Latest from Android Central

Follow websites in Chrome the way you'd follow them on Twitter.What you need to knowThe Chromium blog is showing off a coming experiment for Chrome Canary on Android.Users will see an option in the Chrome menu to "Follow" websites.Once followed, Chrome will serve up the latest content from subscribed websites, using RSS to pull in new content.Google killed its RSS service Google Reader in 2013, and fans are still mourning its loss.This week is Google I/O 2021, and that means all things Google get an update, or in this case, the first rumblings of reanimating an old, dead Google service. The Chromium Blog detailed a new experiment that will be taking place in the upcoming weeks for Chrome Canary for Android users which will add a Follow option to the Chrome menu on most websites. If you click Follow, then when new content is available from those sites, it'll appear as part of a feed in the New Tab on Chrome Canary. There's no mention if this will sync between phones or with...

If you tried install the Android 12 beta on a OnePlus 9, this might help you.What you need to knowShortly after releasing the Android 12 beta, OnePlus was forced to pull the download links.OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro owners found themselves with bricked devices after not being able to install the beta.The only way you can unbrick your device is to use specialized software from Qualcomm to downgrade to Android 11.Yesterday was a big day for Android 12, as not only were you able to jump into the Android 12 beta for Pixel devices, but there were a few other phone makers who are participating in the program. This includes OnePlus with the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and OnePlus 9R. However, unlike those trying to download and install the beta on something like a Pixel 5, OnePlus hopefuls were met with quite a bit of frustration.This is because users worldwide started flooding the message board, stating that their OnePlus devices were rendered practically useless. In most cases, you wou...

It supports up to 144Hz displays, just like the Snapdragon 780G.What you need to knowThe Snapdragon 778G 5G is Qualcomm's latest mobile chipset for premium mid-range devices.It brings a 40% increase in overall CPU performance and 40% faster graphics over the previous generation. Xiaomi, Motorola, Realme, OPPO, Honor, and iQOO are soon expected to launch new devices powered by the Snapdragon 778G chipset. Qualcomm today announced the Snapdragon 778G 5G mobile platform at its annual 5G summit. The new chipset is built on a 6nm process and is set to power several upcoming "high-tier" phones from leading Android OEMs. It uses Qualcomm's Kryo 670 CPU, touting a 40% jump in performance compared to the previous generation. Qualcomm is also claiming an impressive 40% improvement in graphics rendering with the Adreno 642L GPU.Similar to the Snapdragon 780G chipset announced in March, the new Snapdragon 778G offers a number of features that had so far been limited to Qualcomm's fla...

You can easily use a home NAS server to back up your photos and videos — here's how to get started.Google Photos is the best utility for seamlessly backing up your photos and videos to the cloud, and the service's unlimited high-quality uploads made it the de facto choice for hundreds of millions of users around the world. But starting June 4, Google will start counting high-quality uploads toward your storage quota, so it's entirely likely that you will have to buy a paid Google One plan to be able to continue using Google Photos.We've already listed the best Google Photos alternatives — including OneDrive and Amazon Photos — and now I want to talk about offline options. I use Google Photos' high-quality option to back up photos and videos from my phones, and while Google does a great job preserving quality, I use a network-attached storage (NAS) server to store the original copies. The best part about using a NAS is that you control the data; as it's stored offline on you...

Great family valueMetro by T-MobileFrom $30/mo. at Metro by T-MobileProsGreat family savingsNo overage chargeUnlimited talk and text5G included for freeAmazon Prime included with UnlimitedConsMore expensiveMetro by T-Mobile is a great option for someone that needs a lot of data. Even Metro's largest unlimited plans can offer great value for the entire family thanks to the fourth line being essentially free. With 15GB of hotspot data and Amazon Prime included with the top plan, Metro is a fantastic family option.Bulk savingsMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsFree calls to Mexico and CanadaNo overage chargeUnlimited talk and text5G included for freeInternational roaming optionsConsNo multi-line discountsNo stores for supportMint Mobile manages to keep prices lower by selling service in chunks of three, six, or 12 months. With a variety of plans with plenty of data for most people, Mint Mobile is a great choice for those wh...

On your search for the best VPN service, you might have been confused by the different plans and offerings of each provider when trying to figure out the best cheap monthly VPN plan.For the most part, going for a longer-term plan will save you more money (sometimes as much as 70% or more), though not everyone wants to commit for a year or longer. Fear not, though, as cheap monthly VPN plans do exist so you can get set up with a VPN without spending a ton of cash upfront.Best Cheap Monthly VPN PlansIPVanish: $3.49/1-monthPureVPN: $0.99/7-day trialProtonVPN: $5/1-monthWindscribe: $9/1-monthExpressVPN: $12.95/1-month You don't have to go broke each month or pay a huge upfront cost to get a great VPN. These cheap monthly VPN plans make it affordable to try out a VPN for yourself before committing for a longer period of time or just pay for VPN service as and when you need it without a commitment.IPVanish VPN: 65% off one-month plan$3.49 at IPVanishWith its cur...

You really don't want to miss out on this time-bending adventure when it comes to PS5 this September.Twenty-four hours. Eight targets. It seems simple enough, but Arkane Studios isn't known for playing it safe. Following in the footsteps of Dishonored and Prey, Deathloop is Arkane's latest time-bending immersive sim that oozes style, taking inspiration from the 1960s to create a bold aesthetic not usually seen in video games.I recently had the chance to sit in on a hands-off gameplay preview along with a Q&A from Game Director Dinga Bakaba and Art Director Sebastien Mitton ahead of Deathloop's release on the PS5. I was already eagerly awaiting the game before the preview, and this preview has only solidified my feelings. Deathloop could easily be one of the most interesting games to come out this year.What are the loops in Deathloop?Without spoiling anything, the gameplay preview started off at the beginning, with one of our main characters Colt waking up on Blackreef s...

Even before the Xbox Game Pass launch, having the best mobile gaming controller was pretty important for mobile gamers. There are a slew of great Android games out there that can be enhanced with the help of a controller, and honestly, who really enjoys using the on-screen controls? Nevertheless, if you're in the market for a new controller that can enhance your mobile gaming experience and take it to the next level, we've got you covered with the best Android controllers.Best Android controllers overall: Razer KishiMany game developers took over the Play Store with phones that feature better specs than many computers. Call of Duty and Fortnite are great examples, for starters. You shouldn't have to deal with a third-party plastic clip, though, if you want to play your phone like a real controller. With the Razer Kishi, you can turn just about any smartphone into a Nintendo Switch, and you don't have to worry about Bluetooth connectivity slowing you down.In our review of the ...

Why pay more if you don't need to?Fitness trackers are usually priced well below smartwatches because they tend to offer fewer features, and that's certainly the case here with the new Wyze Band. It doesn't have onboard GPS, nor music storage, nor the ability to respond to app notifications. You can't automatically trigger a workout or engage in step competitions with your buddies.Despite these shortcomings, the Wyze Band does do most of what you'd want or expect a fitness tracker to do, at less than half of the price of market-leading bands like the Fitbit Inspire 2, and less than a third the price of the new Fitbit Charge 4.Are there compromises here? Of course. But the whole package was compelling enough for this Fitbit fan to want to test drive the first wearable from Wyze to see if it might be worth my while. In the process, I learned a lot about what is possible at such an affordable price point, and what sacrifices have to be made to achieve that price.A solid first ...

Enough of everythingVisible$40/mo. at VisibleProsNo contractUnlimited talk and textUnlimited LTE and 5G dataUnlimited hotspot (5Mbps)Savings with Visible Party PayConsFewer supported phonesNo 3G or roaming accessVisible has an impressive set of features, especially considering the price. With one of the largest LTE networks plus nationwide 5G combined with an unlimited package including hotspot connectivity, Visible is about as close as it comes to hassle-free wireless.More is moreVerizon WirelessFrom $30/mo. at VerizonProsGreater coverageFaster speedsLarger phone selectionUltra-Wideband 5G included with unlimited plansNationwide 5G on every planConsMore expensive for one lineContract requiredVerizon Wireless continues to set the bar in wireless service as one of the strongest networks available. With some of the fastest speeds and a massive LTE network, a growing 5G network, and 3G and roaming to fill in the gaps, it's one of...

When you look at the list of best emulators for Android, you'll find a lot of recurring themes across the board. There are many more NES and SNES emulators available than for something like the PS1 or PS2. A lot of that has to do with the difference in graphics for what Sony was using back in the day, even compared to other graphics-intensive consoles like the Dreamcast or N64.So when you are trying to find the best PS2 emulators for Android, there simply just aren't as many options out there. And this may come as a bit of a surprise considering just how popular the PS2 was and continues to be for many. If you're dead-set on emulating some of your favorite PS2 games on your Android phone, then you're not completely out of luck.Play! is the best PS2 emulator for AndroidUnlike something like ePSXe for PS1 emulators, Play! is a relatively new emulator to land on the Play Store. And like its PS1 counterpart, it doesn't go down the RetroArch path by being compatible with a bunch o...

With an exciting design and great hardware, the POCO M3 Pro 5G ticks all the right boxes.POCO is having a great 2021. The brand's latest launches in the X series — the POCO X3 and X3 Pro — are picking up momentum in India and the EU, and the POCO F3 is giving mid-range devices like the OnePlus Nord a run for their money.But POCO's best-selling phones are in the M series, with the POCO M3 in particular turning out to be a standout success for the brand. The unique design combined with the gigantic 6000mAh battery and reliable hardware have made the M3 one of the best budget Android phones available today, and POCO is now looking to build on that success with the latest launch in the series, the POCO M3 Pro 5G.As the name suggests, the M3 Pro is the first 5G-enabled budget phone from POCO. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G platform, offering much better performance over the standard M3. There's also a 90Hz LCD panel, faster storage modules, and a bold design...

The Google Pixel 5 is the best Android phone when it comes to security. Google builds its phones to be secure from the start, and its monthly security patches guarantee you won't be left behind on future exploits. Some of the most secure Android phones available to date are on this list to keep your mind at ease while staying safely connected.Best overall: Google Pixel 5The Pixel 5 is updated directly from Google with the latest version of Android. Outside of any new features that may come with it, the device security model has been updated and strengthened by a dedicated team that regularly audits and enhances the code used to build Android. On top of this, Google releases updates to the security model at the beginning of every month for the people who build Android phones to apply to its software. These are important, more dire than any other update.Equally necessary but often overlooked is transparency. You shouldn't have to trust a company when it says something is secu...

It's the smoothest mobile VR has ever been...if your PC can handle it.What you need to knowThe May v29 Quest 2 update silently added the ability to run PC VR games at 120Hz through Oculus Air Link.This refresh rate was previously made available via wired Oculus Link or wirelessly via the 3rd-party Virtual Desktop software in April.Gamers will need to toggle the option in the Oculus desktop software to see the change on their Quest 2.Oculus Air Link has only been around for about a month now and it's already seeing its first big upgrade on the Oculus Quest 2. UploadVR spotted a post on Reddit that showed 120Hz availability for Oculus Link on the PC side of the equation. Turns out, that May v29 Quest update silently enabled the feature without any mention or fanfare from Oculus.Oculus Air Link was already one of the best ways to play SteamVR on Quest, as well as the only way to play certain Oculus-exclusive PC VR games wirelessly — like Minecraft, for instance. Having 120...

Outside of the best gaming phones, the biggest innovation when it comes to smartphones has been in the area of foldables. Samsung is easily leading the way with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G, but other OEM's have come out with options of their own.Huawei's Mate X2 looks like the perfect foldable with a cover display large enough to act as a phone by itself before folding out into a massive tablet with no camera cutout on the inside. The Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold is intriguing not only thanks to its lower price point but also due to the Liquid Lens camera technology. TCL and LG have shown off rollable displays, but LG isn't making smartphones anymore, and TCL's designs are more of a concept instead of something that will actually make it to market.The problem with Huawei is the obvious one, as it's not readily available here in the US, and it still doesn't support Google Services thanks to its place on the U.S. government's entity list. Xiaomi could make i...

The phone is rumored to feature a 7.6-inch main display.What you need to knowThe latest Android 12 beta build includes a reference to Google's rumored foldable Pixel phone, codenamed "Passport."The codename had first surfaced in an internal Android document last year. Additionally, the Android 12 beta reveals the model numbers of the upcoming Pixel 5a 5G and Pixel 6 phones. Back in 2019, a report from CNET claimed that Google was working on a foldable Pixel phone. The rumor was corroborated by an internal Android document last year, which also revealed the foldable Pixel's "passport" codename. Now, the folks over at 9to5Google have found new evidence that suggests Google is still working on the device and could launch it later this year.As per the publication, the first Android 12 beta build includes multiple references to Google's upcoming Pixel phones. In addition to codenames, the build contains model numbers for the Japanese variants of the Pixel 6, Pixel 5a 5G, and t...

We may finally be getting the hardware we deserve and the software we want.Samsung has been making smartwatches since the beginning of time — OK, so not that long, but the company has been at it for the better part of a decade. While not all of the designs have been the most elegant, the watches have stood out and been built very well. In my opinion, the thing that has been holding Samsung back from being a true Apple Watch competitor is its software — and that's why I'm excited to see a Samsung Wear OS watch.No, Wear OS (which Google is now calling simply Wear; we'll be changing our usage of the term over time to folllow suit) is not perfect, but when comparing Tizen vs. Wear OS — it's the basics that Google's software nails. The fact that even with the shortcomings that Samsung's homegrown wearable operating system has had, the company still makes some of the best Android smartwatches right along with excellent Android phones. With Samsung partnering with Google to make W...

Two of Serie A's top sides battle it out for silverware in today's Coppa Italia final. Follow our guide below on how to get an Atalanta vs Juventus live stream online no matter where you are in the world.Atalanta take to the field at Sassuolo's Città del Tricolore in just their fifth Coppa Italia final. La Dea have won the competition only once in their history, though Gian Piero Gasperini's side have definitely become overachievers in recent times.Having already secured a Champions League qualification spot for next season, their third successful campaign in a row, Gasperini's men can be fully focused on lifting the trophy.Juventus, on the other hand, are the most successful club in Coppa Italia history having won the competition 13 times in 20 final appearances.It hasn't been plain sailing for Juve in the league this season, though, with the Bianconeri failing to extend their consecutive title-winning run to 10.Andrea Pirlo's side currently sits in fifth spot needing to ...

Using one of the best free VPN services could end up bringing a lot of advantages to your daily workflow. Not everyone who uses a Virtual Private Network needs everything that a paid service offers, and often the free ones are enough to get by. We've compared the advantages between free VPNs vs. paid VPNs. If you're looking for the best VPN to use, we have you covered.As of right now, we have ProtonVPN as the best free VPN option in 2021, followed closely by Hotspot Shield Free. With ProtonVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth on a single device when using the free plan, and Hotspot Shield also offers a generous data allotment and rich feature set.Best Free VPN service 20211. ProtonVPN2. Hotspot Shield3. Windscribe4. TunnelBear5. Hide.me6. SpeedifyFree VPNs aren't for everyoneA note about free VPN optionsThere are a bunch of great free VPN options (which we've highlighted lower on this page), but it's worth noting that these aren't the best picks for everyone. With fr...

Google's Material You aesthetic gives Android 12 a fresh new look.Google introduced Material Design back in 2014, and while Android looks very different from seven years ago, the design language itself hasn't changed too much. Google has focused its attention on polishing core interface elements in recent releases, adding better notification management, overhauled gestures, new privacy features, and system-wide dark mode.With Android 12, Google is embarking on a huge redesign that changes just about every facet of the interface. Google calls this the "biggest design change in Android's history," and that claim is warranted. The new design language is an evolution of Material Design dubbed Material You, and it makes Android much more playful and accessible. The best Android phones feature skins with plenty of customizability, and Google is heading down that path with Android 12.Of course, Android 12 is much more than a fresh coat of paint. Google is introducing important privacy...

Google is overhauling Wear OS looks and making it easier to get things done on your smartwatch.What you need to knowGoogle's Wear platform is getting a recent apps switcher similar to what is on Android now.Tiles on Wear are being expanded to more developers with better toolsThe launcher on Wear looks like it's getting revamped with new indicators and ongoing activities.Among all of the announcements at Google I/O, Wear OS had some of the biggest. From the platform being co-developed with Samsung to Samsung announcing it will be making a Wear watch, it was a big day for Google's wearable platform. In a separate video, Google announced more of what's new with Wear — and it looks good.Some visual changes will mimic some of what we see from Android 12, along with changes to how navigating through the operating system will work. You will still be able to press the side button of your watch to access the app drawer, but from what was shown, it might look a bit different than...

YouTube Music and Spotify are bringing quality music experience to Wear.What you need to knowGoogle announced that it's bringing a YouTube Music app to its Wear platform.Spotify is also rebuilding its app from the ground up with support for offline playback.The apps will arrive later this year with the new updates to Wear OS.There was quite a bit that got announced at the Google I/O keynote today, but one of the bigger announcements was around the changes coming to Wear OS, namely, the apps that are arriving on the platform. Spotify and Google are aiming to bring quality music experiences to Wear thanks to their new apps.Spotify already has an app on Wear OS, but the company has announced that it's rebuilding the app experience for Wear. This will include improved performance, smarter handling of playlist syncing, and even offline downloads. The company states that it is working to allow users to download music and podcasts to the Wear app, which could come in handy when ...

Spotify is going even harder on podcasts.What you need to knowSpotify today announced that it would be rolling out new accessibility-focused features to its mobile apps.It's bringing a small redesign of its app to make it easier to use if you're visually impaired.You'll also now be able to generate transcripts for a selection of Spotify Exclusive or Original podcasts in the coming weeks. Spotify plans to make this universal in the future.Spotify today announced a couple of new features aimed at making its experience more accessible to everyone, primarily those who are visually and hearing impaired. It's rolling out updates to both its iOS and Android apps towards these ends.The first update is a small one, aimed at making Spotify clearer when in use. Buttons will be bigger, the text is now sentence case, and the company will be making some tweaks to color and text formatting.Spotify also announced support for large text, alas, for iPhone users and not for Android phones...

This week, Sam Tolbert stops by for a deep dive into the entire Mass Effect franchise, including a review of Mass Effect Legendary Edition.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Mass Effect Legendary Edition: Every difference from the original Mass Effect | Windows CentralMass Effect 3's ending revisited: Overblown outrage or justified fury? | Windows Central5 things the next Mass Effect could learn from the Legendary Edition | Windows CentralMass Effect: Mako vs. Mako vs. Mako — Who would win in a fight? | Windows CentralMass Effect: The 5 best and 5 worst decisions you can make | Windows CentralBest alien creatures in Mass Effect that can be pets | Windows Central11 rare Mass Effect scenes you probably never saw | Windows CentralWhy we'll miss Mass Effect 3's multiplayer mode in the Legendary Edition | Windows CentralBioWare remastered Mass Effect, now i...

It may not be a Pixel Watch, but it will run Wear (OS).What you need to knowGoogle announced a host of updates to its Wear OS platform, including greater Fitbit services integration at I/O 2021.Fitbit CEO James Park confirmed that the company's next smartwatch would run the Wear operating system.Neither Google nor Fitbit provided any specific details on the new watch or launch date.At the information-dense Google I/O keynote earlier today, we were treated to all manner of updates on Google search, shopping, Maps, and Android 12, but one of the most highly anticipated sections of the presentation was on Wear OS (now referred to simply as Wear).During the Wear section of the keynote, we learned that Google is developing the latest iteration of its smartwatch platform in conjunction with Samsung. In the process, it is reimagining a number of its most popular apps for smartwatches. Apps like YouTube Music, Google Maps, and even Fitbit will be updated and available to all OEMs...

Both on your phone and your smart displays, Assistant is getting easier to develop for.What you need to knowNew developer tools for Google Assistant were unveiled as part of Google I/O 2021.Android 12 APIs for Shortcuts will make it easier for users to find all the Assistant commands associated with an installed app.Google Assistant will also be able to better display your data by displaying widgets in the Google Assistant pop-up.New advancements will also improve the ability for developers to build a conversational experience for smart displays powered by Google Assistant.Google I/O 2021 has kicked off with a bevy of big announcements from the new Material You UI with a Pixel-exclusive theming system to Samsung and Google teaming up to make Wear OS better. There are new developer tools for just about every system and service that Google touches debuting today, and Google Assistant is no exception.Google Assistant's new features and dev tools this year focus around makin...

Oculus sells a ton of accessories for its newest VR headset, but your first purchase should be one of the best Oculus Quest 2 cases, without question. A case will shield your lenses from sunlight damage and make sure all your VR accessories are kept in one place. Original Quest owners can try using their old cases, but the Quest 2 is about an inch smaller, so there may be a bit too much wiggle room if you use it as a travel case. We've rounded up the Quest 2 storage and travel cases that we trust to keep your headsets properly protected from falls, lens scratches, or controller stick drift.Official Quest 2 caseOculus Quest 2 Carrying CaseStaff PickUnlike many of the Quest 2 cases made by third parties that were originally Quest 1 cases, the official Quest 2 Carrying Case is specifically tailored to its new dimensions. It can squeeze inside the headset, controllers, charging cable, power adapter, and Elite Strap with Battery, keeping them static so nothing moves around. Th...

The newest version of Android is finally here, and you can install it right now.After three long months, the Android 12 beta is here, which means that the build is now more stable — though it's still not advisable to install it on a daily driver.Along with a major change to the look called Material You, Android 12 ships with a bunch of new privacy features that may or may not be useful.As of May 18, the public Android 12 beta is available for Pixel phones along with some other devices from companies like Xiaomi, TCL, OnePlus, and more (full list below). Here's how to get it installed on your Pixel, and we'll have device-specific instructions as they become available.Jump to:Installing using the Android Beta programInstalling using the Android Flash ToolInstalling using the Android Factory ImagesWhich phones can download the Android 12 Beta?There are nine phones from Google that support the Android 12 beta:Pixel 3Pixel 3 XLPixel 3aPixel 3a XLPixel 4Pixe...

Google is powering up ARCore with new capabilitiesWhat you need to knowGoogle today announced ARCore 1.24.It's highlighting two new APIs, Raw Depth API as well as the Recording and Playback API.Google also shared that there were more than 850 million ARCore compatible devices. Alongside Android 12 and other announcements at Google I/O today, Google also brought in new updates for ARCore. The company unveiled ARCore 1.24, complete with a new Raw Depth API and a new Recording and Playback API.The Raw Depth API is aimed at helping developers take more accurate measurements of indoor spaces and built a better model of physical surroundings. It works on devices that lack specialized sensors, making it more widely accessible. Google says that this also allows developers to filter depth data in real-time, further enabling the placing of AR objects on physical objects such that look pretty realistic — well, for AR objects anyway. Google highlights examples from TikTok and 3D L...

Technology has come a long way since flip phones. These days, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Motorola Razr truly put the years past in perspective. They can be folded to keep them pocket-sized yet when unfolded, they allow for more screen real estate than most other smartphones on the market. It's been quite a while since the last major innovation in mobile devices brought us full touchscreen devices; now, folding phones are making the next big leap with displays that seem like they belong only in the future.Best Folding Phone Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: starting at $700Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more Which to buy?Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $1,000 off at VerizonYou can save up to $800 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 when you switch to Verizon, bring over your current number, and trade-in an eligible device. You must add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal, too, otherwise you'll score up to $440 when upgradin...

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is an excellent tablet, and with some of the best Fire HD 10 accessories to watch shows, browse recipes, read books, or play games, the experience can be even better. Getting the tablet is just the beginning, and you're going to want to snag a few accessories for the Fire HD 10 to keep it protected. You can also give it a unique look with one of the best Amazon Fire HD 10 cases. Whatever the case, Amazon refreshed the Fire HD 10 in 2021, which means new accessories for its new design. And if you have the previous generation tablet, we have you covered too!Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)Best caseMoKo CaseJust like in previous Amazon Fire HD 10 cases, MoKo is ready to protect your 2021 tablet. Available in five great colors, your tablet will look great and be protected front to back. The MoKo case is wireless charging compatible, and the cover can double as a stand so you can go hands-free.From $19 at AmazonBest keyboardFintie Amazon Bluetooth Key...

Google Photos is locking down your images.What you need to knowGoogle is adding a password-locked folder to Google Photos.This will keep certain images from appearing when scrolling through your library.Google is also bringing new privacy features to Maps and Search.Google is introducing new privacy features in Google Photos and other apps. At Google I/O 2021, the company announced that it's bringing a new "Locked Folder" to the Google Photos app. This will lock some of your photos away behind a password or biometric scanner like a fingerprint sensor.The benefit of a Locked Folder on Google Photos is that it will keep some of your sensitive images hidden while you're scrolling through your photos. It will also keep these photos from appearing in your slideshows that appear on smart displays like the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen).The new Locked Folder is arriving first on Google's Pixel smartphones but will arrive on more of the best Android phones later this year. There are...

Athletes join anime characters and dinosaurs with Google's AR.What you need to knowGoogle today announced it would be showcasing AR athletes in search.It's starting with Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles.More athletes could be made available at a later date.When carrying out select searches in Google, you're able to find 3D and AR models of select creatures ranging from farm animals, to dinosaurs, to Pac-Man. Google is now expanding these models to include more down to earth heroes, super-star athletes. It's not clear how many it'll be adding, but the company has called out Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles to start with.Their AR models would be be joining the likes of the afore-mentioned Jurassic Park dinosaurs when you search for one of them on an ARCore-enabled phone. You'll be able to see them do a flip, take a swing, or kick a ball depending on who you choose.If you’ve ever wanted to see Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka or Simone Biles perform their...

Android 12 is the 'biggest design change in Android's history,' and you can install it right now.Android 11 was an update that was greater than the sum of its parts. Smaller features like chat bubbles, conversation notifications, and a built-in screen recorder don't sound all that impressive on their own. Combined into one seamless package, however, Android 11 was a pretty great update for Google's mobile OS.While it introduced a lot of under-the-hood changes, Android 11 didn't have many user-facing features. That's changing with Android 12; the first beta is now available, and it includes exciting new features in the form of overhauled customization options, useful privacy and security fixes, and fun animations throughout the animation.Google calls Android 12 "the biggest design change in Android's history," and that's immediately evident once you take a look at the new interface. From the latest features, design changes, availability, and more, here's every single thing y...

Google Maps upcoming updates will save you from hard-braking traffic situations and help you navigate city neighborhoods while traveling.What you need to knowGoogle is introducing new helpful features to make travel even better in MapsYou'll get optimized routes each time you get directions in Google Maps. Detailed city exploration maps features will be coming to 50 new cities by the end of 2021.Google Maps is one of the most popular services in the world. It is used for many different uses. From travel to information gathering, even helping to figure out what's for dinner. Well, today at Google I/O, five new Google Map updates will make everything you use Google Maps for even better.One of the most widely used features in Google Maps is navigation, but getting from point A to point B isn't always simple. In working with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Google will be optimizing your route every time you search for directions. Traffic changes can cause hard-bra...

Ask questions and have a free-flowing conversation with Google.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant will now have LaMDA.LaMDA will allow you to have more nuanced conversations and ask more questions.Conversations will be free-flowing.Google Assistant is going to get a lot more conversational with Google's breakthrough development called "LaMDA."During Google I/O, the company announced how, LaMDA, which follows BERT, will help users have more natural conversations with the assistant."We've invented machine learning techniques that help us better grasp the intent of Search queries," Google said in a blog post."LaMDA — short for "Language Model for Dialogue Applications" — can engage in a free-flowing way about a seemingly endless number of topics, an ability we think could unlock more natural ways of interacting with technology and entirely new categories of helpful applications.Google says LaMDA has been trained on dialogue and that during its training, "it pick...

Looking to try out the Android 12 beta and don't have a Pixel? Here's what you need to know about third-party rollout.The Android 12 beta program is now live, and like previous years, Google is making the build available on third-party phones. Last year's Android 11 beta program made its way to 12 third-party phones from six manufacturers, and this time around we have 11 manufacturers offering beta builds on their phones.These third-party phones are getting the Android 12 beta build:Xiaomi Mi 11 UltraXiaomi Mi 11Xiaomi Mi 11i (Mi 11X/Redmi K40 Pro)Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro (China-only)OnePlus 9 ProOnePlus 9OPPO Find X3 ProiQOO 7 Legend Realme GTNokia X20ASUS ZenFone 8In addition to these brands, the beta will also be heading to select phones from Sharp, Tecno, TCL, and ZTE. Read on to know more about how each manufacturer is rolling out the Android 12 beta, and when you can start using it on your own device.Android 12: SamsungAs is usually the case, Samsung is not taki...

There are a lot of great reasons to get one of the best Chromebook sleeves for your precious computer. With so many options available, it's easy to find something that not only fits your style, but has the functionality you need while you're out and about or traveling. Some of these sleeves can replace the need for a backpack completely, which is extremely handy if you're using it for school and just grabbed one of the best Chromebooks for students.Bare bonesAmazonBasics Executive Laptop SleeveStaff PickThe AmazonBasics Executive Laptop Sleeve case is great for those who want a no-nonsense laptop sleeve. There are no additional pockets, and this sleeve's size ranges from 11.6 inches up to 15.6 inches, depending on the size of your Chromebook. With three different colors to choose from, this sleeve is a no-brainer when looking for one of the best Chromebook sleeves.From $7 at AmazonAll the pocketsTIMBUK2 Stealth Folio Organizer Laptop SleeveTimbuk2 makes fant...

Google is rolling out a slate of new features to Google Photos to surface meaningful moments.At I/O 2021, Google has introduced a series of new features to Google Photos to bring your memories to life and give you greater control. A new feature called Little patterns leverages AI to find photos with unique patterns and surface them together. So if you've used the same bag for a few years, the new feature will collate photos of you wearing that bag in various places and highlight them.Google says it will categorize photos by shapes and colors, so photos of similar-sized objects — like coffee mugs — will be surfaced together. Another new addition is Cinematic moments; it takes two nearly identical photos and create new frames by using neural networks, delivering moving images.The feature looks incredibly cool, and the best part is that it works across Android and iOS. You can use the feature via photos stored in your camera roll, scanned photos, or just about any source....

The landmark move sees Samsung and Google working together to create the ultimate smartwatch platform.After running its own Tizen platform for several years, Samsung has now teamed up with Google for all future smartwatch efforts. The partnership doesn't mean Samsung is abandoning Tizen for Wear OS; instead, the two platforms are merging to create a "unified experience." The new platform will just be called Wear.This is very exciting for Wear OS fans, because the best features from Samsung's smartwatches — easily the best Android smartwatches you can buy today — are coming to the platform. Here's everything you need to know about the new Wear platform, and what you can look forward to in the coming months.What new features are coming to Wear?The core features of Tizen are being ported over to the new Wear platform. That includes Samsung's innovative rotating bezel UX that's present on current Galaxy smartwatches, optimized performance, and long-lasting battery life.Wear...

The Android 12 beta is here with a new look and a focus on privacy.What you need to knowAndroid 12 beta has been announced at Google I/O 2021.The beta brings system-wide theming, new privacy features, and a visual overhaul to many different elements.The beta is available today on Pixel devices and other select Android smartphones.After months of digging through the Android 12 Developer Previews to get an idea of what could be coming to the platform, Google has finally announced the Android 12 beta at its Google I/O 2021 developer conference. The platform is getting a visual overhaul with features focused on personalization and privacy.Android 12 Material YouGoogle is calling its latest design language "Material You" to emphasize the focus on the user. This is why one of the first things you'll notice about Android 12 is the brand new system-wide theming, which extends to most aspects of the platform, including the lock screen. Android 12 can "extract" the dominant col...

Color has meaning and lends weight, so Android measured theirs carefully.Once upon a time, Android was a very dark place, seeped in shadow and Holo Blue highlights. Then Google I/O 2014 came along and dragged Android screaming into the light with Material Design, a white canvas covered with colorful title bars, hamburger menus, and floating action buttons. In the following years, the Android team has continued to refine and further hone the Material Design UI that it used across Android — and beyond on Chromebooks, Google's web services, and iOS apps — but it was a very slow, calculated process.In other words, Android design stagnated.At last, Android 12 has unveiled itself to the world today at Google I/O, and with it comes another huge update for Android's look and feel, precipitated by months of close collaboration with the Android and Material Design teams. Material You is the next generation of Material Design, and it's (almost) everything I hoped it would be when it w...

Android continues to grow thanks to its versatility.What you need to knowGoogle announced that there are 3 billion Android devices in active use.The number consists of smartphones, tablets, connected TVs, and cars.The company announced 2.5 billion active devices back in 2019.During today's Google I/O 2021 keynote, the company announced details about the Android 12 beta and the features arriving on phones like the Google Pixel 5. The company also announced that there are as many as 3 billion active Android devices in the world.That number undoubtedly includes the best cheap Android phones, which helps boost the platform as it strives to reach lower price points for emerging markets. That push has been further increased with the growth of 5G and thanks to chips like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 and those from MediaTek. Samsung, the largest Android manufacturer, has also contributed with devices like the recently launched Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, which sits at less than $300 an...

Whether you are buying a PS5 or already have yourself a PlayStation 4, you are probably considering picking up a PlayStation Plus subscription. For those unaware, PlayStation Plus is Sony's online subscription service that allows you to play multiplayer games with friends, get discounts on games, and so much more. Normally, the service costs about $60 for the year, but you generally don't have to look too far in order to find a discount on it.PlayStation Plus Annual Membership with NBA 2K21 Jumpstart Pack | $59.99 at AmazonIf you prefer buying your PlayStation Plus membership at Amazon, right now you can grab 12 months of access along with the NBA 2K21 Jumpstart Pack for free along with it. That's an added $10 value, though you'll need a copy of NBA 2K21 if you want to make use of it.$59.99 at AmazonWhat's really great about shopping for PlayStation Plus subscriptions is the fact that they can be stacked, so even if your subscription isn't due right now you can still bu...

Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE might be mostly made of plastic, but it still warrants protecting, especially when it comes to the screen. Thus, you'll probably be looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors. Pair it up with some of the best Galaxy S20 FE cases, and you have all the protection you'll need. This smartphone turns heads with its sleek design and a spec-sheet that could rival some of the best Android phones on the market.Easy applicationSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3 Pack)Staff PickSupershieldz is one of the most popular brands of screen protectors because not only is the glass quite durable, but the pocketbook-style application method is so easy even my mother can put them on by herself. This pack also gives you two spares, so if your first one shatters in the line of duty, you can replace it the moment you get home.$8 at Amazon$9 at WalmartScreen and eye protectionZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ZAGG makes some of the best Galaxy...

The days of sacrificing great service in search of affordability are officially over. Powered by Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks, Visible puts you on the nation's best network with its singular plan that offers unlimited data, talk, and text for $40 per month all-in — taxes and fees included. There's no annual contract and a variety of excellent deals available for new members or those looking to purchase a new phone.Best Visible DealsBest Visible Android dealsBest Visible iPhone dealsBest Visible plan dealsMore about VisibleVisible's Party PayVisible's $40-per-month Unlimited plan is a great deal, but you can drop its price as low as $25/month when you invite friends and family to join Visible! The Party Pay feature lets everyone score the discount while keeping accounts separate and private. Plus, you'll score a month for only $5 every time a new person you've referred joins Visible!Join at VisibleWith Visible's Party Pay feature, you can drop the monthl...

Look no further, for we have the definitive listing of the best Amazon Fire tablets to help you make your purchase decision. Can you believe that Fire tablets have been around for almost a decade? When the original Kindle Fire was released way back in 2011, many thought Amazon was onto something with a low-cost, easy-to-use tablet experience. You know what? They were right! Today, there are no fewer than six Fire tablet devices on offer from Amazon if you count the Kids Editions. Out of them all, we think the Fire HD 8 (2020) is the best overall value thanks to its size, improved processor, charging, storage capabilities, and ability to hit an affordable price point still. Here is a list of some of the best Fire tablets out on the market right now.Best overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020)The Fire HD 8 sits in between the Fire 7 and Fire HD 10 in more ways than one. It's roughly in the middle of the two sizes, of course, but it's also priced in the middle. Those t...

Companies like Sephora, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Abercrombie & Fitch will be part of the program.What you need to knowFacebook is hosting Live Shopping Fridays for three months.The social media giant is partnering with big name brands like Sephora and Abercrombie & Fitch for the shows.Users will be able to shop featured products during the show directly from the live video.Facebook is introducing Live Shopping Fridays, in which the company is partnering with specific brands like Sephora and Abercrombie & Fitch to give users a live shopping experience, the company said in a blog post.The experience will run through July 16, and companies will have live shoppable videos for shoppers to discover new products and ask questions about size, fit, and tips in real time, Facebook said.Users will be able to shop directly from Facebook's Shops, the e-commerce tool that was launched a year ago to allow business owners to set up an online store on both Facebook and Ins...

Best Answer: Yes. If you own a Fire TV device that's 2nd Gen or newer, you may want to consider investing in the new Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen).What's new about the Amazon Voice Remote (3rd Gen)?The latest version of Amazon's Alexa Voice Remote retails for $30 and looks nearly identical to the brand's 1st- and 2nd-generation voice remotes — with a few exceptions.Like the older versions, the new Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) features a circular navigation pad for easy browsing on the Fire TV interface. At the same time, the Home, Back, Menu, and Playback controls are situated directly below. Also, like its predecessors, the 3rd Gen version features dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons that are used to control compatible TVs, soundbars, and receivers, which eliminates the need for extra remotes.The 3rd Gen version takes things to the next level with the addition of specific buttons for Amazon's own Prime Video service, as well as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.Also notewo...

The Phone app comes default on most Android phones.What you need to knowGoogle is enabling an advanced caller ID in the Google Phone app.It'll now read the contact name and phone number out if you choose the option.It's now available on the Google Phone app for most users.Google's Phone app is picking up a nifty little feature for people who receive a lot of phone calls. Starting this week, (spotted via XDA) it'll be able to read out the Caller ID and phone number of incoming callers once configured correctly.You'll need to go into the Phone app settings. If you see "Caller ID announcement", you've gotten the new update (otherwise, head to the Play Store and update the app). Tap on the setting, and you'll have the option to choose between "Always", "Only when using a headset", and "Never". Each option will do what it says on the tin.It's a feature that's very dependent on the kind of person you are. If you get a lot of calls, Caller ID announcements might be useful fo...