Latest from Android Central

The only way to become a sniper rifle-wielding Knight of the Round Table.As Population: One enters its ninth month of existence, developers BigBox VR are ramping up the seasonal content in the biggest way yet. It almost immediately made the list of best Quest 2 games upon launch last October thanks to its innovative free-roam climb-and-glide movement system — something that continues to set it apart in the crowded battle royale segment — and its success caught the attention of Facebook as BigBox VR became part of the first-party Oculus Studios fold last month.Population: One Season 2 was a huge new expansion that saw an entire section of the map remade in a completely new theme, along with a bunch of new weapons and a handful of changes to the game's mechanics. Season 3: Kingdom Age begins with a similar premise — transforming an entire section of the map into a massively different-looking area — but it holds back some of the bigger immediate changes with the promise of m...

Chromebooks are great for work and school. They're ideal machines in between a premium laptop and a high-end tablet like an Apple iPad. But when you're getting productive at a desk, you want the perfect setup. Some of the best laptop stands will help you improve your posture, relieve neck and back pain, and will even raise your Chromebook to eye level. When considering the best laptop stands for your Chromebook, I really like the Nulaxy Laptop Stand. It's simple, yet stylish and accommodates Chromebooks as large as 17 inches — and it's also fully collapsible for easy storage.Best overall: Nulaxy Laptop StandSimple, yet stylish is the perfect way to describe this laptop stand, which is made from high-quality aluminum alloy and rubber. It nicely ventilates heat while silicone pads protect it from scratching you, or your desk. It elevates a laptop at adjustable heights and angles from 3.15 up to 10.6 inches.With dual adjustable shafts, it can accommodate laptops as small as 11...

There are some limitations to the sign-in experience, though.What you need to knowTwitter has added support for third-party sign-up or login with Google and Apple.The new option removes the need to enter your password and email when signing in.Signing in with your Apple ID is currently exclusive to iOS, however.Twitter has made its sign-in process a bit more seamless on mobile and the web. The micro-blogging platform has added a new option to create or log in to your account using your Google account or Apple ID.The new sign-in experience allows you to sign up or log in with Google or Apple without having to enter an email address and password, providing a more streamlined approach to Twitter's regular process. The new feature went live on Twitter Beta for Google accounts last month, but now it's rolling out more widely on mobile and the web.Sign on with ease and start scrolling your timeline. Now, when you log in or sign up to join the conversation on Twitter, you have...

Pokémon Unite is officially out for the Nintendo Switch now. While it won't be releasing for Android devices until later this year in September 2021, fans can already begin to look ahead to figure out which potential Pokémon they'll want to use in what promises to be one of the best Android games out.For those unaware, Pokémon Unite pits teams of five trainers against each other, each armed with just a single Pokémon. Pokémon can evolve, hold items to improve their standing, and even learn new moves during battle. Here are all of the Pokémon Unite playable Pokémon characters so far.Jump to:Pokémon Unite rosterRoles and Battle Type systemsAre more Pokémon coming?Pokémon licensesAre any Pokémon free? Pokémon Unite playable charactersOnly 21 Pokémon are currently available in the game, each broken up by one of five types — Attacker, All-Rounder, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter. More Pokémon are set to arrive in the future, but these all will def...

Samsung "failed to take advantage of Huawei's demise" in Europe.What you need to knowThe latest research from Strategy Analytics claims Xiaomi was the top smartphone vendor in Europe in Q2 2021.Xiaomi reportedly captured a 25% market share with a strong 67.1% YoY growth in shipments. Samsung's smartphone shipments, on the other hand, declined 7% YoY.Xiaomi overtook Samsung to become the top smartphone vendor in Europe in the second quarter of 2021, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. Xiaomi's smartphone shipments in the old continent grew by an impressive 67.1% YoY to reach 12.7 million units in the April to June quarter. The continued economic recovery and strong demand from consumers helped the European smartphone market achieve a string 14% YoY growth to 50 million units in the second quarter.Samsung, which led the European smartphone market until Q1 2021, shipped 12 million phones in Europe in the second quarter, down 7% compared to the same peri...

Meet one of the best-priced robot vacuum and empty-station bundles out there.The best robot vacuums make your life so much easier as they can reliably pick up debris from your floors and keep your home looking tidy. The only thing that makes these units even more appealing is having an auto-emptying station where the vacuum can go to empty its dustbin, so you don't have to remember to empty it yourself.The Yeedi Vac Station debuted recently, and it's one of the best-priced robot vacuum and empty station combos you'll find on the market. The vacuum and app work incredibly well, letting you set up schedules and settings that specifically fit your home. However, if you own pets that shed on your floors, I strongly urge you to consider a different empty station.Yeedi Vac Station review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodCompetitionShould you buy?Yeedi Vac Station ...

Google launched Stadia a little over a year ago, giving players access to some of their favorite games without having to own a console or gaming PC. While Stadia can be used as a free service, Google offers a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99/month, which gives subscribers access to special discounts, upgraded 4K streaming options, and one or more free games to claim per month. Once you claim a game in Pro, it's yours to keep as long as you're subscribed, similar to how PlayStation Plus works.The free games with Pro can then be played as long as your Stadia Pro subscription is active but are only available to be claimed for a limited time, so make sure you're checking back every month as we update the list of games available. If you cancel or suspend your Pro subscription and then decide to resubscribe in the future, all previously claimed games will return to your library. Some of the best Stadia games were offered on Pro in the past so make sure you claim each game every month.He...

Realme's new MagDart system delivers much faster charging speeds than Apple's MagSafe.What you need to knowRealme has announced the first MagSafe clone for Android.Realme MagDart supports up to 50W wireless charging speeds.There's no word yet on when the first phone with MagDart will go on sale. Realme today announced its first magnetic wireless charging solution, dubbed MagDart. As suggested by leaked images last week, MagDart is basically the company's version of MagSafe.While Apple's MagSafe maxes out at 15W, Realme's MagDart supports significantly higher 50W charging speeds. Like MagSafe, Realme's MagDart uses magnets integrated into the back of the phone to keep the wireless charger in place. MagDart's magnetic force is set at 5N, which allows it to hold objects up to 0.5kg (1.1 lbs). To reduce heat while charging, It also utilizes an extra-large low impedance copper coil to achieve a higher heat conversion efficiency.The 50W MagDart charger has an active air co...

New and exciting PS4 releases seem to come out each month, giving dedicated gamers plenty of worlds to choose from. With the PS5 officially here, fans now keep track of multiple new releases and updates more than ever. Fortunately, we've gathered all of the best titles and listed other worthy games for you to consider adding to your collection. Here are all the PS4 and PS5 releases to look out for in August.★ An enhanced take August 20Ghost of Tsushima Director's CutStaff PickGhost of Tsushima Director's Cut offers players the chance to jump into Ghost of Tsushima's stunning and beautiful world on new consoles. With the game getting a "next-gen" treatment, Ghost of Tsushima now packages all of its content and even adds in some new stories for veterans of the series to experience. Better yet, the game will look even better than it did when it initially launched, as it will take advantage of the PlayStation 5's high speeds and more powerful system.$70 at AmazonAugus...

An homage to the lineage that got Google to get serious about its smartphones.It's been a very, very long time coming, but the first true premium Pixel phone is coming this fall, and Google isn't skimping on the specs or the colors for its release. In fact, if you take a look at all the phones that Google has had a hand in making over the years — whether it was the Nexus series that Google made in partnership with a specific Android OEM at the time, or the Pixel series formed during HTC's slow downfall — the Pixel 6 feels like the first "real" Pixel in almost every way.While it hasn't stopped Google's phones from regularly making it on the list of best Android phones you can buy, Pixels have always been a tightly focused experience to a fault. Nexus phones were fun but lacked polish. The original Pixel had a great camera but a lackluster design and terrible speakers. The Pixel 4 had awful battery life, and the Pixel 5 didn't ship with flagship specs.But what these phones la...

Whether you're pulling your brilliant new Chromebook out of the box, were handed down a Chromebook from a parent or sibling, or you just power washed yours to start fresh, setting up a Chromebook is drop-dead easy. You can probably do it in the space of a commercial break while watching your favorite TV show, and so long as you're somewhere with reliable Wi-Fi, you can do it basically anywhere. So when you're under some blankets in bed or sitting in the office with your newly-issued work laptop, here's how to set up your Chromebook.How to set up ChromebookBefore you get started, your Chromebook probably came from the factory with a mostly full battery. Still, it's probably a good idea to plug your Chromebook in and fully charge it before beginning your setup.Open the lid of your Chromebook to turn it on.Tap You if setting the Chromebook up for yourself or Your child if you intend to. Enter the email address of your Google account. If setting up a child's Chromebook, either s...

Here's what Google has in store for its sixth Pixel.For the sixth straight year, we're getting a new Pixel. But the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have generated far more hype and speculation, both inside Android Central and out. Whether it's because of their unique new aesthetic, the Google-made Tensor chipset powering them, the exclusive Android 12 features like Material You, or the more powerful specs than the Pixel 5, the 2021 Pixels are set to make a big splash.Google officially announced 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. But Google stated it won't unveil the release date, price, or full specs until the fall, meaning there's still plenty to speculate about. From price, specs, availability, and more, here's everything we know (or suspect) so far about the Google Pixel 6.Current flagshipGoogle Pixel 5$679 at AmazonThe best Pixel you can buy right nowWe expect the Pixel 6 to b...

It's not an Island of Misfit Toys if they have a use.When I was growing up, I always used to go to the junk drawer in my grandma's kitchen to find some weird doohickey that would keep me occupied for the afternoon. This treasure trove of forgotten devices might look a little different in a modern home. Maybe it's got an old smartphone that you held onto for a backup (and never went back to) or a portable hard drive you haven't used in years.The process of taking something old and making it new again is known as "upcycling," and it's exactly what we're aiming to accomplish here. We hope these ideas can help turn those useless digital paperweights into a new gadget that'll make your life a little more pleasant.Jump to:Replacing the TV remoteA smart home controllerA Google Home or Alexa speakerTurning your Galaxy phone into a light or sound sensorA baby monitorAn alarm clockA dedicated smart home networkA portable video game consoleDo-it-yourself NASAn infotainment c...

The update also brings a bunch of other new features.What you need to knowTelegram is rolling out a major update with a bunch of new video-focused features.Group video calls on Telegram can now have up to 1,000 viewers. The update also adds support for screen sharing with sound to one-on-one video calls. Telegram has announced a big new update that "takes video "to the next level." The popular messaging app has made improvements to nearly every video-focused feature — including group video calls, video messages, and the media player.Group video calls on Telegram can now have a total of 1,000 viewers. However, the app still allows only up to 30 participants to broadcast video. Telegram is also improving its Video messages feature by adding support for higher resolution. You can record a video message by tapping the microphone icon in the message bar to switch from voice message to video. Similar to voice messages, you'll need to press and hold to begin recording. You can...

A OnePlus 9 upgrade could arrive this fall. Here's what we know so far.The OnePlus phone release schedule used to be beautifully straightforward: the Chinese phonemaker would release a flagship sometime in spring or early summer, followed by a T model with some minor improvements on the original in late fall. Last year's OnePlus 8T improved on the OnePlus 8 with its 120Hz AMOLED display and 65W charging at a slightly higher price than the 8. Simple!But recently, OnePlus started shipping its phones in more markets — and made its lineup more complicated. "Pro" phones appeared in 2019, followed by a surge of mid-range phones like the OnePlus Nord 2 and budget handsets like the OnePlus Nord N200 5G. To top it off, the OnePlus 9R launched earlier this year, which our reviewer noted was essentially a rebranded OnePlus 8T.In the midst of this crowded lineup and a global chip shortage, the big question for OnePlus fans is whether or not we'll see a OnePlus 9T in 2021. A recent, widel...

Running out of storage on your PS5? We've rounded up the best external drives and SSDs for PS5, and now you can use the internal M.2 SSD slot. Sony has finally confirmed hardware requirements for the M.2 slot on the PS5, and a software update (now in beta) will let you use an internal SSD to increase the storage of your console. These are the best M.2 SSDs for your PS5.PS5 M.2 SSD requirementsBefore we get started, we'll need to take a look at the list of hardware requirements for an M.2 SSD to work as an internal drive on the PS5. Sony's M.2 hardware guidelines are pretty stringent, so you will need to pick up the latest M.2 drives. These are the full requirements for an M.2 drive to work as internal storage on the PS5:PCIe Gen4 interfaceMinimum sequential read speeds of 5,500MB/sDrive storage has to be within 250GB to 4TBM.2 form factor with 22mm widthMandatory heatsinkDrive and heatsink height needs to be under 11.25mmBecause of the M.2 slot, you won't be able to us...

MIUI has come a long way in the last two years, and while the interface has received a much-needed facelift and a trove of new features, it still has a few lingering issues. Push notifications continue to be a significant problem in MIUI thanks to Xiaomi's aggressive memory management, but there is a workaround. Here's how to fix push notifications in MIUI.How to fix push notifications in MIUITo get around MIUI's memory management, you'll have to select autostart for apps that aren't sending push notifications.Open Settings from the home screen. Scroll down to the Apps sub-menu. Select Permissions.Tap Autostart.Choose the apps that aren't sending push notifications. Toggle the slider to ensure the apps always start in the background.If you don't see a particular app listed in autostart or are still facing issues with notifications, you should disable the built-in battery optimization. Doing so will ensure that the app isn't being restricted by MIUI's memory managem...

This could be the biggest feature on the upcoming Galaxy Watch 4.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 could have impressive battery life.The smartwatch is said to feature roughly the same battery capacity as its predecessor.Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy Watch 4 at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event.Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked is just over a week away, and we continue to gain more information about its upcoming devices. The latest tidbit claims that the Galaxy Watch 4 will feature fairly impressive battery life, clocking in at up to a week.Shortly after live images of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic were leaked online, WinFuture provided a rundown of specifications that are expected for the upcoming smartwatch, saying that the battery life "is indicated by various sources with up to seven days" (via translation).It sounds like an impressive feat for a Wear OS device and could easily rival some of the best Android smartwatches like the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 GPS,...

A bunch of new features are coming with Chrome OS 92What you need to knowChrome OS 92 is now rolling out to Chromebooks.The update includes the new Google Meet pre-installed as a Progressive Web App (PWA).Google has also re-designed the emoji picker while adding proper eSIM support on compatible Chromebooks.Lost in the midst of today's Google Pixel 6 news, the company has announced the rollout of Chrome OS 92 for Chromebook owners. This comes a couple of weeks after the same Chrome version was made available for desktop and Android users. In the update, Google details changes to the emoji picker, eSIM support for compatible Chromebooks, better support for video calling apps, and new wallpapers.Google Meet PWA is now pre-installedThe biggest addition coming with Chrome OS 92 is the pre-installation of Google Meet as a Progressive Web App or PWA. Last week, Google announced Meet would be available as a PWA, shortly after Zoom made a similar announcement. But Google also s...

We have already rounded up all the best Chromebook options available, but when it comes to the best student Chromebooks, that's a different set of options. Education Chromebooks are designed to withstand the use and abuse of a classroom full of kids, as well as being carried around in an overstuffed backpack. Reinforced hinges and ports are the norm, as are water-resistant keyboards and all-day battery life. These lightweight laptops also have some of the easiest and most useful keyboard shortcuts to help your child get homework done quickly once they find their rhythm. There are many great options to choose from, but the best Chromebook for students overall is the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214. Here are some of our other trusted favorites to consider.ASUS Chromebook Flip C214Best student Chromebook option available nowThe ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is the best Chromebook for students because it provides an excellent experience in a compact, durable package. The 11.6-inch screen i...

The new Google Translate experience focuses on one-handed use, but some elements are not functional for now.What you need to knowGoogle seems to be working on a new design for the Translate app.The new interface makes it easier to access some of the app's key functionalities in one-handed mode.Translate's fresh makeover could launch alongside the release of the Google Pixel 6 devices.Google Translate is one of the company's services that hasn't seen much love in a while now, but that could be changing soon. Google appears to be working on a major redesign for the Translate app.XDA Developers spotted the new UI as part of the app's version 6.21 release that rolled out over the weekend. The latest version includes a new Activity titled "NewTranslateActivity" that introduces a fresh interface. However, some key functionalities in the new UI remain inactive for now, such as the camera button, More button, star button at the top left, and the account button at the top right....

Qualcomm wants you to know it'll still be around, even if the Pixel 6 won't rely on it.What you need to knowQualcomm says that it will continue working with Google on future products.The company's Snapdragon chipsets have been featured in previous Pixel devices.The upcoming Google Pixel 6 will be powered by a custom-built SoC reportedly built by Samsung.The early announcement of the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro came as a surprise as Google provided details about the new phones and the company's custom-built Tensor chip. The chip sees Google shifting its dependence away from Qualcomm for its smartphones, but the chipmaker says it's not going anywhere.As per a tweet by Walter Bloomberg, Qualcomm has declared that it maintains a working relationship with Google and will continue to supply the company with Snapdragon chips for "existing and future products."QUALCOMM WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH GOOGLE ON EXISTING AND FUTURE PRODUCTS BASED ON SNAPDRAGON PLATFORMS - QUALCOM...

Best answer: Google Stadia launched in 2019 as a way for players to access the games they love without needing a console or dedicated gaming PC. Since its initial launch, Stadia's modest amount of playable games has seen steady growth, with a ton of new titles becoming available in the months to come and many more on the horizon.Full Google Stadia game listA Place for the UnwillingAssassin's Creed Odyssey Assassin's Creed OriginsAssassin's Creed SyndicateAssassin's Creed UnityAssassin's Creed ValhallaAttack on Titan 2: Final BattleAVICII InvectorBaldur's Gate III Early AccessBorderlands 3Cake BashCelesteChronos: Before the AshesCosmic Star HeroineCraytaCthulhu Saves ChristmasCyberpunk 2077Darksiders GenesisDead by DaylightDestiny 2Destroy All Humans!Dirt 5 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut DOOMDOOM 64DOOM EternalDragon Ball Xenoverse 2Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive AgeEl Hijo - A Wild West TaleEmbr Early AccessEnter the GungeonEpistory - Typing...

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...

The best student Chromebook accessories elevate their experience in any environment, not just in school. Chromebooks are fantastic for so many people, but there are few environments they thrive in better than schools. Between easy management and maintenance, enterprise-grade security, and drop-dead easy workflow — not to mention all those lovely, lovely keyboard shortcuts — Chromebooks are, in most cases, quite literally, made for the classroom. So before you head back to class for another year of learning and making dope memes with your friends, here are some of the best Chromebook accessories for students that can make your device slicker and sweeter than ever.Expand your spaceSanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory CardStaff PickChromebooks tend to have less internal storage than traditional Windows or Mac laptops, but just about every Chromebook has a microSD card slot to help make up for it. This U3 card comes in sizes from 32GB all the way up to 1 terabyte, but I r...

Making sure your employees have everything they need is crucial to keeping your business on track and thriving. Whether you're managing a small or medium-sized business, Verizon has some of the best deals around on Unlimited wireless plans for your company and even some huge discounts on the latest smartphones.Verizon's Business Unlimited plans offer 5G, data and call filter features that your business can truly rely on with prices starting as low as $30 per line. Verizon even allows you to mix-and-match plans so each employee has exactly what they need for the job.Typically, you can find some excellent trade-in offers at Verizon too; by sending in an older device that's no longer needed, you can score huge savings on a new phone though these offers also usually require you to add a line on a Business Unlimited plan in the process.Best Verizon Business DealsSamsung Galaxy S21 | Free at VerizonVerizon is offering the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 128GB device for free when you...

GoveeUnique and colorful$19 at Amazon (2 Pack)ProsAffordableVariety of non-traditional lightingNo hub required Compatible with Google Assistant and AlexaMusic syncing with certain bulbs ConsLimited selection of standard bulbsFewer third-party partners Govee can help you light up your home with all sorts of lighting, ranging from smart bulbs to lightstrips to TV backlights. Offering 16 million different colors, Govee's mission is to match your lighting to your mood, and it helps you do that through its app or voice control, no hub required. You can even sync up your lights to your music or as you're gaming.SengledStronger ecosystem$46 at Amazon (2 Pack with Hub)ProsConnects to hub or Wi-FiWide range of affordable bulbsCompatible with Google Assistant and AlexaSet schedules and timers Several third-party partnersConsNot as sophisticated as Philips HueHub required for all features If you're planning on introducing smart lighting ...

It remains unclear if the new subscription tier will be offered in North America.What you need to knowGoogle is testing a new premium YouTube subscription tier called "Premium Lite."YouTube Premium Lite is currently limited to certain markets in Europe. Just like YouTube Premium, the new "Lite" plan offers ad-free viewing. YouTube has started testing a new offering that gives users an ad-free experience for a lower monthly price. The new "Premium Lite" plan was first spotted by a user on ResetEra (via The Verge).YouTube confirmed the test to Android Central and shared the following statement: We launched YouTube Premium nearly six years ago to give users more choice on YouTube. Since then, we've been working to build a subscription service that fits the needs of our users. In Nordics and Benelux (except for Iceland), we're testing a new offering to give users even more choice: Premium Lite costs €6.99/month (or local equivalent per month) and it includes ad-free vid...

Material You's bright, colorful aesthetic is too playful and user-empowering for Apple's walled garden.For every new feature in an iOS update, you'll find two "new" ones that Android users have enjoyed for years. iOS 15 will steal Android tools like smarter notifications, Live Text, and Google Assistant-like upgrades to Siri. iOS 14 also took Android features like widgets, PiP, an App Drawer, and app permissions, and put its own unique flair on them. Next year's WWDC will undoubtedly sell innovative advancements that Android users find familiar.I'm not interested in weighing the ethics or comparing iOS's software quality to Android's. Google and Apple have a symbiotic relationship, and the more Apple adopts Android features, the more its customers could see Android as a cheaper-but-viable alternative. Plus, Google sometimes follows Apple's lead on new features, such as its Privacy Dashboard. Imitation is part of the industry. Material You may be the one Android feature that A...

Fossil and Mobvoi better shake a leg.What you need to knowOver the weekend, we asked AC readers if they plan to get a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 as soon as it comes out in order to get the new Wear OS experience or if they'd wait to see it on other devices.Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they want Wear OS 3 sooner than later.Almost ten percent said they weren't interested in Wear OS at all.Ever since we learned the exciting news from Google that several existing smartwatch OEMs like the Fossil Group and Mobvoi would have the opportunity to upgrade the Wear OS experience on their existing devices, we've been curious if this will affect those considering upgrading to one of the newer best Android smartwatches, or if they'll hold out to see how these updates look on their current watches.In our weekend poll, over 71% said that they want Wear OS 3 now, indicating that they're ready to purchase the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 as soon as it's available. A little over 11% s...

Smart lights can be great, but when they aren't — my wife is less than enthused.It's no secret that I'm a fan of smart home gadgets. Even when these bits of technology frustrate me, I keep using them. I look for ways to integrate everything from using some of the best smart speakers to sensors into my home. I do this for multiple reasons, including adding automation and lighting flexibility, but smart lights are some of my most enjoyed devices. Finding new ways to integrate these lights into my entertainment area setup is my favorite use for smart lights — even if it slightly annoys my wife.Over the years, I have slowly added more and more lights to my entertainment area to give it a fun ambiance. At first, it began with just a few Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance bulbs in my living room ceiling fan. But it didn't take long before I realized that this option wasn't going to be a good idea for a couple of reasons. One is because they were the 2nd-gen bulbs and the colors...

Google released Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread in September 2011.What you need to knowGoogle will begin blocking logins on devices running Android 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27.Google says the move is part of its ongoing efforts to keep its users safe. Users will receive a username or password error when trying to sign in on older Android versions.Google has announced that it will no longer allow sign-in on Android devices running version 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27 (via Bleeping Computer).If you try to sign in with your Google account on Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread or below after September 27, you will get username or password errors when accessing Google services such as Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.The following actions will also be no longer possible on devices running Android 2.3.7 or older versions:Perform a factory reset and try to sign in.Change the Google account password on the device or on another device, which signs you out everywhere else. You wil...

Slack Huddles is actually pretty awesome.If you're like me, you've been stuck at home during this pandemic. Many employees have started returning to the office, but plenty remain working from home, relying on telecommunication services like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, among others. Android Central's Ara Wagoner listed Slack as one of the top 10 apps that rules her phone and her life, and that's definitely true for a lot of us. However, one of the downsides of working from home is that interactions can sometimes feel very impersonal, making it hard to really connect with co-workers. That's why I was cautiously optimistic when Slack Huddles was introduced, but that optimism turned into plain joy. Slack wants to bring casual office chats to your home, and it just might work.Slack Huddles was announced at the end of June as a way to bring back casual office chats in our current work-from-anywhere world. You know, the kind of thing that happens when you pass by a cowo...

New images show off the design of the Galaxy Watch 4 but don't reveal much about Wear OS.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has been leaked in real-world photos.The live images show off Wear OS/One UI Watch on the actual smartwatch.Samsung is set to unveil the next-generation smartwatch at its Galaxy Unpacked event.Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked, which is scheduled on August 11, is expected to see the debut of its new foldable smartphones as the main highlight. The company is also set to introduce the Galaxy Watch 4 running the One UI-based Wear OS at the event, and now we've got our first real-world look at the operating system.Live images obtained by 91mobiles claim to reveal the rumored Galaxy Watch 4 Classic edition with Wear OS on board. The photos show black and silver watches with rounded bezels, corroborating the previously leaked renders. The smartwatch is also rocking the same stainless steel material used for the earlier Watch models, as well as t...

Not everyone is well-versed in multiple languages. Thanks to modern technology, we can overcome language barriers with a simple Android app on your phone. The Google Translate app is super user-friendly and translates various mediums such as text, pictures, and audio. For example, you can save your translated audio transcripts in the Google Translate app. Here's how you can keep those transcripts inside the app on your Android phone.Products used in this guideThe best translation app: Google Translate (Free at App Store)How to save a transcript in the Google Translate app on AndroidOpen Google Translate on your Android phone.Tap Transcribe to translate the audio.Once the audio has been translated and transcribed, tap the star on the upper right corner.Type the name you want to save your transcript under.Tap Save.To find your saved file, tap the three lines on the upper left corner of the app.Look for the Saved transcripts option and tap it to find your saves....

Enabling call forwarding on Google Fi is quick and easy, making Fi a great choice for a backup line. It's also one of the best cell phone plans you can get for international roaming. If you still want to make sure you get your calls on another device, you can use Google Fi's call forwarding feature from the app or web page. It's quick to set up and can be toggled as needed after that.How to enable call forwarding on Google FiBefore getting started, there are a couple of things to know. First, your Google Fi account will need to be active to use call forwarding. Second, if you signed up for an unlimited plan but didn't plan on using your Fi data for a while, you can switch to the Flexible plan to save some money.This guide will use the Google Fi app, but you can also do this on the web by signing in to your Google Fi account at fi.google.com. Once signed in, click settings, then call forwarding to follow along starting on step 3.Open the Google Fi app on Android or iOS and si...

"Oh, that's easy to turn off if you don't like it" is the biggest lie in Android.This Sunday morning, I am hopefully sleeping in my own bed again after three weeks in Texas visiting family and friends. Going home is always fun in seeing what's changed, what hasn't, and what tech support I can do in person instead of over the phone half a continent away. I got some Fredericksburg peaches — which are the best on the continent, sorry, Georgia — I caught up with friends I haven't seen in years, and I got a nice dose of reality when helping my parents with their Android phones and laptops.I have been an Android user since early 2012 and have been writing Android how-to guides since 2014, so I like to think I've got a pretty good grasp on the ins and outs of just about every core Android feature and Google service. But trying to troubleshoot some wonk on my dad's Pixel 3a XL surrounding Quick Settings and his Golf Pad app — which may be one of the worst app UIs I've seen in years...

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced developers to adapt their work pipelines and finish games from home. This has led to multiple delays.Last year began with a slew of high-profile game delays, most notably Cyberpunk 2077 and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but then COVID-19 struck and threw the games industry through a loop. Now that we're into 2021, we'll only be seeing more delays as developers truly begin to understand the effects of the pandemic on their work pipeline. One of the first major delays to come this year was Hogwarts Legacy, being pushed into 2022.We've compiled a list of every game that has been delayed into 2021 and beyond. Some of these games have been delayed indefinitely, while others have release windows or a final release date.We'll continually update this list as more games are delayed.Jump to:Back 4 BloodDeathloop Destiny 2: The Witch QueenDying Light 2Far Cry 6Five Nights at Freddy's: Security BreachGhostwire: TokyoGod of War RagnarokGotham Kn...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The free PlayStation Plus games offered this month include three major titles, all available on either the PS4 or PS5. Check out the list of games below, with downloads available starting August 3. Enjoy the price of free until August 31, 2021.★Survive at all costsHunter's Arena: LegendsHunter's Arena: Legends is this month's game for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 and is a 30 player PvP & PvE combat-based battle Royale that's set in an ancient age of humanity. Players will battle it out against each other, as well as against a growing legion of demons that have been unleashed upon the world. Take down demons to continue powering yourself up, but be careful to keep an eye out for any real enemies you'll come across.See at PlayStation★ A fight for the neighborhoodPlants vs. Zombies: Battle for NeighborvillePlants vs. Zombies: Battle for Ne...

Favoutrites and reigning champs Mexico go head-to-head with hosts USA as this year's Concacaf Gold Cup reaches its grand finale.Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of the Concacaf Gold Cup 2021 final no matter where you are in the world with our USA vs Mexico guide below.Gregg Berhalter's USA side have conceded just the one goal on their route to the final.The Stars and Stripes nevertheless left it late to book their place in today's showpiece, after they were taken to the wire in their semi-final against the tournament's guest side Qatar, with Gyasi Zardes 86th minute strike proving decisive.Mexico were also made to fight for their spot in tonight's clash, with Hector Herrera's slick finish in the ninth minute of added time broke Canada's hearts as El Tri went through with a 2-1 win.Key to Mexico's hopes will be the midfield triumvirate of Jonathan dos Santos, Edson Alvarez, and Hector Herrera who have increasingly impressed as the tournament has unfolded....

Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming is now available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. What was formerly known as xCloud in beta allows players to stream games to their Android phones without worrying about downloads. If you have a Game Pass Ultimate membership, the process of streaming is incredibly simple. If a game doesn't support touch controls, all you'll need to do is connect a Bluetooth controller, and you'll be ready to go. We'll show you how to stream Xbox Game Pass to Android. Let's get started.How to stream Xbox Game Pass (xCloud) to your Android phoneDownload the Xbox Game Pass app through the play store.Update the app if it hasn't already been updated. Sign-in to your Microsoft account.If you don't already have a Game Pass Ultimate membership, you'll need to upgrade. Select Cloud on the bar between Cloud, Console, and PC.Select which game you'd like to play. Connect a Bluetooth controller if you haven't already.Enjoy!It really is as simple as that. ...

We've reached the halfway point in Formula 1's 2021 season and drivers and teams will be in Hungary for what looks to be a heated Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend and we have all the details on how you can watch the race on TV or online.The ongoing rivalry between Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Max Verstappen came to a head earlier this month at the British Grand Prix when the two drivers collided during the first lap of the race. While Verstappen crashed his car into the tire barrier and was taken to the hospital, Hamilton went on to take the podium after passing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc with just three laps left in the race.As Verstappen is currently in first place with 185 points with five wins and eight podiums, winning this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix could be enough to move Hamilton out of second place and back to the top of the standings. Hamilton also currently holds the best lap record at the Hungaroring with a time of one minute and sixteen seconds which h...

No one likes encountering slow, unstable connections when playing on their PS5. If you've checked your router and everything seems fine, it might be your NAT. If you've got a Strict NAT type, it can block you off from connecting to many players online, which will increase search times for matches and make it more difficult to play with friends. Here's how to change your NAT type on PS5.How to change NAT type on PS5First, you'll want to check just what NAT type you actually have. If you've already got an Open NAT, chances are your problems aren't related to the NAT. If you're on Wi-Fi, try using one of the best Ethernet cables for PS5 for a hardwired connection instead. Now, here's how you can check your NAT type:How to check NAT type on PS5Turn on your PS5. Go to Settings.Select Network.Under Connection Status, select View Connection StatusAlternatively, you can select Test Internet ConnectionEither way, you'll be given your NAT information, alongside other useful...

Those of you who've travelled to China in the past have more than likely experienced the effects of the Great Firewall - a controlled censoring of the internet which blocks a number of websites and services popular in the western world. The best VPN (Virtual Private Network) services can help you with this.Whether you're there on business or vacation, having the likes of Instagram, Facebook, Skype and WhatsApp blocked means you won't be able to keep in touch with family and friends back home. With streaming services like Netflix blocked too, you may find yourself more than a little bored in your hotel room.With this in mind, setting up a virtual private network (VPN) is a no-brainer for those travelling to China, as it'll unblock all the sites you need to get your fix. The use of a VPN is, as expected, not exactly kosher, so we're not condoning it ourselves. We have, however, rounded up five of the best options, if you decide to explore your choices.How does a China VPN get me ac...

Google brought a really cool gesture to Pixel 5 devices on Android 12 where users can tap the back of their phones to do certain tasks. It's called Quick Tap, and you can customize it to do actions like take a screenshot or open a select app of your choosing. If you have a compatible Pixel and want to use this gesture, here's how to customize it to your liking.How to customize back tap gestures on a Google Pixel phoneOpen Settings on your Pixel.Tap System.Select Gestures to locate the relevant options.Once you're in the gestures settings, tap Quick Tap .Make sure the Use Quick Tap toggle is switched on.Select the custom action of your choice from the list.While scrolling through the Quick Tap settings, you'll notice that there's an option to require stronger taps. This can be useful if you keep triggering the gesture by accident.Tap awayNow that you've discovered what your Pixel 5 can do, have some fun with it. Oftentimes, gestures end up being more gimmicky than...

Other Wear OS smartwatches will be upgraded long after the Galaxy Watch 4 launches.Wear OS 3 was in a weird state of limbo for a while, which only the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 confirmed to be released with the upgrade. Now, Google has confirmed other smartwatches, current and upcoming, will eventually be updated as well. The last time we asked about upcoming Wear OS watches, our readers leaned toward the Galaxy Watch 4. So now we want to know if the recent Wear OS update news has changed anything.Are you still holding out for the Galaxy Watch 4?As it stands, it seems that the Galaxy Watch 4 may be the only smartwatch with Wear OS 3 for a while, at least officially. There are rumors of a Google Pixel Watch, but nothing is official, and rumors are scarce. Fitbit has also indicated that it will launch a Wear OS device, but we don't know when it's expected.Fossil has been a bit more forthcoming about its plans. The company currently makes some of the best Android smartwat...

If you've been working from home during the current global pandemic, then chances are you've been subjected to the awful realities of daytime television. From cheesy game shows to ancient reruns, lunch break viewing can fast become a rather painful experience. This is where the best YouTube VPN comes into play. It can help save the day and unblock YouTube for you quickly and easily.Best YouTube VPN appsExpressVPN: Best option for most peopleIPVanish: Balance of speed and performanceNordVPN: Best for the security-consciousSpeedify: Best for beginnersVyprVPN: Best for superfast speeds1. ExpressVPN: Best overall YouTube VPN for most peopleThis is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so give it a shot today.From $6.67/mo at ExpressVPN2. IPVanish: A great balance between speed and performanceFrom $3.75...

It appears that Google is finally getting into the smartwatch game with the first Pixel Watch this year — here's what we know so far.From the beginnings of Google's wearable strategy, it has always relied on other OEMs to carry the hardware torch for its software. However, that doesn't mean fans of Wear OS, and Android Wear before it, haven't been clamoring for an official smartwatch from the software giant.After years of rumors for a Google-branded wearable that always ended in disappointment for Wear OS fans, 2021 looks to be the year that a Google Pixel Watch may actually arrive alongside the Pixel 6 lineup. Here's what we know so far about the Pixel Watch.Jump to:Announcement & release datePriceModelsDesignSpecsPixel Watch: Announcement and release dateAs of right now, we don't have anything official from Google in terms of a Pixel Watch being released this year. However, far more leaks and information have pointed toward this being the year a Google...

The AirPods Max are Apple's first attempt to make its own branded over-ear headphones, and they don't come cheap. Those premium pair of cans enter a competitive field more than capable of taking them on, including established brands and models that have already proven themselves. If you've got your eyes on an alternative to what Apple has put out there, look no further than this group.Flagship cansSony WH-1000XM4 - Noise Canceling Overhead HeadphonesStaff PickThese headphones stand out for their superb — and improved — active noise cancelation (ANC) performance that does an even better job of blocking out background noise. They sound great, and there's an excellent equalizer in Sony's Connect app to tailor the experience. Improved call quality and the ability to simultaneously pair with two devices, plus solid battery life, rounds out an elite package.$348 at Amazon $350 at Best Buy $348 at B&HCanceling the noiseBose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 - Wireless B...

British & Irish Lions could seal a famous tour victory this evening as they take on the Springboks in Cape Town.Read on for your full guide to getting a live stream, and watch South Africa v British & Irish Lions Second Test rugby online from anywhere.The hosts felt they were hard done by with a succession of referee calls during the first Test in a match that saw them go down to a 22-17 defeat having led 12-3 at half-time and will be determined to save the series with a win today.Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus' outburst on social media criticizing the officials following the first Test has amped up the tension heading into this clash, with the hosts making a number of key changes to their starting line up with Jasper Wiese , Vincent Koch and Marco van Staden all drafter in.Chris Harris, Conor Murray and Mako Vunipola meanwhile are all set to start for the tourists, with Taulupe Faletau selected on the bench with Hamish Watson left out of the Lions' 23.It's se...