Latest from Android Central

If you're running an Android phone or tablet and want the anonymity, security, and geo-restriction freedom that a VPN can offer, you've come to the right place to find the best free Android VPN app for you.A virtual private network will allow you to keep your digital life more secure meaning your personal details are kept just that, private. This is great if you use open Wi-Fi like at coffee shops, airports, or hotels where you're potentially open to threats. It's also ideal for watching geo-restricted shows on Netflix when abroad.We recommend ProtonVPN for those looking at free VPN options, but you may also want to consider stepping up to a paid option like ExpressVPN. We've highlighted all the best VPN for Android options previously, but ExpressVPN gives you reliable service, fast speeds, and removes all the compromises you may have to make for a free option.Is a free Android VPN app right for me?A free VPN is appealing because it means that you have to pay nothing to use the...

Best answer: There's absolutely no reason to buy a PS4 Pro now. Wait until you find a PS5 in stock, then grab that and you'll be set for the future.Should I buy a PS5 or PS4 Pro in 2021?When you look at the details of what's on offer when you grab a PS5 vs a PS4 Pro, it quickly becomes an obvious choice to make. The PS4 Pro is just the upgraded version of the PS4, offering a 4.2 TFLOP graphics unit, allowing it to run PS4 games at a higher resolution. The PS4 Pro initially released at $400 but is now very difficult to find in stock, meaning refurbished units often run for $500.Meanwhile, the PS5 is Sony's latest generation of gaming console. Everything about the hardware is better, from the advanced ultra-fast SSD that makes loading games faster than ever, or the GPU and CPU technology that display that supports new features, with a long list of games with ray-tracing and PS5 titles with 120 FPS modes.You don't lose out on anything by going for the higher-end machine, as your...

What emotions lie in wait?What you need to knowA new Life is Strange was announced during Square Enix Presents.It stars an entirely new protagonist who has the power to absorb other people's emotions.Deck Nine, the developer behind Life is Strange: Before the Storm, is helming this project.Life is Strange: True Colors is set to release on September 10, 2021 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.The Ultimate Edition of True Colors will include Life is Strange Remastered, which includes the first game and Before the Storm.Update: We've adjusted the title and added information now that the announcement official.During today's Square Enix Presents, the company announced Life is Strange: True Colors, the next entry in the beloved franchise. The game's Twitter account has been teasing this announcement for a few days now, only revealing at the time that it'd feature a new cast, story, and power. Starring Alex Chen, who has the psychic power of Empathy, the ability t...

ValueXbox Series S$300 at AmazonProsXbox All Access is a great dealAffordable price and financing1440p/120FPSRay-tracing512GB solid-state driveConsLess powerful GPULess storageMicrosoft is taking an aggressive approach to next-gen with the Xbox Series S, offering a disc-less console that delivers the experience players expect at an extremely low price point. To make it even better, Xbox All Access should allows players to finance it with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.PowerPS5 Digital Edition$400 at AmazonProsPowerful GPU and CPUCapable of 4K gaming, up to 8K825GB solid-state driveRay-tracingConsMore expensiveSpecs could be seen as overkill compared to cheaper competitionNo option to finance with PS Now and PS PlusInstead of making a less powerful machine, Sony decided to go the disc-less route while keeping the same specs as the base PS5. This makes the PS5 Digital Edition much more powerful than the Xbox Series S, but it also ends ...

The event will be filled with announcements, news and surprises.What you need to knowGamescom Opening Night Live is returning on August 24, 2021.It'll be hosted by Geoff Keighley, creator and host of the Game Awards and Summer Game Fest.There'll be more details as summer approaches.In 2019, Game Awards creator and host Geoff Keighley kicked off a new Gamescom showcase called Gamescom Opening Night Live. This event returned as a digital showcase in 2020 as a result of the global pandemic. Now, Keighley has confirmed via Twitter that Gamescom Opening Night Live is returning on August 24, 2021, joining the list of video game events in 2021.It's official: I am returning to produce and host @gamescom Opening Night Live.We'll see you live on Tuesday, August 24 for a spectacular showcase event filled with video game announcements, news and surprises. More news later this summer! pic.twitter.com/yJMVDmW7nK— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) March 18, 2021More details are comi...

Though there used to be a free trial for Sling TV, right now Sling isn't offering a free trial. However, there are a few excellent deals that new subscribers can snag to lower the cost of becoming a member. Plus, the Sling Free section is still available to let you watch select on-demand content for free without even needing an account!Sign up at Sling TV nowSling TV is easily one of the best live TV streaming services out there right now. Not only is it affordable with plans starting at just $35 per month, but it includes many of the most popular cable channels and local broadcast channels as well. Whether you're a sports fan who can't live without ESPN or someone who's obsessed with HGTV and discovering new ways to reinvent spaces and furniture in your home, Sling TV has you covered.Though Sling has offered free trials of its service in the past, currently there is no free trial available at Sling. However, there are some great deals for new members to consider — one of whi...

Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the recently released Google Pixel 4a models. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package. Snagging a great deal on one isn't so tough either; we've gathered the best offers available right now and put them in a list just below. Then again, there are some excellent Pixel 5 deals to consider too if you'd rather purchase an upgraded model.Best Google Pixel 4a Deals Available NowPixel 4a 5G: as low as $5/monthPixel 4a: get one for free!Google Pixel 4a 5G | $5/month at VerizonThis 5G model of the Google Pixel 4a is now available at Verizon for as low as $5 per month! You'll just need to add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal. Another option at Verizon earns you up to $240 back with the device's purch...

If you are a huge fan of Pixar, Princesses, or live with a Disney junkie, Disney Plus (Disney+) is the streaming service for you. If you haven't had a chance to sign up yet, it's time to renew, or you're looking to give somebody the magical gift of Disney streaming, there's an easy way to do it, especially if you live near a Disney-run establishment. You can purchase 12-month subscription cards! If you have one or want to get one, we can help you use it so you can start streaming as soon as possible. Here's how to sign up for Disney Plus with a subscription card.Before you buy or redeemBefore you try to redeem your subscription card, here are a few things you should take note of. You can't redeem a subscription code if you already have an account. The only way to successfully redeem a subscription card is to be a new subscriber. If you already purchased a card, you can gift it to someone who doesn't have the service. Otherwise, you have to wait until your current subscription is ...

Keep up to date with what's new in the popular free-to-play title.Genshin Impact is getting a major content update on PS4 and PS5 with 1.4, which is adding new events, weapons, quests, and a character. The highly anticipated update is finally here so we'll run down everything that players can expect when they log in.The popular action RPG has taken the world by storm, quickly becoming one of the best games on PS5 and mobile. Developer miHoYo looks to add many more content updates in the future with new characters, regions, and quests. While most of the additions in 1.4 are permanent, like the four-star character Rosaria, the Windblume Festival is a limited time event that lasts from March 19 through April 5.Genshin Impact Update 1.4 New charactersJoining the ever-growing roster of Genshin Impact characters is Rosaria, the four-star Thorny Benevolence. Specializing in cryo attacks with a polearm, Rosaria is a sister of the church whose elemental skill and elemental burst dea...

Create your own gifs on the fly.What you need to knowGiphy today announced a new feature known as "Giphy Text".It's a cool little update to Giphy that animates text of yoiur choice, essentially creating custom gifs.It's coming first to Giphy's Chrome and Gmail extensions, and later to apps that use Giphy integration.Giphy is about to get a lot better at spicing up your conversations with spontaneity. Yes, it still has the ability to pull in your favorite gifs but a new feature, dubbed Giphy Text, is coming to users of the Giphy Chrome extension, as well as its Gmail one.Giphy Text allows you to generate animated fonts on the fly from messages you yourself input into the search bar. It's a bit dramatic and extra in effect, but the generated messages are also a bit more unique and tailored to your individual situations than what you'd normally get.Explaining the feature, the Giphy team said: We also designed a core set of text styles that would instantly add more th...

Haven't been able to secure a PS5 yet? You can try your luck at Amazon this week.What you need to knowAmazon should be restocking the PS5 this week with tens of thousands of consoles.We don't have an exact date or time for when this restock is set to take place, but it shouldn't be Monday, March 15.We'll keep you updated so that you can hopefully buy a PS5 as soon as it drops on Amazon.Update, March 18 (11:07 am ET): Stock should go live any minute now.Update, March 18 (10:03 am ET): According to TechRadar, Amazon should have the PS5 in-stock shortly after 10am ET on March 18.Update, March 16 (5:40 pm ET): TechRadar reports that Amazon should have the PS5 in-stock on Thursday, Match 18. They did not reveal an exact time as to deter scalpers and bots.You'll have plenty of chances to buy a PS5 this week from Amazon. TechRadar's Matt Swider, who's been diligently tracking PS5 stock and helped thousands get a hold of the elusive console, says that Amazon should be droppin...

When it comes to playing games via Microsoft's new beta service, once known as Project xCloud, you'll need the best phone for streaming. There are also a lot of titles to choose from, so be sure to check out the best Game Pass games you can play on your phone. But for controllers, there's plenty out there that will do the trick. These are our picks for the best around.Best Controller OverallRazer Kishi Mobile Game ControllerStaff PickThe premier option when it comes to true mobile gaming, the Razer Kishi turns your phone into a Switch-like machine. When not in use, it folds up small, perfect for shoving in a bag. It also has a USB-C passthrough so that you can charge your phone while you play. Overall, the quality is good with solid, clicky buttons and great ergonomics. This one is hard to beat.$77 at Amazon $100 at Microsoft $100 at Best BuyBest for retro gamersRunSnail 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Wireless Bluetooth ControllerGot a hankering for a retro-style controlle...

With a 1-1 draw in the away leg, today's hosts AC Milan hold a slight advantage going into today's match. Can the Serie A side hold on and progress to the quarter-finals or will Premier League titans Manchester United turn things around? Don't miss a moment with our AC Milan vs Man United live stream guide.In their last meeting, AC Milan nabbed what could be a crucial away goal in additional time in the dying embers of the game. Man United youngster Amad Diallo opened the scoring in the 50th minute and the Red Devils looked like they were going to secure the victory before Simon Kjaer's late equaliser.Since their last Europa League tie both sides have played once in the league, finding themselves on the opposite ends of 1-0 score lines. AC lost in the league to Napoli with Ante Rebić seeing red in injury time. That defeat allowed city rivals Inter Milan to widen the gap at the top of the Serie A table.In England, Manchester United notched a 1-0 win at home to West Ham United t...

The phone will also come with OnePlus' wired Warp Charge 65T tech.What you need to knowOnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 9 Pro will support 50W wireless charging.It will only take 43 minutes for the upcoming flagship to be fully charged from 1%. Both the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro will also support 65W wired charging speeds.Earlier this week, a rumor claimed that the upcoming OnePlus 9 Pro will support 50W wireless charging, a significant upgrade over the 30W wireless charging supported by the OnePlus 8 Pro.OnePlus has now officially confirmed that the OnePlus 9 Pro will indeed support much faster wireless charging speeds than the best Android phones on the market right now. The OnePlus 9 Pro's Warp Charge 50 Wireless tech will allow it to be fully charged from 1% in just 43 minutes.OnePlus says its latest wireless charging solution leverages a dual-cell battery that has been designed to reduce battery cell heating while charging, allowing each cell to be charged at 25W e...

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

A complete redesign from the days of the Move.What you need to knowSony has revealed the look of the new PS5 VR controllers.These controllers feature DualSense-style adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.Tracking is done through a ring on the bottom of the controllers.This new PlayStation VR system won't be available in 2021. Sony has revealed a first look at the new controllers for the next version of PSVR designed for the PS5. As previously mentioned when Sony first discussed details of this new VR system earlier in the year, the controllers feature the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, as well as enhanced tracking and finger touch detection.You can take a look at some alternate angles of the controllers in the pictures below:The new headset, which is as yet unrevealed, will see similar improvements, with a higher resolution and FOV (field of view) to make players' experiences smoother than ever.There's still no release window or official name for ...

Chatting with the AC forums.Last November, Google updated its longstanding and generous Google Photos storage policies. With the change, all photos and videos uploaded after June 1, 2021, will now count towards your 15GB of free Google account storage. Photos uploaded before that time would not count against the storage.Pixel phone owners from generations 1-5 would continue to be exempt from the change as long as their devices were working and supported, though some confusion on this point has remained since the initial announcement. Thankfully, a Google Photos team member tweeted this week confirming that high-quality photo uploads (up to 16MP) from Pixel phones from 2 through 5 will continue to not count against one's Google account storage.HQ uploads from Pixels 2-5 will continue to be free and unlimited after June 1st. But uploads from other devices, including future Pixels, will count towards your Google account storage— Raja Ayyagari (@mindofraja) March 14, 2021This...

The OnePlus 9R is expected to be the company's first budget offering for the Indian market.What you need to knowOnePlus CEO Pete Lau has revealed a few more details about the upcoming OnePlus 9R.With the OnePlus 9R, the company aims to provide a "robust flagship experience" at a more accessible price point.The OnePlus 9R is set to be unveiled alongside the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro on March 23.OnePlus will finally unveil its next-gen OnePlus 9 series flagship phones at a global launch event next week. The flagship OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro will be joined by a more budget-focused model called the OnePlus 9R. Ahead of the launch of the three phones, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has revealed more details about the 9R in an interview with News18 Tech.Lau told the publication that it aims to cater to "different user requirements with the OnePlus 9R." Unlike the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, which are premium devices, the 9R will deliver a "robust flagship experience" at a much more affordable price.When...

Preventing dead batteries from ruining a good experience.The Oculus Quest 2 is one of the finest — if not the finest — ways to experience VR. Part of what makes it so great is the fact that you don't need to wire it up to a PC or console to play. This gives you true wireless freedom, but that freedom doesn't come without restrictions. Battery life is a huge concern for gamers who like to play for more than 2 hours at a time, but the Anker Charging Dock for Quest 2 is designed to solve that problem by giving you an easy way to keep your Quest 2 and its controllers charged at all time.Anker's solution is elegant in a way that most charging solutions are not. Packed inside is a special set of batteries and covers for each controller, each of which has Pogo pins on the outside for a dock-and-charge solution. The headset seemingly doesn't have such an easy solution, but the geniuses at Anker figured it out, regardless. A tiny metallic adapter fits right into the USB-C port on the ...

Basketball fans around the world have had to wait almost two years to watch the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament or March Madness as it's usually referred to. Thankfully though, the tournament is back on this year and we have all the details on how you can watch all 67 games at March Madness 2021 on TV or online.Unlike in years past where the 68 teams participating in the tournament were split into four regions (East, South, Midwest and West), all of March Madness will take place in Indiana with the majority of games being played in Indianapolis. According to the NCAA, this year's games will be played at two courts inside Lucas Oil Stadium and Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Mackey Arena, and Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Only one game will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium at a time while the other teams will practice at the Indiana Convention Center.Due to the fact the entire tournament will be held in Indiana, the NCAA has also changed...

Google's Soli chip seems to have so much wasted potential.When Google first demonstrated its ATAP group's Project Soli concept, almost everyone who saw it was not only impressed but sure that this was going to be part of the future of the user interface. I can vividly remember my own excitement because this was something completely different and seemed like it was straight out of a movie. I couldn't wait to see Soli actually inside a Google hardware product.And then when it did happen on the Pixel 4, it was absolutely underwhelming. Sure, having hands-free controls that actually worked for your music player or to silence a call was a thing, but Soli's best feature was sensing your hand as you reached for the phone so it could start the facial recognition routine to unlock your screen. It worked but was a lot less spectacular than the original demonstration and hardly made the Pixel 4 one of the best Android phones.Soli isn't a new idea, but it takes one we're all familiar w...

ASUS is expected to launch at least three ZenFone 8 series phones this year.What you need to knowASUS is reportedly working on a compact flagship Android phone.It is tipped to feature a 5.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chipset.The ZenFone 8 Mini is expected to be unveiled alongside the ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Pro sometime in Q3. Google recently updated its list of 'Play Services for AR' compatible devices and spilled the beans on a number of upcoming Android phones — including the ASUS ZenFone 8 Flip. More details about ASUS' upcoming ZenFone 8 series phones have now surfaced online, courtesy of the folks over at XDA Developers.As per the new report, the ZenFone 8 lineup will include a "Mini" model, which will offer flagship-grade specs in a compact form factor. XDA Recognized Developer Freak07 has discovered references to three upcoming flagship ASUS phones in the kernel source code for the ROG Phone 5: "SAKE," "PICASSO," and "VODKA." All thr...

I'll be ready to charge another Fitbit on my credit card if the Charge 5 sees a few minor improvements like these.Fitbit has had quite a busy 12 months or so. It extended its Fitbit Premium free trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, and added new workouts, reporting, and services, such as a new Mindful Method meditations with Deepak Chopra. The company announced its most advanced smartwatches ever in the Versa 3 and Sense, and continued to partner with and lead health research initiatives around COVID-19, heart health, and mental health. And let's not forget that Google's acquisition of Fitbit was finally approved and formalized.While those are all major accomplishments, Fitbit also announced two new devices in 2020 that were among the best fitness trackers you can buy, but that may have flown under the radar just a bit. Of course, I'm referring to the excellent the Inspire 2 and Charge 4 bands. As they are relatively basic trackers compared to the more complicated smartwatch offe...

The Kardashians and the Jenners are returning to TV for the final season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians (KUWTK) and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes of the show online or on TV.Whether you're a long-time fan or haven't even watched the show, you've probably heard about the drama and antics of the Kardashian family. Back in 2007, Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian along with their half-sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner first appeared in their own reality TV show. The show, which was developed by executive producer Ryan Seacrest, has kept fans of the family entertained for 14 years now and season 20 will, unfortunately, be its last.While season 19 gave fans a glimpse of how the Kardashians dealt with being quarantined during the pandemic, season 20 will be all about new beginnings and endings just like the title of this season's first episode. For instance, Kim will be preparing for a test that will determine her career as a lawyer, Scott Disick is con...

For years now fans of DC's Justice League have wondered what the 2017 film would have been like if Joss Whedon hadn't stepped in to take over for Zack Snyder during the film's post-production phase. Well the wait is over as Zack Snyder's Justice League is set to premiere on HBO Max and we have all the details on how you can stream the new version of the film online.While Zack Snyder was there during the filming of Justice League, he eventually stepped down from his role following a family tragedy in 2017 and it was then that Joss Whedon took over the film's post-production. However, Whedon also worked on the film's script and rewrote a great deal of it while filming.Now though, DC comics fans will get to see Zack Snyder's original vision for Justice League in its entirety. Unlike the 2017 version of the film which had a runtime of 120 minutes or two hours, the Snyder Cut has a runtime of 242 minutes or just over four hours. This makes sense as streaming a four-hour film at home i...

The Galaxy S20 FE successor could debut at a 'Fan Edition' Unpacked event on August 19.What you need to knowA leaked Samsung product roadmap suggests the Galaxy S20 FE successor will debut at an Unpacked event in August.A more affordable version of the Galaxy Tab S7 is expected to debut in June. More budget-friendly 5G-enabled A series phones will also arrive in the second half of the year.Yesterday, Samsung revealed that it may not launch a new Galaxy Note phone this year due to the global semiconductor shortage. A leaked Samsung product roadmap has now been posted by reliable leaker Evan Blass, which suggests Samsung may launch the Galaxy S21 FE in August this year, instead of a new Note.While the launch date hasn't been set in stone yet, the leaked roadmap reveals the Fan Edition Unpacked event has been tentatively scheduled for August 19. A separate report from SamMobile claims the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip successors will also be launched sometime in the th...

The best streaming VPN will let you access video and other online content, no matter where you are. That means the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, and more can all have their geo-restrictions dodged so you can get your streaming video fill.Best streaming VPN 20211. ExpressVPN (From $6.67/mo)2. CyberGhost VPN (From $2.25/mo)3. NordVPN (From $3.71/mo)4. Surfshark VPN (From $2.49/mo)5. IPVanish (From $3.75/mo)That kind of sounds illegal, right? Well, in some cases it can be and, in others, it may well be against the terms of use of the service you are accessing. That being said, it is a super common use case for VPNs — whether you're abroad and want to stream Hulu from back home or you're in a region that is locked out of certain types of content. Ultimately, you'll want to exercise caution and think about what you are doing to ensure you stay safe during the process and don't break any rules.A VPN will allow you to appear somewhere you are ...

Guests will be able to use biometric verification too, although you will have to upgrade their Access Level to "Owner."Update, March 18 (1:20 am ET): The biometric verification feature now works for Bluetooth operations as well.What you need to knowYou can now unlock your August or Yale smart lock remotely through a fingerprint or face scan.The feature is available for all August Smart Locks and Yale Assure Locks and Levers with Wi-Fi.August has also rolled out a new "Hide Entry Codes" feature to allow users to hide keypad entry codes within the app.If you own an August or Yale smart lock, you can now unlock your home as easily as you unlock your phone. August has rolled out a new feature for all August Smart Locks and Yale Assure Locks and Levers with Wi-Fi, which allows users to unlock their home remotely through a fingerprint or face scan.The feature will utilize the authentication tools on your phone to prompt fingerprint or facial recognition whenever you lock or u...

For years now fans of DC's Justice League have wondered what the 2017 film would have been like if Joss Whedon hadn't stepped in to take over for Zack Snyder during the film's post-production phase. Well the wait is over as Zack Snyder's Justice League is set to premiere on HBO Max and we have all the details on how you can stream the new version of the film online.While Zack Snyder was there during the filming of Justice League, he eventually stepped down from his role following a family tragedy in 2017 and it was then that Joss Whedon took over the film's post-production. However, Whedon also worked on the film's script and rewrote a great deal of it while filming.Now though, DC comics fans will get to see Zack Snyder's original vision for Justice League in its entirety. Unlike the 2017 version of the film which had a runtime of 120 minutes or two hours, the Snyder Cut has a runtime of 242 minutes or just over four hours. This makes sense as streaming a four-hour film at home i...

AT&T says it's committed to the principles of an open internet. Yeah, okay.What you need to knowAT&T has announced that HBO Max will count towards its customer's data limit.The change is being made due to California's newly enacted net neutrality law.AT&T blames net neutrality while claiming to be committed to an open internet.Being able to stream movies and shows without using up your data was always a perk of being an AT&T customer, especially while more people are streaming from home these days. Unfortunately, that will soon come to an end, according to AT&T. The company announced in a blog post on Wednesday that it could no longer offer such serves due to California's newly enacted net neutrality law, meaning subscribers will no longer be able to stream HBO Max on phones like the new Samsung Galaxy S21 without it counting towards their data limit. We regret the inconvenience to customers caused by California's new "net neutrality" law. Given that...

Get ready for speedier installations from the Play Store.What you need to knowGoogle is preparing the Play Store for "app install optimization."The new feature will collect certain usage data to help speed up app installations.No identifying data will be collected, but users could opt-out of the service when it goes live.Owning an Android smartphone means there's a good chance you know how to install Android apps. It also means that with the more feature-rich apps being developed, installing and getting started on a new app can take a while, especially when using some of the best cheap Android phones. Google has been working on getting users into their favorite apps quicker, and the latest effort could come soon to the Play Store.9to5Google spotted references in the latest version of the Play Store to a new feature coming to the Play Store called "App install optimization." According to an associated support document, the service will crowdsource data on how users first i...

Need more encouragement to keep playing at home? PlayStation has you covered.What you need to knowFlayStation Play at Home is a program from Sony offering free PS4 games to encourage players to stay at home right now.Nine new PS4 and PSVR games are being offered for free later in March.On April 19, Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition will also be available for free. No PlayStation Plus account is needed to grab these games.Sony's PlayStation Play at Home program resumed earlier this year, with the 2016 Ratchet and Clank available for anyone to grab for free, as long as it is redeemed by March 31, 2021. Now, Sony has detailed a whole wave of PS4 and PSVR games that'll also be available for anyone to grab starting March 25, no PlayStation Plus account required.Here's the full list of games:AbzûEnter the GungeonRez InfiniteSubnauticaThe WitnessAstro Bot Rescue Mission (PSVR)Moss (PSVR)Thumper (PSVR)Paper Beast (PSVR)Finally, Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Editio...

You can finally stop trying to use the OnePlus website on your smartphone to order new phones.What you need to knowThe official OnePlus Store app is now avaialble in North America.You can use the Store app to pre-order the OnePlus 9 next week.OnePlus plans on introducing the 'OnePlus Club' offering rewards accessible in the Store app.While the hype train continues chugging along for the OnePlus 9 ahead of its official event next week, OnePlus is hoping to make your pre-order experience easier this time around. In previous years, if you wanted to pre-order one of the best Android phones, you would be limited to only using the company's website. This is not always the greatest experience for some, especially when it comes to attempting to survive the initial onslaught of many like-minded people attempting to pre-order the same devices.Thankfully, you won't have to worry about that frustration any longer, as the OnePlus Store app is now available in North America. The app is...

Amazon Luna started as an exclusive early access beta, but you can now stream its games without an official invitation on certain Fire TV devices with a Luna-compatible controller. As for playing on Android or iOS phones, computers, or other devices, there are specific hoops you'll need to jump through before you can start gaming. Here are the Amazon Luna-compatible devices available today.All Amazon Luna-compatible Fire TV devicesOnce you have updated to the latest version of FireOS, you'll have the option to download Luna and start playing, so long as you own one of the following Amazon streaming devices:Fire TV Stick LiteFire TV Stick (2nd & 3rd generation)Fire TV Stick 4KFire TV (3rd generation)Fire TV CubeToshiba Fire TV EditionInsignia Fire TV EditionThat means that most of the best Amazon Fire TV Sticks support Luna, but not the Amazon Fire TV (1st gen), Amazon Fire TV (2nd gen), or Fire TV Stick (1st gen). We believe the Fire TV Edition Soundbar is also ...

Every day, we stray closer from the dark.It's been nearly a month since Google rolled out the first Android 12 Developer Preview, and I've been using it daily on my Pixel 5 since its release, with only a small handful of issues and bugs.Google promised once-a-month updates to its Developer Previews leading up to the first beta release, however, and right on cue, we have the second Developer Preview up and running. Of course, you don't need the best Android phone Google makes to run its pre-release software; this installs just fine on lower-end models like the Pixel 4a, as well.So what's changed with this second Developer Preview? Quite frankly, not much; if the first build wasn't tempting enough to flash onto your personal phone (which, to be clear, you probably shouldn't do), this one likely won't be any different. But even small changes are changes nonetheless, and we've broken down what's new.Jump to:Aesthetic changesImproved picture-in-picture videoBetter support f...

Seven very different experiences from independent creators.What you need to knowSony showcased seven indie games as part of PlayStation Indies today.The games include a mix of PS4, PS5 and PSVR titles.A few games are being aimed to be available in the next few months.PlayStation Indies is Sony's push for indie games on PlayStation platforms, headed up by Shuhei Yoshida. Today, Sony shared details on seven upcoming indie titles. Here's all the PS4 and PS5 games shown off today.Operation: Tango is all about an agent and a hackerThe power of perspective is explored in Operation: Tango, a game about two opposites working together to save the world. It's coming to PlayStation consoles later in spring.Chicory: A Colorful Tale tasks you with painting the worldChicory: A Colorful Tale comes to PS4 and PS5 in the spring and is all about painting color back into the world.Cook up unique dishes in Nour: Play With Your FoodNour: Play With Your Food is a cooking ...

OnePlus might be switching up its approach in China to better match OPPO.What you need to knowOnePlus is reportedly ceasing the development of its China-exclusive HydrogenOS.A notice to users states that OnePlus devices in China will switch over to OPPO's ColorOS.OnePlus devices outside of China will continue to use OxygenOS.There's a lot going on with OnePlus this month. The company is preparing the launch of its highly-anticipated OnePlus 9 smartphones along with its first smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch. Meanwhile, its parent company has just released its stylish OPPO Find X3 as it takes the reins as the top smartphone OEM in China. While the two companies have always shipped with their own distinct software offerings, things may be changing soon for OnePlus users in China.According to reports from XDA-Developers, OnePlus is preparing to halt the development of HydrogenOS, which is its China-exclusive alternative to OxygenOS. This came from a notice on an official OnePlu...

Telegram isn't new, but that doesn't mean that it isn't one of the best text messaging apps for Android available, and that's thanks in large part to its growing list of features. Whether it's to plan a party or to just catch up with some friends, group chats are an integral part of texting — so knowing how to create a group chat in Telegram is critical. Group chats can save time in planning and help keep that group of friends close to everyone in the same conversation. Let's get to the steps for creating your group chats in Telegram and get on with chatting.How to create group chats in TelegramOpen the Telegram app.Either click on the three lines in the upper left corner or the pencil icon lower right corner.Choose new group.Select the contacts you want to be members of that group and tap the arrow at the bottom of the screen.Here, you can add a photo or image and also a name to represent the group, tap on the checkmark to finish.Just as an FYI, creating a group wi...

Google Lens no longer makes you scour through your files to access images.What you need to knowGoogle Lens adopts a new gallery view to access photos.The new update offers easier access to screenshots and other images without making users soft through their files.Google Lens' gallery view should be available on the beta version of the Google app.Google Lens is a handy application that's baked into the Google app and into the camera app for some smartphones like the Google Pixel 5 and LG Wing, providing quick access to information with just a tap of your camera. Even more useful is that the app lets you search for information on photos in your own photo gallery, in case you need clarification on something later on. The latest update to Google Lens now makes it easier to access those photos.As pointed out by 9to5Google, when you tap on the gallery button on the bottom left, the app will open to a new gallery view instead of having users navigate the device files. The new vi...

Best answer: The Luna Controller, Xbox One Controller, DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, PC mouse and keyboard, are all Amazon Luna compatible controllers. Other third-party Bluetooth controllers may require downloaded drivers to work or may not support all Luna features or mapped buttons.Very few functional options (for now)You can technically pair nearly any Bluetooth controller to Amazon Luna-compatible devices, either via Bluetooth or via a USB-C cable with data transfer. But unless Luna has been specifically optimized for that controller's software, you may find that the controller doesn't work properly. Only the Luna, Xbox, and PS4 controllers can be fully trusted.For example, we successfully paired a PS5 DualSense controller to an Amazon Fire Stick, only to find that the Square button corresponded to "A," the "X" button to "B," L2 to L1, and L1 to R1, at which point we stopped checking and unpaired it. While you could technically adjust your thinking and just press differ...

Get some painkillers and solve crimes, while maybe providing political insights.What you need to knowDisco Elysium: The Final Cut is coming to PS4 and PS5.It adds full voice acting to the game, as well as new Political Vision Quests.The game also takes advantage of the DualSense haptic feedback when forming thoughts in the Thought Cabinet.As part of today's PlayStation Indies promotion, we've learned that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is coming to PS4 and PS5 on March 30. The Final Cut includes full voice acting, as well as new content in the form of Political Vision Quests. These mutually-exclusive quests allow players to take a look "behind the political posturing" that much of the game is focused on.Disco Elysium from ZA/UM is a role-playing game where players take on the role of a hungover detective that can't remember anything but needs to solve a murder mystery. The game revolves around skill checks for everything, meaning there's a ton of ways to accidentally find i...

Smartphones just don't want to stay charged, do they? What you need is more ways to charge them no matter where you go. That's why you should grab this 2-pack of Anker PowerWave wireless charging stands on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. The stands normally sell for around $36, and they have not gone on sale much recently. The last major price drop was back in August, so you're saving a big chunk today and getting a deal we haven't seen in several months.The idea of having a two-pack is so you can use one stand at home and use one stand somewhere else, like at work. Personally, I just want a stand in every room of the house so I can charge wherever I happen to be. And since it sits at an angle, I can still surf Twitter or watch shows while the battery continues to charge up. With these stands, you can place your phone in landscape mode or portrait mode and continue charging while you continue to do whatever it was you were doing when you got that Low Power message.While it doesn't com...

Wear OS just didn't cut it for the OnePlus Watch.What you need to knowOnePlus CEO has confirmed that the upcoming smartwatch will not run Wear OS.The OnePlus Watch will run RTOS with a focus on connectivity with other OnePlus devices.More information about the OnePlus Watch will be revealed on March 23rd.Who needs leaks when the company is spilling the beans on its products before launch? In a similar fashion to how LG launches its smartphones, OnePlus has been teasing its upcoming OnePlus 9 smartphones, posting images and divulging new information via blog posts. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has been pretty active on the community forum, answering questions about products like the upcoming OnePlus Watch. On Wednesday, he confirmed a major piece of news regarding the watch; it won't run Wear OS.In a community blog post, OnePlus went over some of its inspiration for creating its first smartwatch, which was to build an affordable device that seamlessly connects with all its devices...

Small changes adding up.What you need to knowGoogle has released the second Android 12 developer preview today.This update focuses on refining some multi-tasking tools, including lockscreen notifications and picture-in-picture mode.Another change in this build will let developers build apps that take full advantage of the screen real estate in phones which have rounded corners. Google is rolling out the second developer preview of Android 12 today. As expected, there aren't many consumer-facing features here, it's more tweaks to the underlying core experience and APIs changes for developers. However, some of the tweaks here do add a bit of veracity to earlier reports about what to be being expected in Android 12, so let's go over them briefly.Here's what's being highlighted: Extended security for lockscreen notifications: Enabling developers to configure notifications on the lockscreen to always require user authentication. Improvements to Picture in Picture mod...

Everything you need and moreSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2From $199 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSHeart-rate monitoringActivity, sleep, and stress trackingECG and blood pressure monitoringRunning CoachConsShorter battery lifeNew model coming soonIf you want a fitness-focused watch that comes with endless perks, you'll appreciate the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. You get optional LTE, GPS, activity and sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, ECG, Samsung Pay, and music storage.Lifestyle and fitness combinedGarmin Vivoactive 4From $257 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSActivity, sleep, and stress trackingHeart-rate monitoringPulse Ox and Body BatteryOn-screen workoutsConsNo LTE connectivityNo ECG or blood pressure monitoringThose who are searching for a fitness watch that offers plenty of lifestyle features should look no further than the Garmin Vivoactive 4. You get GPS, activity and sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, Garmin Pay, music stor...

The Galaxy Watch is still one of the best Samsung smartwatches, even if it is getting along in years, and it deserves one of the best Samsung Galaxy watchbands. Not only to keep it secured to your wrist but also to help customize it to you. The watch allows you to choose from several watch faces to get the right look for the screen, but you can easily replace the strap using a standard 22mm watch band for the 46mm Galaxy Watch to make it even more you.Meshes with everyoneFullmosa stainless steel watch bandStaff PickSometimes the feel of metal can be calming, being more stable than other material. If you need a band that you know is safe for you to use, then stainless steel is the ticket. This adjustable mesh-style band is super comfortable and looks great too.$14 at AmazonTotally metalV-MORO 22mm Stainless Steel StrapThis strap from V-MORO is made of heavy-duty stainless steel, and it can go on in an instant with the built-in clasp. It's available in black or silv...

The multi-state lawsuit led by Texas was announced in December.What you need to knowA multi-state lawsuit against Google's advertising tech has been amended to aim at Chrome's privacy sandbox.Five more attorneys general have joined the lawsuit, taking the total to fifteen.The lawsuit accuses Google of trying to force advertisers to shift to its platform with the changes to ad tracking in Chrome.In December last year, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton announced a multi-state lawsuit against Google for engaging in anti-competitive practices. The lawsuit has now been amended to target Google's proposed changes to ad tracking in Chrome, which is not just one of the best Android browsers, but also the most popular desktop browser by market share. It alleges that Google's 'privacy sandbox' is "in essence, to wall off the entire portion of the internet that consumers access through Chrome browser."Responding to the new allegations, a Google representative told The Verge: At...

RevolutionaryPS5$500 at AmazonProsUltra-fast SSD10.28 TFLOPS GPUPSVR compatibleDigital Edition availableDualSense controllerQuieter fanConsLarge and heavyExpensiveSony's PS5 has one of the fastest SSDs on the market, making for unprecedented gameplay experiences and near-instant loading. Combined with a powerful GPU, the DualSense controller, a futuristic look, and a catalogue of upcoming exclusives, the PS5 is an absolutely fantastic console.Old technologyPS4 Pro$400 at AmazonProsCheaper than PS5 (in theory)SmallerConsWeaker than PS5DualShock controllerSlow HDDFans can sound like a jet engineThe PS4 Pro is nothing to sneeze at, even if it's much weaker than the PS5. It still packs a 4.2 TFLOPS GPU and plays some of the best exclusive games in the business. It's not easy to find in stock and refurbished units are often overpriced though, so unless you see an excellent deal, you should skip this older system.The PS5 is le...

The feature made its debut as a Pixel 4-exclusive in 2019.Update, March 17 (10:55 am ET): Live Caption is now rolling out to Chrome users.What you need to knowGoogle's Live Caption feature can now be activated in Chrome on Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS platforms.It is listed as an experimental feature currently, so there are a few bugs. The feature is likely to be officially released for everyone sometime later this year.Google has been working on bringing Live Captions to other platforms for almost a year now. While the feature hasn't been officially released for Chrome yet, Google has quietly added Live Caption as a hidden feature for the Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS versions of Chrome (via ChromeStory). Once you enable Live Caption on your device, you will be able to toggle it on or off from the media controls menu on the toolbar.To activate Live Caption in Chrome, paste chrome://flags/#enable-accessibility-live-caption into the search bar and search for Live Captio...

You can now connect your Edge+ to an external display to enjoy a complete desktop computing experience.What you need to knowMotorola has started rolling out the Android 11 update for its flagship Edge+.The Android 11 update brings Motorola's Ready For experience to Verizon's Edge+. Ready For lets users turn their Edge+ into a PC, similar to Samsung DeX.Motorola has finally started rolling out the Android 11 update for its flagship Edge+. Along with all the usual Android 11 goodies such as one-time permissions and chat bubbles, the update also brings Motorola's "Ready For" feature and the March 2021 security patch to the Verizon Edge+.Ready For works similarly to Samsung DeX, allowing you to transform your Motorola Edge+ into a desktop PC. Unlike Samsung's best Android phones, however, you won't be able to enjoy a desktop experience wirelessly.To get started with Ready For, you'll have to connect your Edge+ to a monitor or TV using a USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to HDMI cab...