Latest from Android Central

Early signs point to Google's foldable being a minor member of its lineup — but don't be fooled by a delayed launch and limited rollout.While details of the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have leaked extensively in recent months, we're still pretty much in the dark when it comes to the most ambitious Pixel phone to date — the rumored Google Pixel Fold.Compared to the torrent of CAD renders and spec details published for Google's upcoming flat flagships, the foldable remains something of a mystery. Reliable leakers have confirmed that it exists, and we have a Japanese model number to back that up. This past week, we learned that it will use Samsung's ultra-thin glass — not too much of a surprise considering the best foldable phones of this year are expected to use that same tech. But the most interesting Pixel Fold nugget to present itself recently was the news that its 7.6-inch internal display will begin manufacturing in October. Given the usual launch period for new Pixel...

PRIDE is for everyone because we're all just people.June is Pride Month, which is a time of year when individuals, groups, organizations, and companies large and small join in celebrating the wonderful diversity of identities, romantic and sexual preferences (or lack thereof), and gender expression that are an important part of our global human family.I'm sure that you've seen Pride Month support manifests itself in a variety of ways, from an increase in rainbow-themed merchandise at stores to the colorful logos sported by all manner of businesses. Just take a look at your favorite company's website or social media profiles right now, and the chances are that you'll see a rainbowed version of their regular company logo for the next few weeks (the LinkedIn one, in particular, is really well-done in my opinion).This "rainbow washing" has been going on during the entirety of June for quite a while now, but we have seen it expand more in recent years. In general, this spotlighting ...

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is down to $29.99 through Lowe's today. This is unusual because Lowe's isn't exactly the place to go for electronics deals. Still, it's a great price and saves you at least $20 off what it's going for at other retailers. The clock is still $50 at Best Buy, Walmart and others. And it can sell as high as $80 on a bad day. The drop to $30 is one of the best we've ever seen.We reviewed the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Ara Wagoner said, "This little clock may not be mighty of sound, but the functionality of the dedicated alarm menu and the voice-controlled nightlight help it earn that coveted spot on your nightstand."The Smart Clock is not going to revolutionize your life, but it might make waking up a lot more convenient. It has a 4-inch display with large, easy-to-read LED lights that tell you the time. The lights are dimmable, and there's a built-in night light that has three brightness levels as well. The night light s...

Cover all the audio basics with just one speaker: listen to music, control your smart home, and stream from multiple devices! The Marshall Stanmore II Bluetooth speaker is down to $249.99 at Amazon. While this speaker normally sells for $400, today's deal is the lowest price of the year. We have seen it go this low a couple of times, but if you missed out on those previous deals now is your chance to save $150 on a great device. Previous deals included the Bluetooth-only version, but that speaker is actually $350 at the moment so you're saving even more and getting Alexa built in.This isn't exactly a part of Amazon's early Prime Day deals, but the savings do seem to be coming at a pretty convenient time. Amazon has already been launching Prime Day savings way ahead of the big event, so if Marshall's deal doesn't work for you check out the other big ways you can save right now.You'll get a great low latency connection with low power consumption and no interuptions thanks to the Bl...

The vacant WBO interim junior lightweight world title is on the line tonight and we have all the details on how you can watch Shakur Stevenson and Jeremiah Nakathila duke it out at The Theater in Las Vegas on TV or online.At just 23-years-old, American boxer Shakur "Fearless" Stevenson has already made a name for himself as he's currently undefeated with a 15-0 record with eight knockouts. During his last match back in December of last year, the former WBO featherweight world champion went for 10 rounds against Toka Kahn Clary before being declared the victor by unanimous decision.Meanwhile, 31-year-old Namibian boxer Jeremiah "Low Key" Nakathila has a fight record of 21-1 with 17 knockouts under his belt. During his last fight also in December of last year, Nakathila defeated Emmanuel Amos by total knockout in round two. Tonight's fight will also be Nakathila's United States debut.Elsewhere on Top Rank's Main Card for the evening, Jose Pedraza will face off against Julian Rodr...

More games than you can shake a motion-tracked controller at.It may not officially be Summer just yet, but E3 2021 is already bringing the heat with tons of new VR games coming for the Oculus Quest 2 and PSVR platforms. The annual Upload VR Showcase debuted several new games, including some new PC VR games that could make their way to the PSVR 2 when it releases in the next year or so. But let's not get ahead of ourselves too much and, instead, enjoy this huge showcase and all the new VR games this year will bring! You can find the show in its entirety at the video below, as well as a collection of every VR game announced at E3 2021 below that!FrackedPSVR, Summer 2021Developer nDreams' latest VR title, Fracked, feels like the polar opposite of their previous game, Phantom: Covert Ops. While Phantom had players sitting in a kayak the entire time, going to stealth route, Fracked sees players running, skiing, jumping, and parkouring through a snowy landscape, shooting an...

Stadia has one big fan.Saturday's Ubisoft Forward, the first huge event to kick off E3 2021, showed off a bunch of what the big studio has been working on. We saw footage from the upcoming Rainbow Six Extraction, got new information on Far Cry 6, and finally got our first look from the upcoming Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.However, more interestingly is the secondary plot thread that weaved throughout the presentation. Ubisoft is dedicated to cloud gaming, specifically Stadia and Amazon Luna, and that was reflected in numerous announcements.For example, Rainbow Six Siege, the online co-op success that was released all the way back in 2015, is finally getting crossplay and cross-progression. It's not coming to all platforms just yet, but will hit PC, Stadia, and Luna on June 30. Elsewhere, Stadia was listed as one of the platforms for the new Avatar game, as well as for Just Dance 2022, a franchise that's been on every other major platform besides PC historically.In fact, it...

The UFC is heading to Arizona this weekend where not one but two championship rematches will be held at the Gila River Arena and we have all the details on how you can watch Adesanya vs Vettori 2 and Figueriedo vs Moreno 2 at UFC 263 on TV or online.Marvin "The Italian Dream" Vettori hopes to make history tonight by becoming the first UFC champion from Italy. However, in order to do so he'll have to defeat Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya in a middleweight championship rematch.The last time these two fighters met in the ring was in April of 2018 at a UFC Fight Night where Adesanya won by split decision in round three. During his last fight at UFC 259 back in march, Adesanya was defeated by Jan Blachowicz in round five by unanimous decision. Vettori on the other hand has won his last two matches by decision against Jack Hermansson in December of last year and more recently against Kevin Holland in April. Will Vettori be able to dethrone Adesanya and rise further in the UFC's...

A Quick Response code, more commonly known as a QR code, is a fast and easy way to share different types of information by scanning the code with a device. Your Android phone can get so much functionality out of this feature. You can share your WiFi password with others, or share your Google Pay QR code with friends and family to transfer funds easily. Google added the ability to scan QR codes through Google Lens from Android 8 onwards, so you no longer need third-party apps to read such codes with your Android phone.How to read a QR code with your Android phone's cameraTo scan a QR code with your Android phone, you need to locate and open up Google Lens. If you've got Android 8, 9, or 10, it can be found within the Google Assistant. However, if you've got Android 11, it will be situated in the Google search bar on the home screen or in the Google app. Some phones also have it inside the camera app, but not all of them.Find the Google Lens logo in the Google Assistant, or the ...

Ember Lab hopes to surprise everyone with a charming adventure this summer.Kena: Bridge of Spirits caught everyone's eye last year when it was unveiled at PlayStation Future of Gaming event alongside the PS5. After missing out on its initial 2020 launch window, developer Ember Lab confirmed that the game was set to release on Aug. 24, 2021. Ahead of its launch, I got to take part in a hands-on preview of the game for an hour, getting to explore the world and seeing what it has to offer players this summer. Kena draws inspiration from beloved franchises like God of War and Pikmin.As I set out on my adventure, it's clear that Kena draws inspiration from beloved franchises like God of War and Pikmin. The God of War comparison may seem strange given Kena's charming animated look, but it's apt once you get a feel for the gameplay. I'm tasked with helping a pair of siblings defeat a corruption that's plaguing the land and harming the spirit of their brother Taro. Kena has access t...

Samsung's Galaxy-brain play: leaving Tizen behind for Wear OS.The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, one of the best Android smartwatches, may have only just launched in November 2020, but the latest rumors out of South Korea suggest the company may already be developing its replacement — with some big changes and upgrades in the works meant to topple Apple from its smartwatch throne.There's no confirmation whether Samsung's 2021 smartwatch will be named the "Galaxy Watch 4" or adopt a new name entirely. However, we know that this new watch will run the new version of Wear OS, which would have a big impact on app support and Android phone connectivity. It could also feature a newer-faster chipset, which could put it leagues ahead of the best Wear OS watches.Details are fairly scarce so far, but we've scrounged up every known leak about specs, design leaks, and pricing, along with everything else we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.Samsung's best — so farSamsung Galaxy ...

There are dozen of pride flags, and you can build a unique theme around any one of them.We are in the middle of Pride Month, and while every major brand fills its digital stores with rainbow merchandise and T-shirts this month, finding ways to show off your particular identity can be a challenge, especially for lesser-known identities. I'm asexual — it means I don't experience sexual attraction to others — and while I've found a few ace shirts to wear during pride and the rest of the year, it's very rare to find any mainstream merch to help rep my pride.That's okay, though, because I love Android theming, too, and I can use that know-how to build a boss home screen that's filled to the brim with pride. All I need is a handful of apps — most of which are free — and the hex colors for my flag. Here's how to build a pride month theme for your own pride and your own Android phone.Building Pride Month Themes:Finding your hex colorsTapet custom wallpapersIcon Pack Stud...

More and more social platforms are adopting pronoun fields.June is Pride Month which is all about celebrating diversity and inclusiveness. One way to accomplish this is by acknowledging and respecting each other's gender pronouns and how others choose to identify. While there's no shortage of companies who participate in "rainbow washing," some companies have actually gone the extra step to include more permanent ways to show support for individual identity by including prominent gender pronouns on user profiles.Last month, Instagram introduced a pronoun field that shows up right next to a person's username. There's even an option to allow only followers to see one's personal pronouns. The feature launched in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia, with "plans for more," and it only appears on the mobile app available on the best Android phones, but not the website. We can walk you through how to add your personal pronouns to your Instagram profile.Right after, Twitter told An...

Light on its feetOculus Quest 2$300 at GameStopProsCheapChordlessNo setupVersatileConsUncomfortable in extended play sessionsForced Facebook integrationThe Oculus Quest 2 brings a few quality of life improvements and resolution upgrades to Facebook's revolutionary take on VR that blends the chordless user experience of mobile VR with nearly PC-caliber experiences. That said, it doesn't shake things up quite the same way that the original Quest did.Heavy-HitterValve Index$1,480 at AmazonProsBest premium headset on the marketBuilt for high-performanceHigh-quality controllersConsExpensiveFinicky setupBad for first-timersRequires a gaming PCThe Index is the benchmark for premium VR gaming. Not only is it built to seamlessly work with Valve's PC gaming platform, Steam, but it also boasts the best hardware in its class. While Valve's other hardware has consistently missed the mark, the Index is a clear hit.The Oculus Quest and ...

Google Stadia allows players to stream games to their desktop computers, televisions, and mobile devices without needing a dedicated console or box to stream from. The service uses the cloud to beam the games directly to your device, but an internet connection or mobile data is required. Since it works on various hardware, there are multiple resolution options to make the game look as best as possible depending on the connection speed. Here is how to get the best streaming quality on Google Stadia.How to get the best streaming quality on Google StadiaGo to the Stadia home page while signing into the respective Google account.Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the page.Select Stadia settings.From the list on the left side, select Performance.Click on the dropdown menu under Resolution to see all the available quality options.Select the highest quality option at Up to 4K for Stadia Pro subscribers or Up to 1080p for standard users.While 4K and 1080p ...

When it comes to the web browser on your phone, security is the first and most important consideration. But it's still possible to safely incorporate browser extensions for Chrome.Almost everybody uses Google Chrome for their web browser. Yeah, I know plenty of people who don't, and I have used different browsers from time to time myself, but the point still stands: Chrome is the world's leading browser across both desktop and mobile, which makes it the best Android web browser.The biggest reason for this is that it's installed by default. If you decide you want to buy the very best Android phone, you set it up and see a Chrome icon front and center. You know immediately that the little multicolored ball is for browsing the web. But Chrome is also a decent web browser in its own right and has a good set of features and some of the best experts in the industry keeping the data you store inside the app secure. (Remember, there is a difference between security and privacy, so don't ...

Samsung kicked off 2021 with a bang.There are some things in the mobile tech space that are constant every single year, one of which is that we get a new Samsung Galaxy S release pretty early on. That was no different for 2021, but Samsung gave us the Samsung Galaxy S21 in January rather than making us wait until March or April. This year's flagship series brings a mix of expected and drastic changes compared to last year's S20 family, including things like spec upgrades, a refreshed design, and all-new camera tech.Whether you're in the market for a price-conscious flagship or something that goes all-out, the S21 series has something for you, and we're here to help you find out everything you need to know before you buy one for yourself — or buy them for the whole family.Killer flagshipSamsung Galaxy S21From $800 at SamsungFrom $800 at AmazonFrom $800 at Best BuyMore phone, less moneyFor a lot of shoppers, the baseline Galaxy S21 will be the go-to choice over th...

Google is trying to strike the right balance between privacy and money.What you need to knowGoogle has provided a set of proposals for the development of its Privacy Sandbox initiative.The company will work with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on a more open, collaborative approach to the Privacy Sandbox.The commitments are the result of an investigation into the initiative back in January.Google and UK regulators have announced a set of proposed commitments that will help to shape the search giant's Privacy Sandbox initiative.The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have stated that the purpose of these commitments is to "ensure that the design, development, and implementation of the Privacy Sandbox Proposals does not lead to a distortion of competition in the digital advertising markets."With input from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the CMA will oversee the development and implementation of Google's privacy initiative. The agenc...

The next Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Z Fold could be announced in late July or early August.What you need to knowRelease dates for the next Galaxy devices have reportedly been unveiled.The Galaxy Watch 4 is said to ship on August 11, and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will arrive towards the end of August.Samsung is expected to show off more about the new Wear OS later this month.The rumored Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has been tipped to arrive on August 11, according to known leaker Jon Prosser. He states that Samsung's upcoming foldables are expected later that same month.Prosser says the dates he received from his sources indicate when the device will ship, not the announcement date. That goes for the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, which will reportedly ship on August 27.Samsung is expected to announce its next lineup of Galaxy devices at an Unpacked event later this year. This could also include the rumored Galaxy Buds 2 that have recently been spotted. With no re...

At this point, Bluetooth wireless headphones have become ubiquitous, coming in a variety of styles and feature sets to support great sound. There are many great options, and chief among them are the Sony WH-1000XM4 at the top of our best wireless headphones. Their sound quality is great. They have industry-leading active noise cancelation (ANC), long battery life, and fit comfortably for long-term use.Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM4There aren't many flaws to point out with the WH-1000XM4, which was in the same spot before. One of the biggest reasons is the ANC performance, which gets an upgrade here courtesy of Sony's QN1 processor and a dual noise sensor that does the work of blocking out the background. Commuting on a bus, train, or plane won't be a problem while wearing these. Sony's pedigree in this area shows itself with true wireless earbuds, too.Sony chose not to change anything about the sound signature, preserving the same bass-heavy balance that sometimes drowns out t...

These new antitrust laws could mean drastic changes to how Big Tech operates.What you need to knowU.S. House lawmakers introduced several new bills that target companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon.The new bills could weaken the dominance of Big Tech and make it harder to purchase other companies or engage in mergers.The legislation aims to hold "unregulated Big Tech monopolies accountable for anti-competitive conduct."U.S. lawmakers have introduced five new draft bills that take aim at the biggest names in tech, particularly Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google. The bills seek to weaken these companies' economic grip in the world.Rep. David N. Cicilline introduced the new antitrust legislation, saying the goal is to level the playing field between the largest companies and everyone else. "Right now, unregulated tech monopolies have too much power over our economy. They are in a unique position to pick winners and losers, destroy small businesses, raise prices...

A mere 365 days after it was originally due to start, the best teams and players in Europe are finally set to collide in European football's showpiece tournament.Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of every Euro 2020 match no matter where you are in the world with our guide below.Set to take place across eleven different cities spanning the continent, 24 teams are set to battle it out over 51 games during the month-long tournament.A Ronaldo-led Portugal were winners in the last edition of the competition five years ago, but Gareth Southgate's young England side are the outright favourites with the bookies this time out.Boasting the likes of Kylian Mbappé and N'Golo Kanté, Didier Deschamps' France are many pundits pick to lift the trophy on July 11, while Belgium golden generation of stars including Kevin De Buyne will be hoping to finally live up to the expectations surrounding their talented squad.Read on for your full guide to watching Euro 2020 online,...

BigBox joins the big boys.What you need to knowFacebook has entered an agreement to acquire Population: One developer BigBox VR.As with previous Oculus Studios acquisitions, Population: One will continue to be developed for all platforms.Facebook says that BigBox VR will have access to additional resources to aid with the development of Population: One and future titles.After an incredibly successful launch and two seasons' worth of content under their belts, BigBox VR looks to have even greater plans for the future of Population: One, as it has just been acquired by Facebook and will join Oculus Studios. This move further strengthens Facebook's first-party VR development houses, all uniting under the Oculus Studios banner, as BigBox VR joins the ranks of the developers of Onward, Asgard's Wrath's Sanzaru Games, Lone Echo developers Ready at Dawn.As with previous acquisitions, Facebook specifically states that Population: One will continue to be developed for all platform...

Your phone may or may not be dirtier than a toilet seat right now, but luckily you can fix that with the best phone sanitizer. After all, our phones pick up a whole heap of bacteria, germs, and other nastiness when we set them down throughout our days. Cleaning our phones is paramount. While ultraviolet phone sanitizers can cost a pretty penny, they're 100% worth the investment if they can keep you from getting sick, now more than ever.Best by a landslidePhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer and Dual Universal Cell Phone ChargerStaff Pick$80 at Amazon - $80 at Best Buy - $80 at TargetPhoneSoap is one of the originals and is still one of the most trusted ultraviolet phone sanitizers around. Reliability and excellent build quality are part of why we love PhoneSoap's products.Flip and repeatHoMedics UV Clean Phone Sanitizer, UV Light SanitizerFrom $21 at Amazon - $80 at Best Buy - $28 at WalmartThis sanitizer keeps a slim, travel-friendly profile by being collaps...

Google is switching up from updates every six weeks to updates every month from Q4 2021.What you need to knowGoogle will update Chromebooks monthly after Chrome OS 96 lands in October.Chrome OS 95 will be skipped as a result of this while Google tries to realign Chrome browser and Chrome OS.Google will also introduce a new channel aimed at Chromebook owners in education and business, allowing users to stay on one Chrome OS version for six months. Chromebook updates are getting much faster as Google switches up the cadence of its release schedule to match the Chrome browser. From Q4 2021 (so around October), Google will start updating Chrome OS on a monthly basis. This switch will happen with the Chrome OS 96 release, scheduled for November.Writing on the Chromium blog, Marina Kazatcker, Chrome OS Release TPM Lead, said To deliver new features more rapidly to consumers while also continuing to prioritize the key pillars of Chrome OS – security, stability, speed, and ...

Enjoy the rush of competition from the comfort of your living room.The PS4 has an immense catalog of great games that let you relax, visit a new world, or hang out with friends online. That includes a vast number of sports games catering to fans and competitors of every type. So whether you want to put together a dream team featuring your favorite professional athletes or play a wild, futuristic sport that will test your reflexes and situational awareness, there's a game for that. We've put together a guide to some of the best PS4 sports games available now so you can enjoy all the thrills.Jump to:Rocket LeagueFutureGrindBOXVReFootball Pro Evolution Soccer 2020Everybody's GolfMadden NFL 21F1 2020NBA 2K21OlliOlli: Epic Combo EditionTony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2Rocket LeagueWhy play soccer with people when you can do it with customized Battle-Cars? Face your friends in the arena through local multiplayer and online play that lets you share games with people ...

Two more chapters to tide you over.It's been a little over a year since Final Fantasy 7 Remake finally launched on the PS4, and after nearly two decades of rumors, it was well worth the wait. Now, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, the version of Remake for the PS5, is here (if you're still trying to get your hands on one of these consoles, check out our PS5 restocks guide), promising to take full advantage of the powerful performance of the new console while providing some bonus content. Not only do we get an upgraded game for next-gen consoles, but we get the INTERmission DLC, which features a previously under-utilized character.Final Fantasy 7 Remake completely floored us, but will Intergrade continue to impress? Read ahead to find out.Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade:What you'll loveWhat's not so greatShould you play?Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade ...

As high-end phones get more expensive, awesome budget Android phones are getting better. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy, and with our buyer's guide, you'll find the perfect phone for you.And if you're phone shopping for Prime Day on June 21 and 22, we're rounding up the best Prime Day Android phone deals for you.What are the best cheap Android phones?Last year was tremendous for Android phones in the budget space, and as we make our way through 2021, we expect more of the same. You're seeing features like multiple cameras, faster processors, and 5G hit price points that would have been unheard of just a couple of years ago. Even though it pushes the limits of what a "budget" device is, we recommend the Google Pixel 4a as the best cheap Android phone because it hits the right balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, with a clean build of Android that you're sure to love. Indeed, the Pixel 4a's camera is nearly identica...

Philips Hue smart lights are some of the coolest on the market, and they're definitely some of the most popular, but they can be quite expensive, especially once you get into colored bulbs. So if you're looking for a less expensive option, or just something other than what's popular (maybe something without a hub?), then check out these other best Philips Hue alternatives.Best alternativePhilips WiZ Connected A19 BulbStaff PickYou might be surprised to know that Philips Hue isn't the only smart bulb brand from the company. Philips WiZ Connected bulbs require no hub, unlike Hue bulbs, connecting directly to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth via the WiZ app. Despite being less expensive, these bulbs aren't any less capable. They can be dimmed and color-tuned to your liking. These bulbs shine in millions of colors thanks to the powerful WiZ Connected app and support your favorite virtual assistant.$36 at Amazon (3-pack white-only) $14 at Best Buy $28 at Best Buy (2-Pack white and color)A...

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 may be more than a couple of years old now, but if you're still holding on to one, the best Galaxy Note 9 cases will protect your still-stylish Samsung phone from wear and tear as it ages. Whether you need a simple, clear case or something a bit more elaborate and fun, we've rounded up all the best choices for your favorite pocket computer!Slim and ruggedSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickFor those who don't want to sacrifice pocket space for protection, Spigen's Rugged Armor case is a great option. This sleek, one-piece case is rugged with carbon fiber accents that look great on all phones, especially big phones like the Note 9. It's made of rugged TPU material and features a matte finish.$12 at AmazonMost ruggedSupcase Unicorn Beetle ProThe Unicorn Beetle Pro is a case you can trust no matter which phone it's protecting. This rugged-style case is designed to keep your phone well protected all around, thanks to a built-in screen protector for ...

There's no word yet on when the first Xiaomi phone with 200W charging will launch.What you need to knowXiaomi's 200W 'HyperCharge' reduces a phone's battery capacity to 80% after 800 charging and discharging cycles.The industry-leading fast charging solution was announced last month.OPPO's 125W Flash Charge and other rival fast-charging solutions also have a similar impact on long-term battery health after 800 charging cycles. Xiaomi's 200W 'HyperCharge' fast charging technology was showcased last month, making it possible for a 4,000mAh battery to be fully charged in just 8 minutes. While there's no doubt that the technology is awe-inspiring, there are concerns about its long-term impact on battery health.In a Q&A posted on its Weibo page, Xiaomi today answered some of the questions regarding battery degradation with its 200W charging solution (via Android Authority). According to the company, a battery could lose around 20% of its capacity after 800 charging and dis...

Whether you're making an all-day road trip or just your normal half-hour commute, the car is the perfect place to top off your shiny, new Android phone. After all, your phone should be stationary in a car mount for Android Auto or stowed away, so you're not tempted to use it while driving. Car chargers come in many styles and shapes, but with the advent of USB-C Power Delivery charging, we now have a widely used standard that can be used for charging a phone or even laptops off the same port. Here are the best car chargers to replenish your battery on the road.Futureproof chargingAnker 49.5W PowerDrive Speed+ 2 Car AdapterStaff PickThis charger features a 30W USB-C Power Delivery port that can charge your Chromebook decently or charge most phones at top speed and a USB-A port to charge older phones and accessories. Anker's build quality also means this charger might outlive your car.$35 at Best BuyGo wirelessiOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2Who wants to plug in and...

You'll need a literal warehouse in order to take advantage, though.What you need to knowOculus Quest and Quest 2 update v30 could introduce a new, expanded Guardian play space.This place space would max out at 15 meters per side, or 49ft long.Upcoming games like Space Pirate Arena should be able to take full advantage of the new, larger play spaces.The Oculus Guardian looks to be getting a big upgrade with Oculus Quest update v30, as noted by UploadVR. The Oculus Quest will soon be able to create those virtual Guardian boundaries up to 15 meters in length; that's 49ft long for Americans like myself who aren't used to metric sizing. We're confirming the math with Facebook but, if the measurements are in the same proportion, this means the new maximum diagonal size of the Oculus Guardian would be 11.25 meters or nearly 37ft. That's a substantial upgrade from the current maximum diagonal size, which rests at 7.5 meters or 24.6ft.Oculus updated the Guardian around this time l...

Here's my weblink, so call me maybe?What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they were excited by Apple's announcement that it will make its popular FaceTime video chat service available to Android users.Nearly half of respondents said flat out that they didn't care.Almost as many were lukewarm about the announcement, while nearly a quarter of respondents said they were actually excited by the news.On Monday, Apple kicked off its WWDC conference with a two-hour keynote presentation filled with new announcements about its latest software releases. One of the biggest pieces of news for iOS was the announcement that the company would be making its popular FaceTime video calling service available to Android and Windows users via web links. Since communicating with our iPhone-toting friends and family can sometimes be a challenge, we wanted to hear from the Android community whether or not they were excited by these developments.Over 42% of respondents said that they were ...

Amass your insect horde and prepare your troops for battle in this tiny but mighty resource management game.I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but it's still somewhat rare that I encounter a game that instantly makes me feel like I'm way out of my depth. And yet here I stand with The Ants: Underground Kingdom, trying to build up an ant colony and feeling like an absolute newb in the process.The Ants is a strategy and resource management game where you're appointed as the ruler of your own tiny kingdom, which you need to build and expand as far as you can to obtain insect dominance. The depth to this unique title and its great production value make this an easy contender for our best Android games.Your colony revolves around your queen, of course, and you need to mobilize workers and soldiers to your advantage. The game's tutorial does a decent job of holding your hand through the first few chapters to ensure you get the gameplay before eventually setting you loose on your...

Could more UI customization options be on the way?What you need to knowGoogle Chrome Canary v93.0.4536.2 adds a customizable shortcut button to the address bar.Once you enable the toolbar shortcut, Chrome will automatically add a new button between the address bar and the tab switcher, based on your usage. You can access the new toolbar options by heading over to Settings > Advanced > Toolbar shortcut. Google recently rolled out Chrome 92 beta for Android with quick access to Google Lens in the address bar, an improved video conferencing experience, a new file handling API, and a few UI tweaks. As part of random A/B tests, Google also rolled out a new button between the address bar and the tab switcher to a small number of users – a 'New tab' shortcut for some, and a 'Share' shortcut for others.Google has now introduced a 'Toolbar shortcut' option for users with Chrome Canary 93, giving users the ability to customize the new button (via Android Police). If you ha...

You may know that there are three smart screen devices currently being sold by Amazon, but do you know which is the best Amazon Echo Show? With so many showy Echo devices, which one should you get? We'll talk you through each option to help you decide which is right for your home, although right now, we recommend the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) above the others because of its perfectly accommodating size.Best Amazon Echo Show overall: Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) sits right in the middle of the Echo Show line. As such, it takes some of the best features from the high to low ends. For example, it's in-between the smaller size of the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) and the arguably unwieldy size of the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen). It improves upon the smaller Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) sound quality with double the number of speakers (two 2-inch speakers at 10W per channel vs. one 1.7-inch speaker at 4W per channel). Plus, it has the same 1280x800 display as the larger Echo Show 10 (3rd ...

Gallium nitride picks up where silicon ends — it's stronger, runs cooler, and is finally cost-effective enough to end up in cheap devices like wall chargers.Like most everyone else I have a pile of random phone chargers that sits mostly unused. I've recycled all the horrid low-power ones that used to be good enough to charge a phone and kept the best USB-C chargers, but still have more than I'll ever need. I even have a good many that support USB-C Power Delivery so I really don't care that phone makers pretend to care about the environment and don't include one in the box.I also rarely use any of them, because I have one that's a lot better in every way. You see it in the photo above, where it looks like just another charger, but it's actually a 100-watt Aukey USB Type C gallium nitride charger. It's a little bigger than the crummy charger that used to come with every phone, but it's also powerful enough to charge two laptops at the same time and barely gets warm to the touch....

Moto G Stylus 5GFor versatility$400 at MotorolaProsSuperior screen5G connectivityHigher-end specsConsTwice the priceBarely-changed designThe Moto G Stylus 5G brings a large display with a sharp enough resolution to see what you're doing clearly, which will come in handy if you're going to make use of the built-in stylus regularly. Its 5G connectivity, large battery, and Android 11 operating system make it a bit more prepared to last for a few years, but it comes with a major price uplift.Moto G Power (2021)For affordability$200 at MotorolaProsAffordable priceLarge batteryBig screenConsDowngraded displayWeaker performanceThe Moto G Power (2021) is a simple phone that may hint at complexity with its three cameras, but its main selling points should really be its large display and large battery. It doesn't have high-end performance, and its display isn't super sharp, but it will likely do the job for more casual smartphone use....

Thank you, Kustom themers, you da real MVP.Android 12 is in beta right now, if you have one of the supported phones, but even on the beta, there's not much of the new Material You theming to be found so far. You can set accent colors, but the only updated widget we've seen so far is Conversations, which doesn't really work yet.That's okay, though. Hundreds of Android themers saw the Material You demo during Google I/O and immediately set to work. In theming communities like r/androidthemes and r/kustom, there's been a flurry of KWGT preset packs shared over the last month. I've tried several of these packs, and these are the three you'll have the best theming experience with. Because they're third-party, you can use them with every Android launcher and almost every modern Android phone.Please keep in mind that in order to use KWGT packs, you need to either pay for KWGT Pro or be a Google Play Pass subscriber, and you need the main KWGT app installed before you can add any of th...

Pick a game for your kids to play on their Android devices.Xbox Game Pass has so many games that one person will probably not be able to play them all in one lifetime. It has games for Android gamers, console gamers, RPG fans, FPS enthusiasts, casual gamers, and just about everything in between.It's not just the adult gamers who can get something out of a Game Pass subscription. There are plenty of games on Game Pass that are appropriate for younger players as well. Several of them have touch controls, though there are several that require the use of a controller. Luckily, there are several controllers that work well with Game Pass on Android.These are the games we recommend for parents who want to let their kids play on Game Pass.Jump to:Banjo-KazooieSlime RancherDisneyland AdventuresRush: A DisneyPixar AdventureOvercooked 2Ori & the Blind ForestPHOGS!Viva PiñataNew Super Lucky's TaleYooka-Laylee and the Impossible LairBanjo-KazooieThis game and i...

Samsung's next big version update has an exciting design and loads of new features.One UI 3.0 — Samsung's custom interface for Android 11 — is here. With most of its 2020 phones now receiving the update, Samsung's well underway with its update process for the new software. The stable release has made its way to the Galaxy S20, Note 20, S10, Note 10, and dozens of other Samsung phones, and it landed on tablets as well.One UI 3.0 comes with exciting new features, subtle UI tweaks, and optimizations across the board. Here's what you need to know about the One UI 3.0 update, the list of eligible phones that are getting the stable update, and when you'll get the stable OTA update on your Galaxy phone. With the Galaxy S21 series offering One UI 3.1 out of the box, Samsung is making that particular build available to its older flagships, so let's see what One UI 3.1 brings to the table as well.The default choiceSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra$1,200 at Amazon$1,200 at Best Buy$1...

OxygenOS 11 brings a radical new visual layout and dozens of features.OnePlus made the switch to Android 11 last year with OxygenOS 11, introducing a new visual design and a slew of exciting new features. While OnePlus was content to offer a UI that mimicked vanilla Android in the past, that has changed with OxygenOS 11. There are distinct styling elements here, and the interface resembles Samsung's One UI quite a bit.In terms of features, we finally get Always-on Display. Although OnePlus phones have used AMOLED panels from the beginning, the company didn't offer an AOD mode — until now. There's also a simplified settings page, new system font with better readability, more customization options, new themes for Zen Mode, and a whole lot more.OxygenOS 11 is installed out of the box on the OnePlus 8T and the OnePlus 9 series, and the update has made its way to all of OnePlus' 2020 and 2019 phones, including the OnePlus 8 series, OnePlus 7 and 7T series, and the Nord. OnePlu...

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 second 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. If you need a quick look at what the interface looks and feels like right now, you should he...

The TicWatch Pro 3 GPS seems set to get the Wear OS update, but we have to wait and see.Update: A source close to Android Central stated that the Wear OS 3.0 update is not yet confirmed for the TicWatch Pro 3 at this time, but efforts are being made, and we should hopefully know more soon. The article has been updated to reflect the new information.What you need to knowAccording to a customer service representative, the TicWatch Pro 3 GPS will be receiving the new Wear OS in the future.There is no set date for the availability of the new wearable OS from Google and Samsung, but it's expected to launch this year.If true, this update would put Mobvoi into an elite category of manufacturers willing to update their smartwatch to the brand new OS.Ever since the new Wear OS was announced at Google I/O 2021 — a joint effort by Samsung and Google to make the ultimate smartwatch OS — a few things have remained a bit unclear. Which of the best Wear OS watches will be getting t...

Android 12 is already breaking records, and it's only in beta.What you need to knowGoogle VP of Engineering has stated that the Android 12 beta has been downloaded more than any other.The tweet comes just as the second beta becomes available on eligible devices.Android 12 beta 2 comes with several visual and privacy enhancements.Android 12 is currently in beta, but the platform update is already breaking records according to Google's VP of Engineering. Dave Burke stated on Twitter that the Android 12 beta was Google's "most downloaded/installed beta ever."Android 12's beta is by far our most downloaded/installed beta ever. Speaking of which, Beta 2 is available today: https://t.co/VR8CtXKWkZ— Dave Burke (@davey_burke) June 9, 2021The statement comes just as the second beta makes its way to some of the best Android phones. The new beta comes with a host of visual and privacy enhancements, such as the new Material You theming system and the Privacy Dashboard, features...

We're not sure where Sam met Snake, but he picked up a few tricks.What you need to knowHideo Kojima made an appearance at the Summer Game Fest, and dropped the teaser trailer for the Director's Cut of Death Stranding.Death Stranding Directors Cut is coming to PlayStation 5 "soon."The entire teaser trailer is one big Metal Gear Solid-inspired joke.An expanded version of Death Stranding is coming soon to PlayStation 5, as Hideo Kojima revealed during a first look at the Summer Game Fest. We don't know anything about it yet, other than that Kojima Productions is apparently not above poking fun at some of the auteur's previous creations, as the whole teaser trailer is basically one big joke at the expense of Metal Gear Solid.Kojima appeared during the Summer Game Fest during a pre-recorded interview with Geoff Keighley. Initially, he responded to Keighley's questions with only vague hints about his future projects, only to drop the trailer for the new release of Death Str...

When it comes to playing games via Xbox Game Pass, once known as Project xCloud, you'll need the best controllers for Android gaming. There are also many titles to choose from, so be sure to check out the best Game Pass games you can play on your phone. When it comes to audio, though, finding the best Bluetooth headset that takes your gaming to the next level can be tough. These are our picks for the best around.Best overallSteelSeries - Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming HeadsetStaff PickThe SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is one of the best choices when it comes to Bluetooth gaming headsets. While the price point is extremely high, it comes packed with features and has some of the best audio that a gaming headset can provide. The Arctis Pro Wireless even comes packaged with a wireless transmitter for those looking to transition from mobile gaming to a console or PC.$330 at Best BuyCancel out the noiseBL - Quantum 800 RGB Wireless DTS HeadphoneThe JBL Quantum 800 i...

Play all the Ubisoft games you could ever want for a monthly price.Game companies continue to seek ways to get their games in the hands of gamers, and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now are all the rage. Following that trend, Ubisoft has launched Ubisoft Plus, a subscription that opens up the company's substantial library of games for a monthly price.Ubisoft+ resembles EA Play more than it does the likes of Xbox Game Pass. It's a publisher-specific service, and gives you access only to Ubisoft games. However, given that it's attached to Google Stadia and Amazon Luna, you can not only have access to these games on cloud, but you can also play the games on PC without either of those services.Jump to:What is Ubisoft+?How much does it cost?What devices is it available on on?What games are available?Ubisoft+:Reward systemWhat is Ubisoft+?Originally called UPLAY+, Ubisoft+ is Ubisoft's dedicated game subscription service. For a monthly price, yo...

Screen-on time helps users better understand their phone usage habits.What you need to knowGoogle has confirmed that it will be bringing back screen-on time information with a future Android 12 build.The option to view your screen-on time since the last full charge was removed in the first Android 12 beta. You can still use a third-party app to check your screen time in Android 12 Beta 2. Google introduced a ton of new features with the first Android 12 beta last month — including Material You design tweaks and privacy enhancements. Weirdly, the first public Android 12 beta also removed the ability to view the "screen-on time" in the Battery section of the Settings app.On Android 11, users can view their phone's screen-on time by heading over to Settings > Battery > screen usage since full charge. The screen-on time could be accessed from the same section in the first two Android 12 Developer Preview builds as well. With the third Android 12 Developer Preview, how...