photo attachment, you can save it to Google Photos in one of two ways.Hover your mouse over the photo, and click the icon in the lower right corner that looks like a Google Photos icon with a plus symbol.The first time you do that, you'll get a message asking you to ...

Armor up Ratchet and Rivet before taking down their enemies.Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart features several armor sets that both Ratchet and Rivet can wear throughout the game, giving them damage buffs and other benefits. Each armor set is comprised of three pieces; the helmet, chest, and boots. Without all three pieces of a complete set, you won't get their collection bonus buffs. Thankfully, each map tells you exactly where to find the armor you need. It's then all about exploring the area and picking it up. You'll find most pieces within optional dimensional rifts that feature platforming puzzles of some kind, and there are eight total sets to be found.Here's every armor set in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and the buffs that they offer:Galactic RangerDescription: The classic helmet of the Solana Galactic Rangers. The Galactic Rangers' chest armor is forged with justice and Raritarium. The Galactic Rangers' pants protect the galaxy... and your legs.Collection Bonus: Mel...

Ms. Zurkon has a lot of weapons for you to buy, so save up those bolts.Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart wouldn't be much without the arsenal of weapons at your disposal. As you progress throughout the game, you'll be able to purchase new weapons from Ms. Zurkon with all of the bolts you collect. Because ammo can sometimes be scarce and because of the wide variety of weapons, I highly recommend switching between several instead of sticking to just one. You'll want to purchase the entire lot to make the most out of combat.Here's every weapon you can get in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart:Jump to:Blast PistolThe ExecutorShatterbombMr. FungiTopiary SprinklerLarge Negatron ColliderWreckochetLightning RodDrillhoundVoid ReactorCold SnapGlove of DoomBombardierBuzz BladesPeacemakerBlackhole StormHeadhunterRyno 8Blast PistolDescription: Fires three shots of hot plasma at once. Accuracy decreases if shots are fired in a stream.The ExecutorDescription: Abl...

For the whole familyAmazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)$85 at AmazonProsAffordableMultiple color optionsOption for Amazon Kids+ConsOnly 2 MP cameraNot very big for displaying photosIf you're looking for a smart display for an adult or older child's bedroom nightstand or desk, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is a good option that adds the benefit of a screen to the smart speaker experience. It costs less than the Kids edition, but it's effectively the same smart display in a different finish without a kids content subscription.Great for young kidsAmazon Echo Show 5 Kids$95 at AmazonProsAffordableBright, cool color optionComes with Amazon Kids+ subscriptionStand and light bundle optionsConsOnly 2MP cameraNot very big screen for displaying photosIf you are searching for a device your young child can use exclusively, the Kids Edition of the Amazon Echo Show 5 is the perfect choice since it comes with a one-year subscription to the Amazon Kids+ se...

Privacy Dashboard, automated Material You theming, and plenty of quality of life features to behold.Android 12 Beta 2 launched today, and we immediately got our hooks into Google's latest mobile OS release to bring you everything that's new with Android. Android 12 Beta 2 brings us the Privacy Dashboard for the first time — the center for how users will control privacy on Pixels for the foreseeable future — as well as a more fleshed-out Material You theming engine, brand new ways to connect to Wi-Fi quickly, a new location to access Google Pay and control your smart home, and much more.Quite a bit has changed since we got our hands on Android 12 Beta 1, as you can see from the list above. Our Android 12 Beta 2 hands-on is just below and, if you like what you see and have a supported device like a Pixel 5, you can install Android 12 and give it a shot.Android 12 Beta 2 Privacy at the forefrontThere's no doubt that privacy is the new tech buzzword of 2021. While Apple is ...

Android 12's Privacy Dashboard does the one thing it had to do — be a single place where you can see exactly which apps are accessing your potentially sensitive data.The second beta of Android 12 has arrived and among the additions is one I've been looking forward to for a while — the Privacy Dashboard.I'll tell you right up front that this isn't the end-all-be-all when it comes to managing your digital privacy, but that unicorn doesn't exist anywhere, even on the best Android phone money can buy. But it's actually better than I expected it to be, and since this is "just" a beta release, there is time for it to get even better. I've been taking a look at it for a minute, and here's everything you need to know about how it works and what I think of it.What the Privacy Dashboard isImagine a single screen with a list of all the permissions and hardware that could be used to transmit sensitive data. Things like your location or your phone call logs. Things like your camera ...

The device comes with a Google Assistant-enabled remote control featuring dedicated buttons for nearly all major streaming platforms.What you need to knowWalmart's Onn-branded Android TV streaming devices are now available to purchase.The 4K model costs $30, while the FHD stick is priced at $25. Both models ship with a Google-designed remote control featuring a built-in microphone. Walmart's in-house Android TV UHD Streaming Device, which was quietly announced last month, is finally available to purchase (via 9to5Google). In addition to Walmart stores, you can also purchase the device online from the retailer's website for $30.The Onn-branded Android TV UHD Streaming Device has a similar design to Google's ADT-3 streaming device, which was announced for developers in December 2019. It also has a Google-designed remote control with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and YouTube. The remote includes an IR blaster, too, so you'll...

An AI-driven mesh system with incredible 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 performance.The TP-Link Deco X90 is without a doubt one of the fastest mesh systems I've ever used with a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 connection adding up to AX6600 speeds. This Deco also has an attractive design that looks great in just about any home, with interlocking curves that remind me a bit of expressionist architecture, a follow-up to Art Deco. The nodes are also compact for their power making them easy to place.With coverage of up to 6,000 square feet, the Deco X90 is a top contender for those looking to cover a large home or even a property with detached buildings. The Deco X90 gets even more powerful as you add nodes thanks to an AI-driven mesh technology that learns from your connected devices moving between nodes as well as neighboring connections. TP-Link notes that this information is all stored locally and is not uploaded to the cloud.The raw power of the equipment with its fast AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 connection and the intell...

This week, Daniel and Ara welcome iMore's Joe Keller and Android Developer Chris Lacy of Action Launcher and SwirlWalls fame onto the show. They have an in-depth conversation about Apple's announcements at WWDC 2021 and the latest Android 12 beta from Google.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:WWDC 2021: All the biggest Apple news and announcements | iMoreApple will bring head tracking to spatial audio on Apple Music later this year | iMoreApple is bringing FaceTime to Android in the most green bubble way possible | Android CentralGoogle is walking back on one of our favorite Android 12 design tweaks | Android CentralAndroid 12 will bring the end of third-party share menus | Android CentralWith Android 12 and the new Wear OS, Google can now better compete with Apple | Android CentralAmazon Sidewalk is revolutionary, but its massive scope has privacy experts worried | Android Centra...

Chrome OS notifications could get a new lease on life.What you need to knowNew code hints at a revamp of Chrome OS notifications.It's not clear how the notifications will look, but the code hints at new notification grouping.Google may choose to bring notifications closer to those found on Android 12.New developer code has been spotted that hints at a new UI for notifications on Chrome OS. The code was spotted by Android Police on the Chromium Gerrit developer tool and will reportedly feature a new UI.While there's no indication of what this new UI will look like, Android Police has found evidence that it will include notification grouping. The lack of a more intelligent notification system has been a major gripe for many users on the best Chromebooks, and Google may finally be making an effort to address it. This means notifications will appear grouped when coming from the same app, giving them a less cluttered look.The new notifications are not yet live in Chrome an...

Google Play Pass has a few hundreds apps and games since its launch. But to be honest, the selection here leaves something to be desired, especially on the app side of things. If you tried Google Play Pass but aren't receiving much benefit from it — here's how to cancel your subscription.How to cancel Google Play PassOpen Google Play.Tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the search bar.Tap Payments & subscriptions.Tap Subscriptions.Find Google Play Pass in the list and tap it.Once the Play Pass settings open, tap Cancel subscription at the bottom of the menu. Google will recommend you other plans to keep you subscribed, tap Continue cancellation.Tap the reason you're canceling if you want to give Google one. If you choose not to, tap Decline to answer.Tap Continue.A confirmation window will pop up, asking if you're sure you want to cancel. Tap Cancel subscription.Cancel your subscription todayGoogle won't refund you if you're partway throug...

Users are reporting outages on Snapchat, which appear to stem from AWS.What you need to knowSnapchat appeared to be down for many users across North America.The outage likely stemmed from AWS, which powers many of the platforms that went down.Several other services were reportedly down, including Zoom, Amazon Alexa, and more.Snapchat and several other platforms were reportedly down across North America, but the problem appears largely resolved.Many Snapchat users were reportedly unable to sign in or kept getting logged out of the app. The problem appeared to stem from Amazon Web Services (AWS), which also suffered from increasing outages and also powers many of the affected platforms.One of the affected platforms was Zoom. According to Down Detector, one of the best teleconferencing apps on Android also experienced an increasing number of outages as a result. Zoom outages across the U.S.The official Zoom status page indicates that the platform experienced degraded p...

Trump's TikTok ban never really took effect, and now it never can.What you need to knowPresident Biden has issued an executive order canceling a previous one that had restricted TikTok and WeChat.Both apps had been banned last year under nebulous national security concerns. The government is instead directing a focus on an "evidence-based analysis" of app and services linked to China in the future.President Biden has reversed former President Trump's TikTok and WeChat bans in an executive order unveiled today. The new president will instead focus on more specific tasks aimed at protecting American data from China as a whole, rather than taking aim at select companies.In the executive order, the administration says individual threats should be looked at through a "rigorous, evidence-based analysis" and threats tackled in ways "consistent with overall national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives, including the preservation and demonstration of America's core v...

Speaking as a passionate mobile gamer, finding the best smartphone gaming accessories can save you from bad controls, a dying battery, tinny audio, and limited internal storage. With cloud-based streaming platforms on the rise and the best Android games adding controller support and more demanding graphics, having the right Android gaming accessories on hand can make or break a gaming session. We've rounded up the best controllers, battery packs, and headphones that you should consider if you want to step your game up.One size fits mostRazer Kishi Mobile Game ControllerStaff PickBuilt to slot in almost any Android phone with a center USB-C port, the Kishi runs off your phone battery and supports passthrough charging. So unlike most Bluetooth controllers, you'll never have to charge it. It collapses into a convenient travel size, input lag is never a problem, and it's less conspicuous than a gaming-clip controller when playing on the go.$55 at Amazon $55 at Best Buy $100 a...

From phones to laptops and beyond, USB-C Power Delivery chargers are simply the best.Trying to keep all of your tech and toys charged day after day is no small challenge, but having a good Power Delivery charger to center your gear around is a godsend. Whether you need a newer, smaller charger for your phone since the new iPhones and Galaxy S21 don't include one in the box anymore, or you want to use one singular charger for both your laptop and phone — these are the USB-C charger deals that stand out the most right now.Though Prime Day isn't live just yet, we're already beginning to see some excellent deals appearing on USB-C chargers and other products. Below we're gathering some of our favorites and you'll also find the best Prime Day USB-C Charger deals right here once they go live.Twice the chargeRAVPower 65W PD Charger 2-Port Fast Wall ChargerClip the coupon on its product page at Amazon to save an extra $10 off this charger's sale price instantly! It's equipped w...

Video backgrounds have arrived on Google Meet for the web.What you need to knowGoogle Meet now supports image backgrounds on Android phones.The web version of Google Meet has new video backgrounds with a selection of three to choose from.The new features should be available now on Android phones and on the web.Google Meet has received new updates this week that bring new background features on the web and the best Android phones.The first update comes to the Google Meet Android app. Users will now be able to add image backgrounds or a new blur effect to their video calls. This feature has already been available on Google Duo, the company's other video calling app.Google also provides a selection of images for users to choose from, such as office spaces, landscapes, and abstract backgrounds.The web version of Google Meet takes things up a notch with new video backgrounds. This comes as a new way to spice up your work meetings and includes three videos to choose from;...

Best answer: Ultra Mobile is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network to offer customers a range of affordable data plans with access to 5G at no extra cost.What is Ultra Mobile?Ultra Mobile is an MVNO, also known as an alternative carrier, that offers a variety of data plans with 250MB, 2GB, 3GB, 6GB, 15GB, or unlimited data on T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE network. By joining a carrier such as Ultra Mobile instead of T-Mobile directly, you can save money on your cell phone bill—especially when you sign up for three, six, or 12 months upfront.The cheapest 250MB plan for 12 months starts at $10 per month. Each plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data, unlimited international text, free mobile hotspot, and free international calling to 80+ countries. It's a great plan to get if you want excellent T-Mobile coverage for a reasonable price and don't want to overpay for data or features you don't need.Ultra Mobile's networkUltra Mobile uses T-Mobile's network, als...

What you need to knowFacebook's rumored smartwatch will have two cameras.The back camera will be detachable and will have auto-focus.The smartwatch will connect will all Facebook apps.Facebook rumored smartwatch that is likely to come out next summer will feature a display with two cameras that can be detached from the wrist for taking pictures, according to a report from The Verge.According to the article, the camera on the front of the watch will be used for video calling and the back camera, which is 1080p, will have auto-focus and is primarily to be used for taking photos and video when detached.The Verge spoke to two individuals with knowledge of the project and was not named in the article as they did not have permission to speak about the product from Facebook.Android Central reached out to Facebook, but the company did not comment on the report and instead, pointed to comments made on Twitter by Andrew Bosworth, the company's vice-president of Reality Labs.Bos...

Samsung and Google have already announced the intention to merge Tizen and Wear OS.What you need to knowSamsung may be giving us our first look at the new Wear OS this month.The company is hosting an event showing off its "reimagining" of smartwatches at virtual MWC on June 28th.The company combined its smartwatch operating system efforts with Google earlier this year at Google I/O.Samsung might show off the new Wear OS watch operating system later this month at virtual MWC, the company has hinted at via its session description. Spotted by 9to5Google, the company will be showing off its next-generation smartwatch experience on the 28th of June.The description reads: The Galaxy ecosystem of connected devices, services, and partnerships provides people with choice, freedom, and possibility. We're reimagining smartwatches, creating new opportunities for both developers and consumers. And we're enhancing security, giving people the protection they need in an open and conn...

Podcasts are the new radio.Whether you're doing laundry, driving home from work, or breaking a sweat at the gym, podcasts are great for filling up your time with the latest news, comedy shows, in-depth storytelling, and so much more. Podcasts are the new radio stations, and there are plenty of options to choose from, but how do you find them? These are easily our picks for the best podcast apps for Android.The top 3 apps1. PocketCasts2. Spotify3. Google PodcastsMore optionsPodcast AddictCastboxPodbean App & PlayerStitcher Podcast PlayerAmazon MusicAntennaPodSonnetDitch the radio with the best podcast apps for AndroidIt should come as no surprise that Pocket Casts is our favorite podcast app for Android. Even with changes to the platform that made the app free but introduced another subscription service, it doesn't get much better than this.Did you really think that Spotify wouldn't be included? The app is already our favorite music streaming servic...

Hey Fossil, watch this!What you need to knowAccording to a customer service representative, the TicWatch Pro 3 GPS will be receiving the new Wear OS in the future.There is no set date for the availability of the new wearable OS from Google and Samsung, but it's expected to launch this year.This update puts Mobvoi into an elite category of manufacturers willing to update their smartwatch to the brand new OS.Ever since the new Wear OS was announced at Google I/O 2021 — a joint effort by Samsung and Google to make the ultimate smartwatch OS — a few things have remained a bit unclear. Which of the best Wear OS watches will be getting the update? What is the new Wear OS going to be called? Thanks to a Reddit user, it seems that Mobvoi support has some answers for us.First up is the news that the TicWatch 3 Pro GPS will, indeed, be getting the brand new Wear OS update co-created by Samsung and Google. Given that the latest Samsung Galaxy smartwatches — and current Wear ...

Ready to build a new security system for your home? Start with the Arlo Pro 2 1-camera system. Use code 6DADSALE399 during checkout to bring this security package down to $99.99 at Newegg. You'll get the Arlo Pro 2 base station and one wire-free security camera. That code takes $20 off the price, and that's off an already discounted price. It was going for as much as $150 in 2020 and has been selling for around $130 at the beginning of April. Similar systems are still going for over $120 at other retailers like Amazon.The Arlo Pro 2 is a fully wireless security system. The camera uses a rechargeable battery. It can also be easily plugged in if you're using it indoors or let it recharge with a solar panel if you have one. The wireless nature gives you the flexibilty to put this camera basically anywhere. Set it up to watch a spot of interest or buy a bunch of cameras, connect them all the to the base station, and keep an eye on every part of your house from the outside and inside....

The best wireless earbuds enhance every screen we use, from phones to tablets to Chromebooks and laptops . Not only are they convenient, sound great, and have a pretty good battery life, but you can use them while relaxing while working or while working out! With Prime Day deals nearly here, we're about to see some of the best discounts on the most popular wireless earbuds.Another great thing about true wireless earbuds is that no matter what kind of device you have, be it an Android phone or iPhone, Chromebook, smartwatch or tablet, the Bluetooth connectivity means that they will work across devices.Amazon Echo Buds (1st Gen) | $50 off at AmazonAmazon's Echo Buds may look a little bulky, but they're actually quite comfortable in the ear. The earbuds feature Bose-powered Active Noise Reduction, while also allowing granular control of what outside sounds you want to let pass through. You have hands-free Alexa access, and you can invoke Siri or the Google Assistant with just a ...

The second Android 12 beta is all about privacy control.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out the second Android 12 beta update with new privacy features.The beta brings Android 12's Privacy Dashboard, app indicators, and toggles to block or enable system access to certain apps.A new Internet Panel is being introduced in the quick settings menu for easy access to connectivity options.The first Android 12 beta has been available for less than a month, but Google is already releasing the second beta. This build is focused on privacy and introduces features that give users more control over their phones and apps.The biggest addition coming to Android 12 Beta 2 is the new Privacy Dashboard introduced during Google I/O 2021. The new setting allows users to check which apps gaining access to certain smartphone data, when the data is accessed, and for how long. This includes location data, the camera, microphone, and more.Additionally, Google is bringing app indicators ...

Amazon's Prime Day 2021 is being held on June 21 and 22, and you can look forward to amazing deals on just about every product the retailer makes, including Kindles. We've already seen Kindles go on sale over the course of the year, but the best deals are reserved for Prime Day.Every Kindle model will be discounted for Prime Day, so if you've already made up your mind about what you want, you can just wait for Prime Day to roll around and get your hands on a new e-reader. A few deals are live right now, so head on down to the deals section below to see if the model you're looking for is on sale. If you haven't decided and are interested in learning more, we have you covered. We'll be rounding up all the Kindle deals for Prime Day 2021 as and when they go live, and give you buying advice to ensure you pick up the right Kindle for your needs.Best Amazon Prime Day 2021 Kindle Deals:Should you buy a Kindle?Best Kindle Prime Day dealsPricing history, which to buy, and more...

As millions of us continue to learn and work from home, Prime Day deals will make a great time to replace your aging desktop or add another Chromebook to your family's collection. Most of the best Chromebooks have been available for over a year now, which means that deals are much more likely this year than they were last year — when we were also in the midst of the 2020 Chromebook shortage.Part of why Chromebooks have (almost) always had great deals on Prime Day is that mid-range Chromebooks come down to budget prices, and budget Chromebooks come down to impulse-buy prices. Considering that Chrome OS is designed to run on more affordable hardware to begin with, and that means that Prime Day is the best time to get a laptop, especially a budget laptop.No matter your budget this Prime Day, Google has durability and usability standards for almost all Chromebooks — because most models are designed for chaotic classrooms or unforgiving businesses — that make Chromebooks ideal f...

Crash meets an old friend and his rogues gallery in the new season.What you need to knowCrash Bandicoot: On the Run! is a mobile endless runner from King starring Crash and Coco.The latest season brings Spyro into the world, marking another crossover between the two.Crash and Spyro will be facing off with two of the latter's biggest enemies, Dark Spyro and Gnasty Gnorc.Crash Bandicoot is joined by an old friend in the upcoming third season of Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! Spyro the Dragon, the other 90s platforming icon who recently got a remake trilogy, is joining for the season, as are two members of his rogues gallery. The season is, appropriately, called "Battle of the Dragons," and it debuts on June 10.The Bandicoot and the Dragon have history together. Both come from quintessentially 90s platformers, and both are kid-friendly heroes. They crossed over in two Game Boy Advance titles, called Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage and Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspirac...

Google Meet is one of our favorite video conferencing services for many reasons, not the least of which is that it integrates so well with all of the other great Google products like Gmail, Docs, and Slides. Since the start of the pandemic, Google has quickly added compelling new features to Meet, making it more functional and accessible for all as more continue to work or study from home. However, as user-friendly as Meet may be, there are ways to make it work smarter for you without taking your eye off the webcam — keyboard shortcuts. Here are the best Google Meet keyboard shortcuts for you to master so that you can get the most out of your next work meeting or family call.Google Meet accessibility keyboard shortcutsAnnounce who is currently speaking: Ctrl + Alt + s on ChromeOS or Windows PCs will alert you to who is currently speaking. On a Mac, replace the Alt with the ⌘ key.Announce current information about the room: Ctrl + Alt + i will tell you information about the...

Do you struggle to wake up in the morning? Did you press the snooze button at least six times? Maybe you just haven't found the right method for waking up. Try the Philips SmartSleep HF3520/60 wake-up light while it's on sale for $79.95 at Amazon. It's $20 off its normal price, and this deal marks only the second time in the last year it has dropped this low. In fact, at one point in 2020 it was going for as much as $130, so today is one of the best opportunities you're going to see to get the light at a discount.The SmartSleep is way more than just a light or a clock. It definitely has both of those things, but it also does a lot more. By design, it's meant to help you improve your sleep by improving how you reach it and how you wake up in the morning. Set the right mood and create the perfection environment.The lights and sounds can help simulate a sunset and a sunrise by fading the lights at the right time. You fall asleep naturally as the room darkens around you and you wake ...

The best shows streaming on HBO Max todayHBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films being released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxHBO Max originalsPopular on HBO MaxDrama on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsHBO Max original seriesHBO Max launched in 2020 with a handful of original series exclus...

Everything you need, without the luxuries you don't.It's easy to get drawn in by the allure of über-premium devices like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but if there's anything Samsung learned from last fall's shockingly performant Galaxy S20 FE, it's that for many users, the best Android phone isn't necessarily the one with the highest price tag. That's especially true now, as thousands across the U.S. are struggling to make ends meet amidst a global pandemic; for those people, dropping four figures on a smartphone is hardly a top priority.The Galaxy S21 feels like the right phone arriving at the right time. It's $200 cheaper than last year's S20 at launch, and with aggressive trade-in offers, it can be had for much less. While it makes a few concessions in order to reach that lower price, the S21 still offers a fully-fledged flagship experience that I think most people will be perfectly happy with — but make no mistake, this isn't just a smaller S21 Ultra by any means. And that's ...

The report blames the lack of interoperability in the consumer IoT sector on the prevalence of proprietary technology and lack of common standards.What you need to knowThe European Commission has published the preliminary results of its inquiry into the consumer Internet of Things (IoT) sector.The report has identified a few potential concerns, including prevalence of proprietary technology and accumulation of large amounts of data by "providers of smart device operating systems." The European Commission is expected to publish its final report in the first half of 2022. The European Commission today shared the initial findings of its consumer Internet of Things (IoT) sector inquiry. The inquiry was launched in July last year as part of its digital strategy. Along with confirming the rapid growth of the Internet of Things market, the report highlights a few potential concerns with regards to the "current functioning of consumer IoT markets, as well as to their future outlook...

The best cheap true wireless earbuds have become great over the past several years. The ones you typically hear about are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air V2, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality.Best overall: Creative Outlier Air V2It's hard to beat the Outlier Air V2 on battery life. Even compared to the best wireless earbuds, they outperform most of them with up to 12 hours of audio playback per charge at default volume. Add another (almost) two charges in the charging case, and you've got over 30 hours of total listening time. The only real downside is that the case doesn't feature wireless charging.Creative based the design on the Outlier Gold, which used different ear tips than the original Outlier Air did, and that move pays dividends in both fit and comfort. It also gives you a better seal to trap in more of the bass and preserve as much of the soundstag...

Movavi has made a classy addition to their video editing suite, making those instructional videos and blog posts easier than before.It's good to know that a need has been catered for. You look around for that complete and easy-to-use multimedia software package that works seamlessly on your PC and android phone - and realize with a sigh of relief that someone has been working tirelessly on it, so you can have it at your fingertips.Movavi are the helpful culprits here. For over 15 years, what started out as a small team of enthusiasts with a singular vision has blossomed into an international company employing hundreds of other dedicated enthusiasts from all over the globe. All so you can be the creative director you know you are, without having to take courses in learning overly complicated and downright laborious professional programs. Movavi's multimedia software is basic, and that's a good thing.Most of us are multimedia users nowadays, let's face it, whether we realize it o...

It just couldn't measure up.What you need to knowGoogle Measure is no longer available on the Google Play Store.You'll either have to sideload the APK or download one of the many third-party options available on the Play Store.This follows in the footsteps of other AR experiences that were recently sunset by Google.Google's Measure AR app has been around since the days of Project Tango, the AR phone and tablet ecosystem that was short-lived. Like the ecosystem it was built in, Google is sunsetting the Measure app as of now, first spotted by Android Police. While the updated changelog on the Google Play Store reads that the most recent update is the "final release", it seems that Google is highlighting the actual finality of that decision.While it seems a bit odd to see Google sunset such a simple, useful app, this follows the trend of them getting rid of many AR experiments like Playground and Playmoji, which is only available on the Pixel 5 and earlier Pixels. Last year,...

The best drawing tablets combine the fluidity and versatility of freehand drawing with the precision of digital graphics. You need a tablet with the right stylus, pressure sensitivity, multi-touch display, screen size, low latency, and other specs to make your drawing experience as effortless as possible. We've chosen the most popular and well-reviewed models, both for specialized drawing tablets and all-around excellent tablets that support drawing apps.Best overallWacom One Digital Drawing Tablet with ScreenStaff PickHere's the perfect solution for budding artists. Although it's not quite as large and impressive as some professional options, the Wacom One model is a simplified version of an advanced drawing monitor that lets you draw directly on the screen. This is a great starter tablet for beginners.$400 at AmazonUpgrade pickWacom Cintiq 22 Drawing TabletNot for the faint of pen, this is the best drawing tablet if your budget can stomach it: It's big, pr...

The Moto G Stylus gets a much-needed 5G upgrade.What you need to knowMotorola launches the new Moto G Stylus 5G.The latest Moto smartphone features a large 5,000mAh battery, 48MP camera, and built-in stylus.The Moto G Stylus 5G will be available on June 14 for $400.Motorola has announced the 5G variant of the Moto G Stylus (2021) that launched at the top of the year. The newer Moto G Stylus 5G comes with much of the same hardware chops as its sibling but with the added benefit of a faster 5G connection.Like the Moto G Stylus (2021), the newer model features a 6.8-inch FHD+ Max Vision display with a 16MP hole-punch selfie camera. There's also 4GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, but interested parties also have the option to purchase the device with 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.The quad-camera system on the rear features similar specs as its sibling, with a 48MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide, macro, and depth sensors. The layout of the cameras has changed and i...

Do you think you'll use FaceTime now more than Duo?Earlier this week at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the fruit company made a whole host of announcements about updates to its core OS's like iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, as well as teasing new features for core apps like Apple Maps, Notes, and Music. But perhaps the most interesting announcement to us as Android users was the mention that Apple's FaceTime video calling service would be coming to Android; well, sort of.To be fair, FaceTime is not something that most Android users need — we already have access to a ton of great teleconferencing apps. Everything from Google Meet and Google Duo to WhatsApp and Telegram have this capability and are cross-platform. You can simply download them onto any number of Android phones with great cameras, and away you go. So what's the big deal here?For many, it's that our iPhone toting friends are more likely to actually call us more via FaceTime than they would be to download ...

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to snag a decent set of noise-cancelling headphones these days. In fact, over at Amazon you can snag Anker's Soundcore Life Q30 for only $60 right now. All you have to do is clip the coupon on its product page there to score $20 off.These headphones are already our pick for the best value wireless headphones and you'll be scoring for less than ever before with today's coupon deal. The deal applies to the black colorway only.The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones feature hybrid active noise-cancellation, utilizing a combination of internal and external noise-detecting microphones to filter out up to 95% of ambient noise and keep your ears focused on what you're listening to instead.The ANC is customizable and comes with three modes: indoor, outdoor, and transport. The latter choice minimizes things like airplane engine noise so you can use these headphones while you're moving around. Outdoor can help when dealing with traffic and wind...

Gaming on the go can be much better when you have a bit of an upgraded screen to play on. For this reason, many players turn to tablets when it comes to playing some of the best mobile games on the market. However, with the tablet world filled to the brim with so many choices, it can be kind of tough to choose just what might be the best one for your gaming needs.When it comes to Android-based tablets, a handful of contenders make the cut for some of the best possible choices, but only a handful are really perfectly suited for gaming needs. To help, we've compiled a list of some of the best Android gaming tablets you can find. If you're looking for a place to start, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 has a ton of the punch of the more premium Galaxy tablets without the extremely high price normally associated with a premium tablet. Sporting a 10.4-inch IPS LCD screen, you'll get some great visuals o...

The God of Mischief is finally stepping out of his brother's shadow with his very one Disney Plus original series and we have all the details on how you can watch Marvel's Loki online.The new series, which stars Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Owen Wilson as Agent Mobius, takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame and looks to have huge implications for the future of Marvel Cinematic Universe.During Endgame's time heist, 2012 Loki took the Tesseract from Tony Stark and as a result, he has found himself in the hands of the Time Variance Authority (TVA). Mobius M. Mobius is an agent with the TVA who explains to Loki that by taking the Tesseract, he has altered the proper flow of time.Now in order to set time straight, Mobius decides to take his biggest risk ever by deputizing and partnering up with Loki. Will Loki fall in line with Mobius' demands or will he revert to his deceitful ways?During his cross-timeline journey, Loki appears more like a fish out of water than his nor...

In China, the smartwatch will ship with just a 5W wireless charger in the box.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 have been certified by China's 3C certification authority.Both models will come with 5W wireless chargers in the box, but a charging adapter won't be included.The Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 are expected to be announced at Samsung's next Unpacked event in August.Last month, Samsung confirmed that it is ditching its Tizen OS in favor of Google's Wear OS for its future Galaxy smartwatches. While Samsung hasn't revealed any details about its upcoming Wear OS smartwatches yet, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 have now passed through China's 3C certification process (via MyFixGuide).The 3C certification reveals all variants of the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 will have a 5W wireless charger in the box. Surprisingly, however, they may not come with a charging adapter in some markets.Samsung...

For just $15 a month, HBO Max provides subscribers with access to a massive streaming library that includes more than 10,000 hours of film and television content from HBO and WarnerMedia. While the most straightforward way to sign up for HBO Max is through HBO, you can also access HBO Max through cable and mobile providers. Here are the options for getting HBO Max through cable and mobile providers right now.How to get HBO Max through your cable providerIf you already subscribe to HBO through your cable provider, you may already get access to HBO Max at no additional cost or for an extra fee. Here are the providers who offer HBO Max free of charge as part of your current HBO plan.1Tennessee BroadbandAcenTekAcme CommunicationsAdams Cable ServiceAlbany Mutual TelephoneAll West CommunicationsAllen's CommunicationsALLO CommunicationsAlpine CommunicationsAltice OneAltice USAAntietamArmstrongArthur Mutual TelephoneAT&TATC BroadbandAtlantic BroadbandATMCBaldwin ...

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

When it's time to upgrade your TV to something bigger and better, looking at the prices of brand new 4K TV sets can be a little off-putting. Since buying a TV is one of the bigger and rarer purchases you make in life, you want to get it right and maybe even save some money in the process.Woot's big one-day sale on Samsung smart TVs gives you the opportunity to do just that with 4K and 8K models starting from just $420.All of the TVs in today's sale are offered 'Certified Open Box' and, though they may not be brand new, they've each been inspected and tested to ensure they're in proper working condition. Oftentimes, you can barely notice an item has been used before after it's been refurbished but you will notice the cash you saved. Plus, Woot includes a 90-day warranty with the purchase.The sale includes the super neat Samsung The Frame TV. This TV has made a name for itself due to its Art Mode, which transforms the TV when it's off into a work of art — art which you've selec...

The second time around, Google dropped quirks and just made a great pair of earbuds.Google's first Pixel Buds headphones were quirky, expensive and still had a wire between them in an era where true wireless earbuds were the hot new thing. Over two years later, Google smartly went back to the drawing board for an entirely new design in the second-generation Pixel Buds. They're now truly wireless, with a fresh look and a much more traditional case.But the Pixel Buds haven't given up their Google flair or focus on delighting users with extra features and capabilities. These aren't just regular Bluetooth headphones; Google brings a lot of "smart" additions once again, and those help justify the higher $179 price tag. This complete package is well worth that money — or it would be if connection issues hadn't become a deal-breaking issue in the year since its launch.At a glanceGoogle Pixel Buds ...