Latest from Android Central

All you need to know about Sling TV.As one of the most popular live TV streaming services, Sling brings the best of cable to your screens while keeping the price more affordable than competitors like YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. When it comes to cutting the cord and replacing your cable bill with something a bit less pricey, Sling TV should be the first service you try.Streamer's paradiseSling TVFrom $35 at Sling TVYour hub for live channels, movies, and moreSign up for Sling TV today with plans starting as low as $35 per month! Sling TV keeps prices affordable by letting you add on extra channels at your leisure. While there's no free trial available currently, Sling does have several great deals available for new subscribers right now.Sling TV streaming serviceWhat is Sling TV?How much does Sling TV cost? Channels on Sling TVWhat devices support Sling TV?Sling TV dealsWhat is Sling TV?Sling TV subscriptions start at just $35 per month and ensu...

The new Civi series is rumored to succeed the Mi CC line.What you need to knowXiaomi will launch a new line of smartphones in China next week.Xiaomi says the new "Civi" series phones will have fashionable designs and innovative camera tech. The Civi series could replace the Mi CC series that was introduced in 2019. Xiaomi is set to launch a new line of smartphones aimed at younger consumers. The new series, dubbed Civi, will be unveiled at an event in China on September 27.As per a teaser posted by the company on its Weibo page, the new Civi series will offer "fashionable and diversified designs and innovative imaging technology." Sadly, the teaser doesn't include any other details regarding the upcoming smartphone line.According to some rumors, the upcoming Civi series is going to succeed the Mi CC series, which was launched in 2019. Xiaomi's first phone with a 108MP camera, the Mi CC9 Pro, was also part of the CC series. It made its way to global markets as the Mi N...

Install an affordable smart Wi-Fi plug to make your devices compatible with Google Assistant or AlexaThere's a reason why so many of us are constantly swapping out devices for better, smarter ones that can be automated and used with voice assistants. But what if you could do all of that with your existing devices and transform ordinary kitchen appliances, lights, and fans into connected ones? The best smart Wi-Fi plugs will let you do that while also saving you some money at the end of the day. Smart plugs are some of the most affordable smart home products out there, and they're extremely easy to install. On top of making life easier, these are six unique ways a smart Wi-Fi plug can help you upgrade and automate your smart home.1. A smart Wi-Fi plug makes existing devices compatible with voice assistantsMany of us already own a smart speaker such an Amazon Echo (4th Gen) or a Nest Audio, and while it's nice to use these solely for playing music or asking what the weather wil...

Great coverage, prices, and features for less.Tello Mobile is known for having some of the best wireless prices around with a ton of flexibility, but it probably isn't the first carrier that comes to mind when shopping for unlimited data. Wireless providers are a dime-a-dozen these days, especially MVNOs that piggyback off of larger networks and deliver their same coverage for less money each month.Tello's simple plan structure paired with the speed and coverage of T-Mobile's network with 5G makes it one of the best cell phone plans for light users. With so much of the competition focusing on huge data amounts, it's interesting to see how it stacks up against large plans, especially those from brands like Mint Mobile and Visible. If you're looking for an easy way to save some money on phone service, Tello might be the perfect fit for you.Tello review:PlansCoverageData speedPhone selectionCompetitionShould you join?Changelog, May 2021Great choiceTello Mobile...

You can get a surprisingly affordable robot vacuum that'll poke around your home cleaning up some loose debris, but you'll quickly find that these robots aren't always as smart as they're made out to be. Many models simply bump around, chaotically criss-crossing your floors until their battery runs low. This can result in clean floors, but you may find random spots that the vacuum completely missed, and these more basic robot vacuums may not always find their way back to their charging base to be ready for the next job (which could be needed right away if it missed a lot of spots).By the same token, there are some robot vacuums that are almost too smart, unloading their own dust bins, offering stereoscopic vision and even doubling as a security camera. Not that those features are bad to have, but they're more than most of us need. To be sure you're getting a properly smart robot vacuum, there are four features you should seek out at a minimum.Anti-drop sensorThe point of a robo...

Xiaomi's latest value flagship sets a new standard for wired charging, but it falls short in other areas.Xiaomi tweaked its flagship strategy last year: it introduced the Mi 10 series in the summer and followed it up with a value-focused Mi 10T six months later. OnePlus mastered this dual-release cycle over the last seven years, so it made sense for Xiaomi to follow suit.In 2021, Xiaomi's flagship portfolio is stronger than ever. The Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra are among the best Android phones I used this year, and Xiaomi made much-needed changes to its software with MIUI 12.5. The Chinese manufacturer also turned its attention to charging tech; it was outmatched in this area by its BBK rivals — with OnePlus and OPPO delivering 65W charging as standard — so Xiaomi clearly needed a win here.With the 11T series, it has managed to do just that. The Xiaomi 11T Pro offers 120W fast charging as standard, with the 5000mAh fully charging in just 20 minutes flat. The phone is also the fi...

Android Auto now places the navigation bar and turn information from Google Maps closer to the reach of UK drivers.What you need to knowGoogle Maps in Android Auto has gained a new update that optimizes the app for right-hand drive vehicles.The update shifts Maps' key features closer to the driver on British roads.Android Auto also resolves some issues related to right-to-left languages.Google Maps in Android Auto has received a new update that should make navigating with a right-hand drive vehicle a bit more convenient. The app's user interface can now be adjusted for drivers in the United Kingdom and other countries where the driver sits on the right side of the vehicle.In a post on Android Auto's help page, a Google representative said Maps can now reorient by placing turn-by-turn information and the navigation bar closer to the driver. The post reads: Users across the world using Android Auto in their vehicles will now see the user interface orient itself optimall...

Gmail brings its search filters from the web to Android.What you need to knowGoogle has begun rolling out new search filters to its mobile app for Android.The filters allow you to sort emails by sender or time frame.These capabilities were released to Gmail on the web last year.Gmail's search capabilities on Android are getting a significant update that will narrow results to help you find a specific email. The app's new search filters were first rolled out on the web last year, with the goal of simplifying the way you sort through large amounts of search results.The new update to one of the best Android apps introduces a variety of filters that allow you to search through emails by sender or time frame. You can further refine the results by choosing to view only emails with attachments.These search filters will show up right below the search box in the app. You can tap any of the four buttons, including "From," "Sent to," Date," and "Attachments," independently or po...

With so many electronic devices throughout our homes and cluttering our desks, most of us need more than one or two sockets to keep everything plugged in and powered. To protect your gadgets from spikes and electrical surges, you can get a standard surge protector or, even better, you can upgrade to one of the best smart power strips with a built-in surge protector. Similar to smart Wi-Fi plugs but with the addition of several outlets, a smart power strip lets you plug in and control multiple devices with voice commands or through an app. These are the best smart power strips you can get.Energy monitoringKasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300Staff PickKasa Smart makes some of the best, high-quality smart plugs, and its smart power strip is no exception. With six outlets, built-in surge protection, three USB ports, and the ability to turn your devices on and off with Google Assistant or Alexa or through the Kasa Smart app, this smart strip has your gadgets covered.$50 at Amaz...

No, it's not just you getting booted from the Slack app every five minutes.What you need to knowSlack reported a problem with sign-on in the Android app that was logging users out and making it difficult to log back in.This issue is limited to the Android app, so Slack on iOS and desktop platforms is still functioning.Android users using Single Sign-On (logging in with Google) are primarily impacted by the issue.The issue was reported shortly before 4 PM Eastern Time, and while Slack is investigating, they haven't announced a projected time for the fix.In the always-connected, work from home age, we're blessed with the ability to stay connected to work even when we're not chained to a desk, but right now, that connection is interrupted on Android. The Slack app for Android is kicking out users with an "Invalid authorization" if they use Single Sign-On to log into the app — meaning you select "Sign in with Google" when you first open the app. Slack is aware of the issue a...

This week, we make a few quick stops into Epic v. Apple and Activision Blizzard corner before signing the praises of Deathloop for PS5. Nintendo Switch has finally received a software update that enables Bluetooth audio support. Additonally, rumors are swirling about Nintendo Switch Online getting N64 games, and a curious firmware update has been released for the dock accessory of the OLED Switch model.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:As expected, Epic Games has appealed a court ruling in its spat with Apple | iMoreEpic Games pays Apple $6 million as result of Epic v. Apple lawsuit | iMoreDeathloop for PS5 review: A deadly day I didn't want to end | Android CentralActivision Blizzard charged with violating labor laws in union complaint | Windows CentralNintendo Switch finally gets Bluetooth audio support with latest update | iMoreRumor: Nintendo Switch On...

What you need to knowThe Google Pixel 6 Pro appears to have been spotted in a short hands-on video.The device appears to be a pre-production unit, as indicated by the logo.The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro may be less than a month from launch.Google has shown off the Pixel 6 in official press videos, but this may be the first time we see Google's upcoming flagship hands-on thanks to a leaked video.The video was uploaded by Brandon Lee from This is Tech Today and shows what appears to be the Pixel 6 Pro in grey with its curved 6.7-inch QHD+ display showing "Welcome to your Pixel" and some Android 12 Material You-style animations.I think this may be the first hands on video leak of a Google Pixel 6 Pro. FYI: The logo would indicate that this is likely an early production test unit, so that means there may be some differences between what you see here and the actual production device. #teampixel pic.twitter.com/4QSvdktqA7— M. Brandon Lee | THIS IS TECH TODAY (@thisistechtoday) Septemb...

Android 12's new Privacy Dashboard is the one place where you can see exactly what apps are using which permissions and when they are doing it. It's not perfect — Android's permissions can be a little confusing, and Google isn't giving up much information about what each of them means, but it's a great addition nonetheless. Getting there isn't difficult once you know where to look. And remember, the best Android phone doesn't have Android 12 just yet, so you'll need to be using a Google Pixel with the Android 12 beta installed.How to open the Privacy Dashboard in Android 12Open your phone's settings menu.Scroll to the Privacy section and tap the entry.In the new window that opens choose Privacy Dashboard at the top of the list.Once you have the Privacy Dashboard open, you can choose a category to see which apps have used the associated permission. You'll find obvious things like Google Maps using your location and the phone app using your microphone. Still, you might ...

Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid brand owned by T-Mobile that uses the entire T-Mobile network, including LTE and 5G. This carrier has three great plans with plenty of data and also two unlimited plans. The Metro by T-Mobile network has great support for unlocked phones and even allows a 5G connection on every plan as long as the phone supports it. The Google Pixel 5a is the perfect partner for this carrier with excellent 5G support, a low price, and a battery that's big enough to keep you running all day. If you're looking for the best Metro by T-Mobile phones, we've got you covered with more reliable choices below.Best overall: Google Pixel 5aThe Google Pixel 5a, also known as the Google Pixel 5a with 5G, is everything a mid-range Android phone should be. It has great cameras powered by excellent software for flagship-like images and a large battery for all-day battery life. The display is also great with a 6.34-inch 2400x1080 AMOLED display with perfect blacks and rich colors....

Facebook's new Portal Go can go wherever you want it to.What you need to knowFacebook has announced its latest video device, the Portal Go.The new Portal Go features a 12MP camera, a rechargeable battery, and a handle for easy portability.Facebook also announced a redesigned Portal+ with a higher resolution tilting display.Portal Go and new Portal+ are available for preorder and will ship in October for $199 and $349, respectively.Facebook has launched a pair of new Portal video-calling devices on Tuesday, designed to take on some of the best smart displays from Google and Amazon. The new devices include the 10-inch Portal Go and the redesigned Portal+.The new Portal Go could almost be mistaken for the Amazon Echo 8 with its simple design and fabric chassis. However, the Portal Go has a leg up over its Amazon competitor thanks to the rechargeable battery and rear handle, allowing you to take the smart display almost anywhere you want.The device features a 10-inch HD di...

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has two buttons, just like previous Galaxy Watches. Samsung still has shortcuts you can map to the back and home buttons, just like previous Galaxy Watches. There's no way to swap the home and back buttons — those coming from earlier Galaxy Watches will have to get used to Home on top rather than on bottom — but if you want to change the button shortcuts on your Galaxy Watch 4, it's a quick and easy process.How to change button shortcuts on Galaxy Watch 4Swipe down to open Quick Settings.Tap Settings.Tap Advanced Features.Tap Customize buttons. Tap Double press. Tap the **app **you wish to trigger instead. I use Timer because it helps when baking.Click the back button.Tap Press and hold. Tap Power off menu.You can also change your Back button's single-click to a recent apps button, but I advise against it. Doing this means you don't have a back button at all, so if an app doesn't support the "swipe right to go back" — like RadarS...

Get some insight about a book from Reese Witherspoon herself.What you need to knowGoogle has partnered with Reese Witherspoon to bring her book club to the Assistant.Reese's Book Club will bring personalized reading recommendations to Google Assistant devices.Users can access the feature by saying, "Hey Google, read with Reese's Book Club."The feature will work even if you're not a member.Google and Reese Whitherspoon have come together to bring hands-free, personalized reading recommendations to your Google Assistant-enabled devices.Starting today, users in English-speaking countries can access Reese's Book Club from their phone, smart display, or the best Google Assistant speakers just by saying, "Hey Google, read with Reese's Book Club." First-time users will be greeted with an introduction about the service from Reese herself and jump right into learning about this month's book pick.With Reese's Book Club, users can gain insight about monthly book picks with video ...

You can now report specific messages to WhatsApp.What you need to knowWhatsApp is tweaking its messaging reporting feature to better protect users' privacy.The feature will soon allow you to select the messages that you want to forward to WhatsApp. Currently, when someone reports a contact, the last five messages are forwarded to WhatsApp to help moderators understand the context to decide if the person needs to be banned. Earlier this month, a report from ProPublica raised concerns about WhatsApp's content review system and claimed that the Facebook-owned messaging app undermines the privacy of its users.While Facebook denied the claims and stressed the system's importance in "preventing the worst abuse on the internet," WhatsApp has now added the ability to report a specific message with the latest beta version of its Android app.The feature gives users complete control over the messages they want to be forwarded to WhatsApp. As can be seen in the screenshots share...

Rock out without anything but your hands.Have you ever been jamming out to a favorite song and found your fingers pretending like they're playing guitar? Even those of us who have no idea how to actually play guitar — that's me, for the record — have found myself pretending to shred the air along with a particularly fierce guitar solo more than once.Unplugged lets you take your unfounded air guitar skill and hone it into a way to play music. It's a rhythm game with no equal, and that all comes down to the tech being used. It's truly the Guitar Hero of VR, as our Unplugged preview shows, but it doesn't require any kind of special controller. In fact, you won't be using a controller at all. This is purely a hand tracking experience on Quest, which means you'll use your hands one hundred percent of the time.This Unplugged preview was played on an Oculus Quest 2 with access provided by publisher Vertigo Games.A master class in hand trackingUnplugged uses Oculus hand track...

Best answer: Yes. The new Fitbit Charge 5 is equipped with built-in GPS so you can conveniently track your route during activities without relying on your phone.The Fitbit Charge 5 has GPS for easy trackingThere's a lot to consider when searching for a fitness tracker. Many users will be looking for key features such as built-in GPS to enhance their overall experience. Fortunately, the Fitbit Charge 5 has built-in GPS, which means you can leave your phone behind and still track your route with the Fitbit Charge 5.While GPS isn't a rare feature, it's more common on Android smartwatches than fitness trackers. Since many people who shop for a tracker are looking for something affordable that can handle basic tracking, GPS is a nice bonus.The Fitbit Charge 4 was the first in the series to offer built-in GPS. Since then, the company has remained committed to providing more advanced smartwatch-like features on their fitness trackers. When comparing the Fitbit Charge 5 and Charge 4,...

The best MVNO carriers manage to offer a great value with solid coverage by leveraging the network of one of the major carriers. This setup can lead to a wider range of plans and keep you out of a contract if you don't want to be tied to any one carrier. It can also be a good way to try out a new network and one of the best cell phone plans without spending too much money or time moving numbers over. Metro by T-Mobile is the best overall MVNO offering great data options and plenty of ways to save money with multiple lines.Best overall: Metro by T-MobileMetro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and uses the T-Mobile LTE network. Years ago, this would have been a reason to pass on the carrier, but T-Mobile's network has become one of the strongest networks in populated areas in recent times. The network has continued to gain ground in rural areas thanks to its 600Mhz spectrum for LTE and 5G. Even with all of the improvements, you should check the coverage map to ensure you're covere...

PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people, and the stock levels we've seen so far are tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we've seen them stay in stock is maybe 15 to 20 minutes (usually just a few minutes, though), and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a truly difficult task. Sony warned that it will be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, but retailers are promising more are coming, and Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. After spending a few months with it now, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games to the DualSense haptic feedback. You'll definitely want to experience it for yourself...

The Galaxy Tab S7 tablets pick up new features that were previously exclusive to Samsung's latest foldable devices.What you need to knowSamsung's newest tablets are now updated with new multitasking features ported from One UI 3.1.1.The latest update brings multi-window support and persistent taskbar to Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7, Tab S7+ and Tab S7 FE.These capabilities were previously available only on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3.Samsung has started pushing new updates to the Galaxy Tab S7 series, including a handful of multitasking features first seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3.The new features are rolling out to Samsung's best Android tablets as part of a new One UI 3.1-based update, as per SamMobile. While the firmware update is a minor upgrade from One UI 3.0, it brings with it a couple of handy features from One UI 3.1.1 that should improve your productivity experience with the tablets.One feature being ported from Samsung's foldable lineup is the pers...

The new plan is limited to just one country currently.What you need to knowNetflix is giving Android users in Kenya a chance to watch some of its shows for free.In addition to access to many of Netflix's popular series and films, the new free plan also lets users enjoy personalized recommendations. The free plan will roll out to users in Kenya over the next few weeks. Netflix has introduced a new free plan in Kenya, allowing Android users in the country to watch some of its most popular shows for free.While Netflix did make some of its content free to watch for a limited time last year, this is the first time that the streaming giant has introduced a free tier.The new plan doesn't require users to provide any payment information when signing up. Users only have to enter their email and confirm that they are 18 or over. Although the free plan doesn't provide access to everything that's available on Netflix, it does allow users to enjoy Netflix's personalized recommend...

The Galaxy Watch is still one of the best Samsung smartwatches, even if it's getting along in years, and it deserves one of the best Samsung Galaxy watchbands. Not only to keep it secured to your wrist but also to help customize it to better fit your style. The watch allows you to choose from several watch faces to get the right look for the screen, but you can easily replace the strap using a standard 22mm watch band for the 46mm Galaxy Watch to make it even more you.Meshes with everyoneFullmosa stainless steel watch bandStaff PickSometimes the feel of metal can be calming as well as being more stable than other materials. If you need a band that you know is safe to use, then stainless steel is the ticket. This adjustable mesh-style band is super comfortable and looks great too.$15 at AmazonTotally metalV-MORO 22mm Stainless Steel StrapThis strap from V-MORO comes with heavy-duty stainless steel, and it goes on instantly with the built-in clasp. It's available in...

Philips Hue is one of the most sought-after brands for smart lighting. Though its lights come with a higher price tag than some cheap smart LED light bulbs, they're some of the easiest to install and integrate into smart home ecosystems as well as operate through the newly improved Hue app or voice commands. These bulbs connect directly via Bluetooth or a Hue Bridge, often included in starter kits and worth considering if you want to take advantage of all the smart features Hue bulbs have to offer.Philips Hue 60W vs. 75W vs. 100W: Measuring brightnessThere are many Philips Hue bulbs to choose from when you're just getting started, so one of the first factors to consider is how bright you want your bulbs to be. For instance, a kitchen, bathroom, and office space will need brighter lighting than a dining room, bedroom, or hallway.In the past, most people would look to wattage as an indicator of how bright a traditional, incandescent bulb measures, but this changed with the adop...

Once completed, the building will serve as the New York headquarters for Google's sales and partnership teams.What you need to knowGoogle is buying an office building in New York's Manhattan district for $2.1 billion.The building, which is currently under construction, is set to open in mid-2023. Google expects the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2022. Google is purchasing the St. John's Terminal in Manhattan for $2.1 billion to serve as the anchor of its new Hudson Square campus. The announcement was made in a blog post by Alphabet and Google CFO Ruth Porat.This isn't the first time that Google has bought an office building in Manhattan. It purchased the former Port Authority building at 15th Street and 9th Avenue in 2010 for $1.9 billion. In 2018, the company purchased the Chelsea Market building for $2.4 billion.Despite embracing the new work-from-home culture, Google appears to be continuing to increase investment in office space. The company believes...

All three new Kindle e-readers promise up to 10 weeks of battery life.What you need to knowAmazon has announced three new Kindle Paperwhite models.The next-gen Kindle Paperwhite features a larger 6.8-inch glare-free display with adjustable warm light. All three new Kindle devices are now available to pre-order in the U.S. Amazon announced on September 21 its all-new Kindle Paperwhite lineup, including a new Signature Edition and the first Kindle designed for kids. All three new Kindle devices come with refreshed internals that enable twenty percent faster page turns compared to the previous generation.The all-new Kindle Paperwhite has a larger 6.8-inch display with smaller bezels and a 300 PPI pixel density. Amazon claims the display is 10% brighter than the previous-gen Kindle Paperwhite at the maximum setting. It also offers adjustable warm light and a white-on-black dark mode to make reading more comfortable.In terms of battery life, the new Kindle Paperwhite can l...

While there's plenty of things to do on your new Galaxy Watch 4, one of the most important is setting up your wireless payments. Using NFC payments on your phone is okay, but you gotta pull it out every single time, whereas your watch is always out and ready to go. That's why setting up Samsung Pay on your Galaxy Watch 4 is essential. If you're on a Samsung phone, you're already halfway there. If you're using a phone from another manufacturer, download Samsung Pay (Watch Plug-in) to your phone first, as you'll need it for inputting and verifying your card info.How to set up Samsung Pay on your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Swipe up from the watch face to open the app drawer.Tap Samsung Pay.Press and hold the back button to actually open the app.Swipe through the carousel of slides detailing how Samsung Pay works on the watch.Tap the arrow under start using Samsung Pay.Tap OK.Switch to your phone.Sign in if you're not already signed in.Tap Add card.Tap Add credit or debit ca...

Have we reached peak fitness band?While it's not on an annual release cycle like the Apple Watch, Fitbit gives its Charge fitness tracker a refresh every couple of years or so, and the 2021 version offers the most significant changes to the device to date. A new design, new sensors, and a new price point all combine for a compelling package. It also makes it clear that Google is happy to prominently feature basic trackers in Fitbit's lineup, at least for now.You may think I'm coy or that I'm just a basic band fanatic because I was so excited to try out the new Fitbit Charge 5 and give it a proper review, but I'm clearly not alone in my affection for this form factor or device. During the product briefing for the Charge 5, Fitbit told a group of reporters and industry analysts that one-third of its active users wear a Charge device. Given its weight in the product lineup, it's probably no surprise that the company has poured so much of its best design and sensor tech into the late...

Google has some of the biggest AAA games out there on its platform, and the catalog keeps getting bigger and better. With more than a year on the market, dozens of games on Stadia are available to play instantly with no downloads, patches, or updates required. So whether you love shooters, RPGs, online multiplayer, platformers, indies, or something in between, there are undoubtedly games for you on Stadia right now. Here's our list of the best Google Stadia games available to you now!Featured favoriteCyberpunk 2077 for StadiaCD Projekt RED's open-world epic may not be the genre-defining revolution a lot had hoped for, but the Stadia version plays great. While the PS4 and Xbox One editions currently suffer from horrible performance issues and tons of bugs, the Stadia version is comparable to playing on a gaming PC and is arguably the best way to play the game. I enjoyed it quite a lot in my review and am excited to see it get better.$60 at StadiaGather your p...

Pixel sales have been dipping for years. Can the 6 Pro steal sales from an uninspired, unlucky iPhone?Last week's Apple Event was a bit of a snoozefest. On the one hand, the new iPad Mini impressed even the most hardcore Android fans as a compact slate for consuming media. On the other hand, the regular iPad underwhelmed with its still-giant bezels and last-gen chip, the Apple Watch 7 had no major design or sensor updates (and still has no release date), and there were no new laptops or M2/M1X chips to be found.But what really blew me away with its mediocrity was the iPhone 13. As much as I enjoyed the cute Knives Out knock-off home video, the announcement didn't have any other stand-out moments. Instead, it simply moved us through all the requisite beats that every phone release trailer has: A brighter display than ever! Longer battery life than ever before! Faster than competing brands by a vague metric! This phone was mistaken for a "12S" for a reason. This is an off-year ...

The old Google Chat PWA won't be available starting next week.What you need to knowGoogle has announced its latest plan to transition users to the latest Google Chat PWA.Users will be asked to upgrade to the latest Chat PWA version on September 27.The old version will then be shut down starting that day.Google will shut down the old version of Google Chat's Progressive Web Application starting on September 27 as it plans to migrate users to the updated PWA.The search giant announced on Monday that, starting next week, it will start displaying a prompt on your screen if you are still using the legacy Chat PWA, asking you to upgrade to the app's latest version. The in-app banner will show the following message: You are using an old version of Chat. You need to uninstall this old version first, then visit www.chat.google.com to install the new version.To install the latest PWA on some of the best laptops, you can simply head over to Chat's web address, sign into you...

The company has sent out invites to its fall hardware event, which will take place next week.What you need to knowAmazon has announced an event scheduled for September 28.The event will supposedly see the unveiling of a wide range of devices including new Echo speakers, Ring security cameras, and Eero routers.Alexa and other services from the retail giant might also get some updates.Amazon's Echo devices and Alexa digital assistant are about to get some upgrades. The retail giant is set to hold an event on September 28, where it is expected to announce upgrades to some of the best Alexa speakers and new updates to its services.As expected, Amazon's invitation lacks specific details. The announcement for the event, which has been posted on its website, only says it will "share news on our latest Amazon devices, features, and services."That said, Amazon's hardware unveiling last year may provide some clues about what the upcoming event might hold for consumers. Of course,...

Developer Ember Lab seems to have hit the mark with its debut title.I previewed Kena: Bridge of Spirits shortly before E3 2021. At the time, I only had an hour or so with the game, but felt confident that it was shaping up to be something special. After spending some more time with the final build, I'm happy that my initial impressions appear to be right. I haven't wanted to put the controller down since I started. Kena's characters and world hold such a charm that it's hard not to love them, and the gameplay continues to evolve throughout so that progression feels natural and earned.Following the titular protagonist, Kena: Bridge of Spirits asks players to guide troubled spirits who have passed on but are still trapped in the physical realm for one reason or another. As a spirit guide, Kena must help these spirits to cleanse the land of its corruption, manifesting in hazardous fauna and flora. It's fairly straightforward, but it excels in creating compelling characters you want ...

Surprise your friends with magic wireless charging.What you need to knowIkea has launched a wireless charger that mounts underneath desks and tables.The Sjömärke wireless charger is meant to blend in with your home decor.Ikea will begin selling the charger in October for $40.Even though wireless charging has been around for a while and there are a ton of Android phones that support it, the technology still seems a bit like magic. However, Ikea's latest product wants to further the illusion by letting you mount a wireless charger underneath your desk or table.The new Sjömärke wireless charger uses adhesives to attach to the underside of a desk and keep the device concealed "when you want chargers and cables to blend into the decor to keep the room neat and tidy."Since Sjömärke uses indirect charging, it's recommended that you use it on tabletops and other surfaces with between 8mm and under 1-inch of thickness. Any more or less, and it won't charge. It also won...

Senate Democrats say new rules are in order.What you need to knowSeveral U.S. senators have presented the FTC with a letter urging better privacy protections.The letter calls for a "national standard for data privacy and security."Current enforcement policies were criticized for not doing enough to deter companies from failing to protect consumer privacy.Several U.S. Democrats have reached out to the FTC in a letter calling for better rulemaking on consumer privacy and security.The letter was addressed to the recently appointed FTC Chair Lina Khan and led by Senator Richard Blumenthal alongside eight other U.S. Democrats, including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Cory A. Booker.In the letter, the senators complain that data privacy has become a problem in the U.S. as Big Tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook continue to flaunt their "unchecked access" to private consumer data. Americans' identities have become the currency in an unregulated,...

Custom plansTelloFrom $5/mo. at TelloProsLTE and 5G data on the T-Mobile networkPlans can be customizedLow starting priceHotspot included with every planConsOnly 25GB of high-speed data on the unlimited planTello sets itself apart by only offering custom plans tailored to the needs of each customer. With a choice of data up to 25GB and unlimited minutes and texting, just about anyone can get a great plan on Tello. Tello also lets you upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time, so if you don't get it right the first time, you're not stuck.Great internationalBoost MobileFrom $15/mo. at Boost MobileProsLTE and 5G data on the T-Mobile networkGreat roaming plans for MexicoHotspot data with every planMulti-line savingsConsOnly 35GB of high-speed data on the unlimited planBoost Mobile has an excellent reputation as a low-cost alternative with a ton of data. The two unlimited plans come with 35GB of high-speed data, mobile hotspot data, a...

Google follows the iOS 15 update with updates of its own.What you need to knowGoogle is updating several of its apps for better iOS/iPadOS 15 compatibility.Google apps will take better advantage of Apple's Focus Mode.Users will be able to jump straight into YouTube Music from Spotlight search.Right on the heels of Apple releasing iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 to the masses, Google is updating several of its apps to take better advantage of the iPhone and iPad's capabilities.One of the "bigger" updates comes to iPadOS 15, with the launch of new, larger widgets for Google Photos and YouTube Music. With the new widgets, users will be able to highlight their photos and jump straight into their Memories. With YouTube Music, iPad users will have a view of albums and playlists to easily access tunes from the home screen.The new widgets will arrive in the coming weeks.Another update coming to YouTube Music, which users can try out now, is the ability to jump into the app from the Sp...

It's allegedly been available secretly for months.What you need to knowEden Unearthed is Netflix's first VR game, based upon the show Eden that launched in May 2021.Eden Unearthed is available for Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 headsets for free on Oculus App Lab.Netflix previously launched a few Stranger Things games on Android in Poland.When Netflix announced that it would be making free games for its subscribers, no one was entirely sure what the company's aim was. Netflix released two Stranger Things games in Poland at the end of August but has mostly been hush about its plans. Little changes with Eden Unearthed, a game first spotted by UploadVR and found on the Oculus App Lab for Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 headsets.Eden Unearthed is based upon the Netflix original show Eden that launched on Netflix at the end of May 2021. The show Eden follows the story of two robots living a thousand years after humans disappeared from Earth. During a routine assignment in the...

The Touch Controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 ship with one disposable AA battery each, but once those run out of juice, you should invest in the best Oculus Quest 2 replacement batteries to fill in for them. While the Touch Controllers last much longer than the headset's limited battery, it's still wise to invest in some rechargeable batteries or a stack of disposable batteries to stop your VR sessions from getting disrupted. Here are the batteries and chargers we recommend for your Oculus Touch controllers.Best rechargable batteries + chargerPanasonic K-KJ55MCA4BA 3 Hour Quick Charger with 4 AA eneloop Rechargeable BatteriesStaff PickThese rechargeable batteries store up to 2,000 mAh of power and can be recharged up to 2,100 times. They can be charged completely from dead or partially charged without damaging the energy storage memory. We recommend buying them with the quick charger accessory, which will get your AAs recharged in no time, but you can also purchase the ba...

Better, faster, strongerWhat you need to knowRoku announced updates to its lineup of streaming devices, as well as an update to Roku OS 10.5The All-New Roku Streaming Stick 4K starts at $50, while the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ starts at $70.The company also gave the Roku Ultra LT set-top box a spec bump with improvements to the processor, storage, and Wi-Fi range.Roku has announced several important updates to its product lineup, as well as an improved user experience (UI) with its Roku OS 10.5 rollout. The streaming platform and device manufacturer has unveiled an All-New Roku Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+, spec bumps to its Roku Ultra LT set-top box, and overall platform enhancements to the underlying operating system.The updated Streaming Stick 4K boots up 30% faster than before and adds Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Wi-Fi speeds up to two times faster than previous models.The Streaming Stick 4K+ features all of the above but adds the Roku Voice Remote Pro. The Pro version o...

Do you ever try to ask Alexa a question on your Echo speaker from across the room and get frustrated when you can't hear her response? Whether it's the noises coming from the TV, people talking, dogs barking, babies crying, or the general commotion of your day-to-day life, sometimes it can be hard to hear her. Thankfully, Amazon has recognized this problem and added a simple toggle that lets Alexa adjust the volume of her responses based on the ambient noise near your Echo device. We'll show you how simple it is to enable Alexa's new adaptive volume feature on your Echo devices so that you don't miss any of her replies or responses in the future.How to enable Alexa's adaptive volume feature on an Echo deviceOpen the Amazon Alexa app on your phone.Tap on the More menu at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.Scroll down and tap on Settings.Scroll down and tap on Voice Responses in the Alexa Preferences section.Tap to toggle on Adaptive Volume.You can also enable o...

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are one step closer to launch.What you need to knowA device purported to be the Pixel 6 was spotted in FCC documents.The documents reveal connectivity options for the device, including Wi-Fi 6E and mmWave 5G.Wireless power transfer and UWB support are also listed in the filings.The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have likely been spotted passing through the FCC as the device nears its fall launch window.While the documents don't specifically name the Pixel 6, Android Police points out that devices are listed as "phone," suggesting that they're likely Google's upcoming flagships. Additionally, the documents show support for both the new Wi-Fi 6E standard with mmWave 5G support found on a few of the models.For comparison, the Google Pixel 5a does not support either connectivity option, so it's fairly safe to assume that we're looking at the Pixel 6.In recent promotional material for the Pixel 6, Google has made sure to note that the device "has not been...

The regulators say Google's restrictive trade practices have harmed both device makers and consumers.What you need to knowThe Competition Commission of India has accused Google of adopting anti-competitive and restrictive trade practices in the mobile OS market.The regulator's probe found Google guilty of stifling competition to maintain its dominance in search, app library, and other services. It has also alleged that Google's Play Store policies are biased and arbitrary. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found Google guilty of abusing its dominant position in the country's mobile operating system market. The Indian antitrust regulator began its investigation of Google in 2019.The investigation report, reviewed by The Times of India, says Google stifles competition and innovation in the market by forcing one-sided contracts on both device and app makers. Google requires manufacturers to sign a Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA), which mandates p...

If you're doing a lot of video calls and meetings, you probably want to invest in a webcam. While they aren't as difficult to find in stores now as they were a year ago, they are still in pretty high demand with so many people working from home at least some of the time. Slowly but surely, webcams are coming back in stock. But you don't want to settle on buying anything you can find - you need it to work well. So, we have rounded up the best webcams available on Amazon right now.Trusted brandLogitech C920x HD Pro WebcamStaff PickIn the webcam world, Logitech is one of the most trusted brands, and while this webcam will cost almost twice as much as some of the others, it's worth the price. You get full 1080p resolution along with stereo audio, HD light correction and autofocus, and even the ability to blur your background without any additional equipment.$90 at Amazon$65 at WalmartBuilt-in ring lightVitade 960ATrying to get proper lighting can be tricky beca...

PlayStation 4 owners have no shortage of choice when it comes to storage expansion. Popping out the internal drive is fairly easy, but if you don't want to go through the trouble, there's an alternative that's much more convenient. Just plug a USB hard drive into your PS4, and you'll instantly have all the storage you could ever need. All you need is to pick the right drive for your needs. Here are some solid options for the best PS4 external hard drives available for you today. Keep in mind that the PS4 supports up to 8TB of external storage.Best in size and reliabilitySeagate Game Drive 2TBStaff PickThis Seagate drive is super thin and can fit just about anywhere. Not only that, but it's officially licensed by PlayStation and has a perfect design that will fit right in. This edition comes with 2TB, but for a bit more, you can bump up to 4TB.$70 at Amazon$70 at Best BuyBest in massive storageWD 5TB My Passport Portable External HDDWestern Digital's portable opti...

Google Meet makes it easier to see more people.Update, Sept 20 (12:15 p.m. ET): Google rolls out low-light detection for webWhat you need to knowGoogle Meet is rolling out with an updated design and new features.Participants will have the ability to pin presentations or speaker tiles with more room to show everyone on the call.Google is also rolling out low-light mode for the web application, a new data saver, and the ability to hide your own video from your view.Google Meet has been a big focus since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic since many people transitioned to work-from-home lifestyles. Google has continuously rolled out updates to the video conferencing application, making it easier to manage while working from home. For instance, now you can use Google Meet's virtual green room to check yourself before a call. The latest update adds some useful tools thanks to the power of AI and more efficient design tools to keep users engaged with everyone on the call.In...

New technology works best when everyone commits to it, and in 2021, 5G has gone from marketing hype to a legit feature. In other words, you'll want to find the best 5G phones to future-proof yourself. A ton of support from carriers and smartphone companies is going to flood the market with 5G-capable phones this year. 5G isn't everywhere (yet), but if you live in a place with a 5G network, these are the best 5G phones you can buy, although the Galaxy S21 Ultra tops our list.Best 5G phone overall: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5GThe Galaxy S21 Ultra is the first proper flagship of 2021, and looking ahead, it'll be mighty hard for any company to dethrone the S21 Ultra as one of the best Android phones of the entire year.Samsung got so much right with this thing, and it all starts with the display. The S21 Ultra packs a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel that can hit a max resolution of 3200x1440. Unlike last year's S20 Ultra, you can run the display in that Quad HD setting with...

The phone's inner screen can take quite a bit of damage.What you need to knowA new drop test video shows just how durable Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 really is.Both displays of the phone remain fully functional even after being dropped ten times. The phone's hinge also impresses with its strong durability. Last month, a durability test video from JerryRigEverything showed that while the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a solid improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 2, its screen isn't quite as durable as Samsung claims.Now, Samsung's best foldable phone has now been put through its paces by PhoneBuff in a new video. As you can see in the video below, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 survives the first drop largely unscathed.The phone's cover display cracks on its second drop, but it still remains fully functional. The inner screen, on the other hand, proves to be a lot more impressive.Even when the phone was dropped from 1.5 meters with the screen unfolded, it didn't cause the 7.6-inch panel to c...