Latest from Android Central

If you want to go all-in with smart home gadgets, there's a lot you can get, from smart speakers to smart lighting. Smart locks for Google Home are also worth the investment. Not only do they keep your home safe and secure, but they can be also be controlled remotely, and you can give access to other family members or friends easily. Here are the best Smart locks for Google Home that can be controlled using Google Assistant!Google Assistant's best friendGoogle Nest x Yale Smart LockStaff PickYou can control this smart lock from anywhere through Google Assistant and ties in beautifully with other Google Nest products with automated features like disabling your Nest Secure alarm when you come home. It can unlock automatically with your phone and has a backup number pad.$279 at Amazon $279 at WalmartBudget choiceAugust Smart Lock - Keyless Home EntryAugust's third-generation smart lock is a real treat. It unlocks automatically with your phone and has a deadbolt thumb...

European telecom to make it easier to see just how sustainable your smartphones are.What you need to knowA new Eco rating label has been unveiled for smartphones being sold in Europe.Smartphones will have an overall rating based on several different factors.The new label will begin appearing in June on phones from Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, and more.Several European telecom companies have banded together to launch a new Eco Rating label for smartphones. The new label will be used to show consumers how eco-friendly the smartphones they buy are. This should make it easy for environmentally conscious consumers to make more informed decisions about smartphone purchases.The initiative results from a collaboration between Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, Telia Company, and Vodafone. Building a more sustainable future is our joint responsibility, so we believe the time is right to drive a harmonised, industry-wide Eco Rating Scheme that will improve transparency and hel...

Cooler heads seemed to have prevailed with the name of this device.Update, May 15 (01:20 pm ET): Samsung has pulled the German listing.What you need to knowSamsung has quietly launched the Galaxy Tab S7 FE in Germany.It'll cost €649 for the base model.The Tab S7 Lite was expected to launch in June. Samsung today quietly launched the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, its newest tablet and a variant of the well-reviewed Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. The device had been leaked earlier as the Galaxy Tab S7 Lite, the Galaxy Tab S7 Lite XL, and the Galaxy Tab S7 Lite Plus, but Samsung instead went with the Fan Edition branding it used for the Galaxy S20's cheapest variant last year. It isn't on sale yet and only exists as a product listing so far, but that's as quiet a launch as you can get. A bigger boom announcement followed by a date when you can actually buy the thing should be coming soon.From the German site, this variant will ship in either Mystic Black or Mystic Silver, none of the other ...

The lawsuit alleges that Amazon is not favorable to third-party resellers.What you need to knowDC's Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Amazon alleging that the company fixes online retail prices.DC AG says that the practices aren't helping third-party resellers.Amazon has been under anti-competitive scrutiny for over a year now.DC's Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Amazon to end anti-competitive practices that have raised prices for consumers and stifled innovation and choice across the platform.Karl Racine alleges in a press release that Amazon's fixes online retail prices through contract provisions and policies to third-party sellers. The press release said that these provinces and policies are considered the "most favored nation," which prevents third-party sellers from offering the same products at lower prices on other platforms, including their own.By putting this policy into practice, third-party sellers have to incorporate high fees, "as much ...

There are many gadgets and doodads to keep your kids entertained these days, but one of the best and most affordable ways to do so is with an Amazon Fire tablet. Amazon's Kids tablets are essentially the same as the "regular" version with some notable kid accessories and extra services. We think the Fire HD 8 Kids is the perfect size for reading, playing games, or watching videos.In 2021, Amazon created the Kids Pro line of tablets to give older kids a device that feels more grown-up in both its look and software experience. These devices offer the same hardware as the standard Kids tablets, but with a software experience and a case that kids aged 6 to 12 years old will better appreciate.Parents will still feel at ease knowing that the Kids Pro tablets still have all of the excellent parental controls and device protections they've come to expect from this Kids line of devices, thanks to the Amazon Kids and Kids+ features. Let's take a look at what all is available for your littl...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds over 10Gbps by combining 2.4GHz and wider 5GHz bands to provide a better experience and much larger coverage at home. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops. Now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 comes with everything that people expect out of a Wi-Fi 6 router with great AX6600 speeds, tri-band, eight streams, and 160MHz support. QoS by application and a great control app make this the best-balanced Wi-Fi 6 router around.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, which is for people who don't necessarily need a mesh solution right now but may want to expand their network in the future. Mesh router solutions pair multiple "nodes" together to increase signal quality and speeds throughout larger ho...

Meanwhile, former-subsidiary Honor is moving closer to Qualcomm and Google.What you need to knowHuawei will be launching HarmonyOS on June 2nd.The company did not say if it would be launching a HarmonyOS smartphone at that time, though reports indicate that there would be a Huawei P50 launch at the same time.Huawei has been moving away from Android as its primary operating system ever since the U.S. restricted it from working with U.S. tech companies.Huawei is finally launching HarmonyOS on June 2nd, as per a video shared on its Weibo account and reported by the South China Morning Post. This is the latest move that Huawei would be making in response to the tradesanctions that severed its smartphone business from both Google and Qualcomm, effectively neutering it.While the first version of HarmonyOS was more or less conceputialised as an operating system for IOT devices, its sequel was very much an Android replacement. HarmonyOS 2.0 has been in testing for a while now, a...

A few more Google products could possibly receive the Fuchsia OS update in the future.What you need to knowGoogle's Fuchsia OS is starting to rolling out to the first-gen Nest Hub.The update does not introduce any functionality changes.Google could eventually incorporate Fuchsia into other products such as laptops and smartphones.Google's Fuchsia OS has finally started rolling out to a consumer device, nearly five years after it made its first appearance online. As per a report from 9to5Google, the operating system is now hitting the first-gen Nest Hub.Surprisingly, the Fuchsia OS update brings no significant changes to the Nest Hub. Since Google uses Flutter to build its smart display experience, the user experience will remain same even though the underlying OS is changing from Linux-based Cast OS to Fuchsia OS. Google says the Fuchsia update for the Nest Hub will roll out to users over the coming months. Initially, however, it will be limited to users in the Preview Pr...

It's about time we got some competition here.What you need to knowASUS is finally launching the ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3.The Detachable CM3 features a 10.5-inch, 1920x1200 touchscreen, MediaTek 8183, up to 128GB of storage and a stylus for $350.The Flip CM3 features a 12-inch 1366x912 touchscreen, the same MediaTek processor, 64GB of storage, and an optional stylus starting at $330.The detachable version quietly launched in a few markets earlier this spring, but with the official launch, both will soon be available on Amazon.The best Chromebook tablet right now is also basically the only Chrome OS tablet: the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. It's a little small, with only a 10.1-inch screen, but for $250-$300, it's been an incredibly popular device the last year with Android apps through Google Play plus the reliability of the full desktop Chrome browser. I've been waiting impatiently for other manufacturers to get in on the action and give us a l...

Garmin is one of the most well-known names in the wearable world, and rightfully so. The Venu might already have a successor, but the original is still a perfect smartwatch for those who want a wearable with brains and beauty. It's compatible with 20mm quick release bands, so you'll have an abundance of options when it comes to finding a match for your needs. We've rounded some of the best Garmin Venu bands to help you narrow it down.For fitness enthusiastsBIGTANG Soft Silicone Fitness BandStaff PickIf you're planning to take advantage of all the wonderful fitness features on the Garmin Venu, you need a band that can handle your active lifestyle. The best Garmin Venu band for this is the silicone option from BIGTANG, as they're both strong and comfortable. The soft silicone has a unique textured finish and comes in seven cool colors.$7 at AmazonBest of both worldsOlytop Premium Nylon Watch BandThese Olytop bands are made of a fine blend of premium nylon and ...

Believe it or not, not everyone prefers to speak English in their homes (gasp!). Some speak another language as their primary means of communication, while others may want to practice their skills when picking up a new language. The good news is that Amazon has made it easy to change the default language that Alexa will listen for and reply in. This can be done in the Amazon Alexa app or directly on touchscreen Echo devices. We'll walk you through just how to change the language that Alexa speaks on your Amazon Echo devices.How to do change the language on your Echo in Alexa AppOpen the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on the More icon (three lines) in the bottom right corner.Tap on Settings.Tap on Device Settings, which will pull up your list of All Devices. Alternatively, you can skip steps 2-3 and just tap on Devices at the bottom of the screen.Tap the device with the language you wish to change.Tap on the Settings (gear-shaped icon) at the top right of the screen.Scroll d...

At its Unpacked event earlier this year, Samsung unveiled the all-new Galaxy S21 models. If you want to get your hands on one as soon as possible and make a saving, we're here to let you know the best place to pick one up.Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Deals Available NowSamsung Galaxy S21 Deals: Get one for FREESamsung Galaxy S21+ Deals: $200 offSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Deals: Save up to $800We've been used to Samsung releasing three S series phones a year for a little while now. Back in 2019, we saw the release of the Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+, with 2020 giving us the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. The 2021 lineup follows that trend with Samsung unveiling the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra phones.Though the Samsung Galaxy S21 devices were only just announced, there are a whole bunch of deals already available at this early stage so you can save money while also pocketing the latest flagship device on the market.Best Cheap Samsung Galaxy S21 DealsThe Samsung Galaxy ...

Google Meet lets you easily tune out ambient noise — here's how to set it up.Google Meet is one of the best teleconferencing apps available today, and the best part is that it routinely gets new functionality. A recent addition is noise cancellation. It automatically tunes out ambient noise in your surroundings, so your voice comes through clearly in meetings.The utility relies on Google's AI skills and does a brilliant job cutting out any ambient sounds. I rely on it quite heavily to ensure it cuts out the hum of my air conditioner in daily meetings. So if you use Meet a lot and have a lot of ambient noise where you're working — the hum of an AC, traffic sounds, or the like — here's how to tune it out.How to enable Google Meet's noise cancellation on your Android deviceFor this guide, I will use an instant meeting to show where the noise cancellation toggle is located. You can find the option under the same menu when you're joining a meeting.Launch Meet. Select New...

This is not the first time Google is facing an antitrust investigation from a European regulator over its handling of user data.What you need to knowGermany's cartel office has opened investigations into Google Germany, Google Ireland, and Alphabet.The authority will take a close look at the search giant's data processing policy. One of the primary goals of the probe is to determine whether Google offers enough choice to its users on how their data is used. Germany's antitrust watchdog, the Bundeskartellamt, has opened an investigation into Google to examine the search giant's data processing terms and "significance for competition across markets."The Bundeskartellamt's probe will take a close look at Google's data processing terms to determine whether consumers using Google's services such as Search, YouTube, and Maps are given a sufficient choice as to how their data is used. Additionally, it will examine "the extent to which the terms provide Google with an opportunity...

What do you see through your phone?Ever since Google started leaning into AR, it has been building fun, unique, and somewhat hard-to-discover services to showcase this technology across its services.One of our favorite examples of Google's AR whimsy is its incorporation of 3D animals and AR objects into its search app on mobile. With just a simple Google search and your phone's camera, you can invite poisonous insects, planets from our solar system, or even long-extinct dinosaurs into your personal space — and it looks like they're really there!At Google's I/O developer conference last week, the company also introduced new 3D versions of famous athletes like Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, tennis phenom Naomi Osaka, and soccer champion Megan Rapinoe.With so many cool people, places, and things that you can transport to your space, it's hard to pick a favorite — but we're going to ask you anyway.What have been your favorite Google 3D AR objects?...

Arm's new architecture will boost performance for both high-end and low-end products as well as bring security and scalability.What you need to knowThe ARM v9 architecture for mobile includes the new Cortex-X2, Cortex-A710, and Cortex-A510 core design.The Mali G710 GPU offers better performance and Machine Learning capabilities while also being more efficient.AI performance has been boosted up to 700% across CPU, GPU, and co-processor cores.Arm has announced the future of mobile CPU design with the unveiling of its v9 specification for mobile computing. We first learned of Arm's v9 platform in March 2021, where the focus was purely on the high-level architecture changes, but today's announcement focuses on the new design for the Arm platform specification. Arm doesn't sell mobile chips, but it produces and licenses the base design that every chip maker — including Qualcomm and Apple — use to build the chips that go inside the best Android phones we love so much.The ov...

Best answer: Precise location settings use sensor data from your phone like GPS to pinpoint you on a map, Approximate location uses Wi-Fi and cell towers to see where you are within 100 meters.This is a big change for both users and developersOne of the best new things in Android 12 is the ability for users to decide whether an app is allowed to access your precise location. It works on the best Android phones, an entry-level phone, or all the ones in between. It builds on top of the changes made to the OS to allow location tracking only when an app is open and running or to grant the permission just once and be prompted the next time you open the app. These changes are great for user privacy and they have been a long time coming. If your app targets Android 12 and requests the ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION runtime permission, you must also request the ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION permission. You must include both permissions in a single runtime request. — Google DevelopersThere's a bi...

Previewing a link in Chrome on Android is a useful feature. When you're browsing the web, you don't necessarily always want to open every link you encounter. This is especially true in research, like, when you want to find the best Android phones. Often when you're looking for something on the web, you won't necessarily find it in the first link you click. Before, you could open a link in a new tab, then close that tab if it wasn't right.Now, by previewing a link in Chrome, you can get a smaller browser window that slides up and loads the page. You can navigate that page and even click deeper links if you want. When you're done, the preview window is easy to dismiss. Plus, this feature is turned on by default so that you can do it now. We'll show you how.Find a link you want to preview and long tap on it.In the menu that comes up, tap Preview page.The new link will open on a page that slides up from the top. You can dismiss that page by sliding it back down from the grab bar...

If you're looking for a smartphone on a budget, you can get a Verizon unlocked Google Pixel 3 smartphone for just $169.99 at B&H. That's a great discount considering the other unlocked phones for the other carriers are going for $230, and you can find this phone going for $285 at other retailers. The drop to $170 is within about $10 of the best deal we've seen for the Pixel 3 recently.The budget version of the next-generation Pixel 4, the Pixel 4a, is one of our favorite budget phones, but even it is priced at $300 or more most places right now. Save some money and get a phone with many of the same features with today's deal.The Pixel 3 was one of our favorite phones when it first released and we gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 in our review. Even at its full price of $800 back then, Andrew Martonik said "I can recommend them without qualms or caveats, because they're just so good at doing the things everyone wants from a modern smartphone... without show-stopping issues, problems...

Roku wants to give its Smart TV platform a smart home upgrade.What you need to knowRoku is reportedly planning to expand into the connected home market.Along with developing its own smart home products, the company is also looking to partner with existing smart home brands. Former Amazon executive Damir Skripic recently joined Roku as the Director of Product Management, Home Technologies. Streaming device maker Roku is looking to foray into the highly competitive connected home market, according to a report from Protocol.Roku had published a job listing for a "Director of Product Management, Home Technologies" earlier this year. While the listing has since been removed, it all but confirmed the company's plans of expanding into smart home technologies. The job description made it clear that applicants would have to "develop home technology product strategy" and "develop the company's product roadmap," among other responsibilities.The listing also hinted that Roku's expa...

Surfshark VPN Why choose Surfshark VPNFor plenty of features, without the high price, this could be the best VPN for you.Works withMacWindowsAndroidiPhone & iPadLinuxRoutersBest VPN forNetflix, Hulu, Disney+ and streamingGamingTorrenting and downloadingSecurity and privacySee at SurfsharkProsSuper affordableNetflix unblockingSuperb securityUnlimited connectionsConsInconsistent speedsToo basic for someA full-featured and high-speed VPN doesn't have to be expensive. Surfshark proves that point perfectly by offering one of the best services out there for nearly half the price of the competition.Surfshark VPN is a relatively new service compared to some other options out there, but what it lacks in age it makes up for in features. From tight security and privacy to feature-rich apps and...

After the past year, we all understand what it's like to experience a lack of human presence. While the best teleconferencing apps let us see and talk to someone who might be far away physically, it doesn't make us feel any physically closer to that person. Part of it is because it's easy to get distracted while using a modern smartphone or computer, but most of it boils down to how our brains perceive reality and make memories. Without the physical nature of a person being in your actual physical vicinity, our memories tend to be a little dull.Enter Google's Project Starline, a product that Google showed off at Google I/O 2021 that aims to revolutionize how people teleconference in office buildings and at home. Researchers at Google recognized the problems with modern teleconferencing apps and took it as a challenge to build something that does more than put a face on a 2D screen.Project Starline is truly revolutionary in ways that make it seem like science fiction. If you watch...

The best value Fitbit tracker.As I prepared to write this Fitbit Inspire 2 review, I didn't expect to experience such a rollercoaster of feelings about the little fitness tracker. When the device was announced late in the summer of 2020, I was really excited to give it a go and put it up against my then beloved Charge 3. However, I ended up having some initial frustrations with this device that had me reevaluating my role as fitness band champion. I even briefly considered just moving on to smartwatches like the rest of the world.After spending more time with the Inspire 2, I've gotten past those frustrations and have found myself settling into a rhythm with the new device. I've even started to forget that I'm wearing it most of the time, which might just be one of its biggest selling points, if I'm honest. It would appear that I'm not alone in my fondness for the minimal fitness trackers either. During Fitbit's online launch event for the Inspire 2 and Fitbit's other crop of new...

Whether you're wanting to snag a set of noise-cancelling headphones for your commute or to block out distractions while working, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are widely regarded as some of the best – if not the best – on the market.Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphone Bundles | $348 at BuyDigBuyDig also has various bundle deals on the XM4 headphones with power banks, headphone stands, cleaning cloths, and more thrown in.$348 at BuyDigSony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones + Mophie Power Bank | $348 at AdoramaThe Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are full price pretty much everywhere right now, but there are still some deals to be found if you know where to look. For example, but them at Adorama and you'll score a free Mophie power bank with your order.$348 at AdoramaBeing the best out there, the WH-1000XM4 obviously command a hefty sum but you don't have to pay the full retail ticket price to get yourself a set. In fact, deals on them come...

Royole claims its micro-LED based stretchable display can stretch by 130%.What you need to knowRoyole has announced the world's first micro-LED based stretchable display.The 2.7-inch panel demonstrated by Royole is not just foldable and rollable, but is also claimed to be capable of 3D free form shaping. Royole says its stretchable micro-LED displays are highly applicable for wearables and smart car windshields. Royole, which launched the world's first foldable phone in late 2018, has now announced the first micro-LED based stretchable display technology (via Android Authority). The company claims the technology is "compatible with industrial manufacturing process," so it may not take very long for the first devices with Royole's stretchable micro-LED displays to hit the market.Royole demonstrated a 2.7-inch 96 x 60 resolution stretchable panel at the 2021 Display Week Symposium, offering 130% stretchability and up to 40-degree convex bending. The micro-LED stretchable di...

Samsung is reportedly working on a more adaptable UI for its Galaxy devices, starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 3.What you need to knowSamsung is reportedly preparing a new "adaptive UI" for its Galaxy devices.Leaks show UI elements automatically adjusting to a user's actions.The new UI could appear on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 before rolling out on other devices.Samsung may be preparing a new "adaptive UI" with its next major update to One UI. Leaker Ice Universe posted a series of GIFs that show off the UI in action, adapting to different form factors from smartphones to tablets and foldables like the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.The GIFs show the same applications adapting the UI to different form factors. It will reportedly be called "Split UI" and debut on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3.2 pic.twitter.com/Tnt4rvLKMm— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) May 23, 2021While One UI 3.1 is already found on many different types of devices like the best foldable phon...

It's about time that we see better optimization for a Microsoft app with Microsoft's phone.What you need to knowMicrosoft's latest update to the Xbox Game Pass app features improved support for the Surface Duo.With Xbox Game Pass and the Surface Duo, you can use one screen for the game and another for controls.The update is available now for owners of the Surface Duo.While the global chip shortages and increased demand for the Xbox Series X continue to make it almost impossible to get one, Xbox Game Pass has skyrocketed in popularity. One device that will take better advantage of its dual screens with mobile gaming is the Microsoft Surface Duo.Instead of trying to find the best controllers for Xbox Game Pass, the latest update to the Android app (via Panos Panay) brings improved compatibility when using the Surface Duo. Essentially, you'll have the game itself on one of the screens, while the screen you're physically holding will have all of the controls you'll need.Wit...

"Not another streaming service" is starting to become a common refrain amongst cordcutters with new options popping up every few months. Paramount Plus, however, isn't exactly a new service but a rebranded and majorly updated one.CBS All Access was previously known as the home of Big Brother live feeds, Star Trek: Discovery, and all the NCIS episodes you can stomach, while slowly accumulating shows and other content from networks like BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and even the Smithsonian Channel. The amount of content on the service would actually surprise anyone who believes it solely includes CBS shows, which is why it's no surprise that the name has now been officially changed to Paramount+.Paramount+ Streaming ServiceWhat is Paramount+?How much does Paramount+ cost?Are there any Paramount+ deals?Where is Paramount+ available?What's streaming on Paramount+?What devices support Paramount+?Account limits and profilesTry Paramount+ for freeParamount+ in...

Scratching or breaking the screen on your Galaxy S10+ is one of the worst things that can happen to your shiny new phone. To protect that large display, you're going to want to invest in a quality screen protector. We've rounded up a list of some of the very best, whether they're made of glass or plastic film. See which screen protector catches your eye. When you're done looking at screen protectors, don't forget to choose a Galaxy S10+ case.UV curingamFilm Ultra Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickThis curved glass follows the contours of the S10+ screen, comes with a UV curing kit, and is compatible with the fingerprint sensor.$40 at Amazon$40 at WalmartPack of protectionLK HD Clear Screen Protector (3-Pack)LK's film protectors are thin, clear, and clean, with good margins for cases and precise cutouts for those hole-punch cameras and the top earpiece.$11 at AmazonSmooth as waterIQ Shield LiQuidSkin (2-Pack)This 2-pack protects your phone without getting ...

Verizon one-up's T-Mobile with its Google Play Pass offer.What you need to knowVerizon is offering Google Play Pass or Apple Arcade to its subscribers.Depending on the plan, users could get up to a full year of access for free.The offer requires a new line activation to qualify.Verizon has announced a new offer for its customers, giving them free access to Google Play Pass or Apple Arcade for six months or a year. The offer is available for customers on some of the best Verizon plans that offer unlimited data and 5G access.That means if you're on Verizon's Start Unlimited plan using one of the best Android phones, you'll have access to six months of Google Play Pass at no additional cost. However, if you are on Verizon's Play More or Get More unlimited plans, you'll receive a year Google Play Pass. The same goes for iPhone users and Apple Arcade.The offer should help to entice users onto Verizon's network, which is currently battling it out with T-Mobile for 5G dominanc...

At this price point, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better Google smartwatch.In the early fall of 2020, Fitbit held a virtual press briefing where it announced updates to its Versa and Inspire wearables and introduced a new holistic fitness watch in the Fitbit Sense. At Android Central, we were quick to test out the latter two devices and write up our impressions of them, but it took a little while for us to sort out our feelings about the former watch. Even at this later date, when I first endeavored to write this Versa 3 review, I wasn't sure that it would blow me away. After all, we'd already been calling its predecessor, the Versa 2, our favorite fitness tracker for over a year now. How could the new device be that much better?The Versa 3 had a little bit of a rocky start for some reviewers, including myself, but after a firmware update with new features and bug fixes, I've really been enjoying wearing it on my wrist. It's comfortable, stylish, and does just about everything...

Ready for some Wild West action?What you need to knowCall of Duty: Mobile Season 4: Spurned and Burned begins on May 26.Spurned and Burned will feature Clan Wars, new multiplayer modes, and more.You can download it for free on Android through the Google Play Store.Activision has announced that Season 4 of Call of Duty: Mobile is about to begin on May 26, bringing with it new events and multiplayer modes as it introduces a Wild West theme to the popular title.Season 4: Spurned and Burned will feature Clan Wars, a new version of 1v1 Duel (unlimited bullets), weapon balancing, and a Marquee Event called High Noon Chase, where players band together to chase down a stagecoach full of bank robbers. Though the season begins on May 26, High Noon Chase won't be available until later in the season on June 11.For those who missed it, Call of Duty: Mobile recently added some '80s action heroes like John McClane and Rambo. If you don't play the mobile version, they were also added t...

Echo's best budsAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)$120 at AmazonProsNice comfy fitHands-free Alexa accessImproved ANC performanceMaintains EQ supportGreat support on both iOS and AndroidFaster chargingConsNo upgrade in battery lifeNo multipoint BluetoothFinicky touch controlsThe second-gen Echo Buds gave Amazon another chance to do right by your ears with better design, better sound, and better support. The results shine through in the right ways because they feel like a real departure from what came before. With active noise cancelation (ANC) in tow, plus a more ergonomic focus, it's easy to like wearing these earbuds.An elite pairJabra Elite 75t$150 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy From $150 at WalmartProsGreat sound qualityComfortable fitImproved battery lifeSmaller charging caseANC through firmware updateBetter than mostConsANC has its limitationsNo wireless chargingAlexa isn't as good hereIt's hard to argue with how well Jabra did ...

Google Photos will help you get rid of images you might not want.What you need to knowGoogle Photos is launching a new tool to help users manage their storage.The app will give users an estimate of how much longer they'll have until they reach their storage limit.Another tool will bring up potentially unwanted images based on certain criteria.Google Photos will soon enforce its new storage policy, which will no longer provide free storage for high-quality uploads for most users. To help ease the transition, Google is launching a new tool that will help users to manage their Google Photos storage to free up space.The new review tool in Google Photos will help sort the files that users may not want, taking up precious space. It will allow users to pull up blurry images or large files, taking up too much space from the free 15GB allotment.Once you open the app, tap on your thumbnail and select Account Storage to navigate to the Back up & Sync settings. Select Manage St...

Kaijus collide!What you need to knowSeason 19 of PUBG Mobile marks the introduction of King Kong and Godzilla to the PUBG universe.The latest update introduces a mode called the Last Stand Event, which promises players a theatre-like experience.The event goes live on May 25.The popular mobile battle royal, PUBG Mobile, has announced many different collaborations and events since its release. The most recent, and probably not even the strangest, crossover marks the arrival of two of the most famous monsters of the big screen – Godzilla and King Kong.The latest update, releasing on May 25th, will introduce Titans to the game, as well as King Kong and Godzilla. Players will be able to enjoy the giant beast battle up close and personal in a mode called Last Stand Event, which will feature all three Kaiju.In the trailer released by the publisher, Kong and Godzilla duke it out in the same way as they did in the recent crossover film Godzilla Vs. Kong, the primary source...

NVIDIA Shield TV ProFor gamers$200 at AmazonProsWorks best with Google's ecosystemCan expand storage with external optionsCould be used as Plex ServerBetter for gamersConsDoesn't include HDMI cableNo support for 4K/120HzThe NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is our favorite streaming device for a multitude of reasons. It works the best with Google's ecosystem, includes the ability to expand the storage, and is better for those who want to game on their main TV.Apple TV 4K (2021)New hotnessFrom $179 at AmazonProsWorks best with Apple's ecosystemUpgraded remote is easier to use than its predecessorGigabit Ethernet jackHDMI 2.1 for future 4K/120Hz supportConsStorage is not expandableLimited gaming options availableApple made a lot of right moves with the Apple TV 4K (2021) while finally upgrading the included remote. You'll get 4K HDR support with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, and will eventually allow you to view content in 4K at 120Hz.No...

Meet the new best Chromebook charger.What you need to knowAnker has released three new Power Delivery chargers using "GaN II," further optimized gallium nitride chips.The new Anker Nano II comes in 30W, 45W, and 65W sizes, with the 45W and 65W also sporting folding plugs.Priced from $30-$40, these chargers are available for preorder today in the United States, eventually coming to Europe, too.The last two years have been an amazing time for chargers — and yes, I know how nerdy that is, but really, it has. Power Delivery charging means that you can now charge basically everything you own off one charger so long as you buy USB-C accessories in addition to your laptop and phone. Gallium nitride has also allowed the bets GaN chargers to get smaller and cooler when charging at full speed, meaning grabbing your laptop charger won't scald you after four hours of charging while editing in Final Cut.Gallium nitride has come to chargers of most sizes, from phone chargers up to ...

Twitter had faced a similar threat in the past before acquiescing.What you need to knowGoogle has come under fire in Russia for failing to remove illegal content quickly enough.The company has been given 24 hours to comply or be slowed down.Twitter was given the same ultimatum last month and complied, removing 91 percent of highlighted content.Russia has now asked Google to remove links to content prohibited in the country within 24 hours or be punished, Google's services in Russia could be slowed down by the company if it fails to comply.As quoted by the Russian TASS, Russia's Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, or Roskomnadzor, said: After Twitter, at the request of Roskomnadzor, removed 91% of the prohibited information, Google came out on top in the amount of unreleased illegal content that directly harms Russian users. [...] Roskomnadzor sent more than 26 thousand notifications to the Google administration a...

Except for a newer chipset, the phone is nearly identical to the two-year-old Redmi Note 8.What you need to knowXiaomi has revealed the Redmi Note 8 2021.The phone is an upgraded version of the original Redmi Note 8 with a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset.The original Redmi Note 8 recently crossed the 25 million sales milestone. Last week, Xiaomi teased the launch of an upgraded Redmi Note 8 variant for 2021. Although the company is yet to reveal a release date for the Redmi Note 8 2021, the phone's product page is now live on its official website.Unsurprisingly, the Redmi Note 8 2021 is no different from its predecessor in terms of design. It has a 6.3-inch display with FHD+ resolution and a waterdrop notch for the 13MP selfie camera. While a leak had suggested the phone would offer the same 120Hz refresh rate as the best Android phones, it actually uses a 60Hz panel. On the back of the phone is a quad-camera array with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2MP m...

From taking notes to creating task lists or projects, a good note-taking app can do it all.Notes. Taking notes. Referring to them later. Forgetting that you wrote something down already. Dumping things out of your brain to clear up some space.Note-taking apps are almost as bad as to-do apps in the sense that there are way too many options to choose from. Just type in "notes" in the Play Store search box and you'll come across thousands of options to choose from. So we've drummed down the list, and have picked a few that are actually worthy of being called the best note-taking apps for Android.The top 3 apps1. Google Keep2. Microsoft OneNote3. NotionMore of the best note-taking appsEvernoteBundled NotesSquidSimplenoteStandard NotesThese are the best note-taking apps for AndroidThere's really no other choice when you're looking at the best note-taking apps for Android. Google Keep does everything you could want, and then some, while being completely free a...

A slim shell and a big battery help the Spin 311 make a big impression.2020 has been the year of the best Chromebooks in more ways than I would have ever imagined back in January: the surge in distance learning and work from home have combined with supply shortages to create an unprecedented demand. As popular models sell out left and right, new models can fill the void and help buyers get a great Chromebook with a much better long-term value. Take the Acer Chromebook Spin 311.Previous generations of the Spin 311 like the CP311-2H are still regularly going for $370 or more on Amazon, so the new CP311-3H launching at $300 with eight years of support ahead of it mean you're getting a sweet deal on a brand new model, so long as the Chromebook holds up in everyday use.And after a month, I can say that the new Acer Chromebook Spin 311 definitely holds up.At a glanceAcer Chromebook Spin 311 (CP311-3H) ...

I want to like this game so much, but I just couldn't.Does anyone else remember Elex? It was an action-RPG published by THQ Nordic. It had some cool ideas, attempting to blend sci-fi and fantasy, but it had terrible execution.That, unfortunately, is what I thought of after playing through Biomutant, another action-RPG coincidentally published by THQ Nordic. There is so much potential, and I can see what the team at Experiment 101 was going for, but the final product ends up being a hollow shell of what could have been. Its combat is just alright, the story is forgettable, and it has some performance issues and visual glitches on PS5 (I played it through backward compatibility) that were persistent throughout my 18-hour playthrough.That's not to say it's all bad. The amount of customization it offers is immense, and the world is broken up into unique biomes that are generally fun to explore. While I love the idea that Biomutant could be more than what it is, I can definitely see...

Qualcomm is introducing new features in the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 to improve audio and video quality in Zoom calls.Qualcomm's mobile chipsets power the best Android phones, and the manufacturer is now making strides into the notebook segment. The Snapdragon 7c platform debuted earlier this year and is making its way to a few Chromebooks — notably the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 — and Qualcomm is launching an updated variant dubbed the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2.At the outset, there really isn't a whole lot of difference between the two chipsets in terms of the hardware. The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is also built on an 8nm node and features an octa-core design with Kryo 468 cores that go up to 2.55GHz (up from 2.40GHz on the 7c), and it works with LPDDR4X memory modules and eMMC 5.1 as well as UFS 2.1 storage modules. The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 will enable "crystal-clear" Zoom calls and distortion-free audio.The Adreno 618 GPU is also unchanged from the 7C, and it has Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi ...

Fitbit is finally ready to say goodbye to the outdated USB-A connector.What you need to knowFitbit's latest Luxe fitness tracker uses a USB-C charging cable.Until now, Fitbit had been using USB-A charging cables for its fitness trackers and smartwatches. The Luxe is also the brand's first fitness tracker with a color screen.The Fitbit Luxe, which was announced last month, is the company's most impressive fitness tracker yet. Not only does the Luxe offer a ton of advanced health tracking features, but it is also the first Fitbit fitness tracker to come with a color display.While the Fitbit Luxe will begin shipping only in June, the company has now listed the Luxe Charging Cable on its website. As reported by 9to5Google, Fitbit has finally ditched USB-A in favor of USB-C with the Luxe. The Luxe charging cable includes a physical button too, which can be used to perform a reset in case the tracker doesn't respond.Fitbit's best fitness trackers — including the popular A...

Get all you need to know about this excellent service from Amazon.Amazon has had some of the best Android tablets for kids for years now, and that's in large part to the services offered as much as it is the hardware. Amazon launched software that turned a regular Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus into a Kids Edition in 2012, called Amazon FreeTime and FreeTime Unlimited. Then, in the Fall of 2020, it was rebranded as Amazon Kids and Kids+. So, what is Amazon Kids and Kids+, and what makes these services so great?In short, it's a service from Amazon that offers carefully curated books, movies, and games for kids paired with excellent parental controls for children ranging ages 3 to 12. As the parent, you determine how much screen time your child gets, and if they need to read before playing games, and what content your child sees based on age range. There are plenty of layers to this fantastic service, so let's get into it.All in one placeAmazon Kids+From $3 at Google PlayEveryth...

A picture may be worth 1,000 words; just apparently not $1.99/month.Last November, Google announced that starting June 1, 2021, photos uploaded to your Google Photos account would start counting against your Google storage quota. Users who go over their quota will then have to purchase additional Google One storage or decide to move to another service. There is, of course, the caveat that previous content up to June 1, 2021, will not count against user quotas.Naturally, this decision makes sense from Google's perspective. With more and more people uploading more photos and videos than ever, it is an expensive logistical proposition to keep dolling out free storage space. Just as naturally, many loyal Google Photos users have been upset by this decision.While we think that Google Photos is still a better option than most of the competition, even if you have to pay, we recognize that there are plenty of great alternatives out there. Some of the best Google Photos alternatives suc...

It's true that the Samsung Gear S2 is a few years old now, but if you still love your wearable — or you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on an upgrade — you can make your watch feel brand new without breaking the bank. The price of replacement bands is surprisingly low, so you can completely revamp the look of your smartwatch at a price that's affordable. We've gathered up some of the best Samsung Gear S2 replacement bands for you to choose from.Solid swappable bandsV-Moro Soft Silicone BandsStaff PickIf you're a fan of giving your technology a bit of personal flair, V-Moro offers a nice variety of silicone bands in a multitude of solid colors. These are the best Samsung Gear S2 replacement bands if you're looking for something that's close to the original but will match your personal style.$11 at AmazonGet creativeLinkshare Soft Silicone Sport BandWant to get creative with your Samsung Gear S2 band? These options from Linkshare will certainly do ...

You'll just have to say "Power Off."What you need to knowAn APK teardown of the latest beta version of the Google Search app has revealed a useful new feature coming to the Assistant.Google could soon allow users to turn off their phones using the Assistant. The feature could be exclusive to Android 12 devices. The Google Assistant will soon let users turn off their Android phones using just their voice, according to a report from 9to5Google. The publication performed an APK teardown of the latest beta version of the Google Search app and found evidence that suggests Android 12 will add a new way to turn off your phone.As you can see in the screenshot on the right, the latest Google Search beta update includes an in-app explainer for the new way to invoke the Assistant on the best Android phones. Since pressing and holding the Power button now allows users to access the Assistant, Google is adding two new ways to power off devices. The first one involves going to the po...

The next-gen wearable OS is an admission that neither company alone can deal with the Apple Watch.The announcement of a new wearable OS from Samsung and Google was arguably the biggest news from a Google I/O 2021. In the seven years since it debuted as Android Wear, Google's smartwatch OS has undergone major technical, design, and branding overhauls as it's attempted to compete with the Apple Watch. But this will be Wear OS's biggest change yet, effectively hitting the reset switch on a platform that's seen, at best, only modest success.At the same time, the collaboration with Samsung calls time on what has been a relatively successful run of Tizen-based smartwatches, bringing big changes for an important part of Samsung Mobile's business.Many factors are responsible for Wear OS's stagnation over the years, from lack of competitive silicon from Qualcomm to Google's failure to attract developers. It's been a couple of years since Wear OS was prominently featured at a Google I/O ...

With meaningful new features around messaging, privacy, and connected devices, Android 11 is the update we needed in 2020.The more things change, the more they stay the same. That adage is particularly true with the pandemic, and we've all had to come up with ways to restore some modicum of normalcy while we're stuck at home for the foreseeable future. I've discovered the joys of cooking. With takeout not an option, my wife and I had to learn how to make our favorite dishes at home. We tried making pizzas from scratch and eating them while watching Formula 1. It felt like things were back to normal.It's important to find these pockets of normalcy, the way things used to be in the Before Times. That's my key takeaway with Android 11 — there are many new features here, but Android 11 feels immediately familiar at its core. Google didn't make too many surface-level visual changes that stand out, so the overall experience of using Android 11 is on par with Android 10.It's thi...