Latest from Android Central

This new Echo Show is a real head-turner.The smart speaker market has grown quite a bit since Amazon introduced the first Echo in late 2014. However, after introducing the first Echo Show in 2017, the evolution of smart screened devices hasn't progressed nearly so quickly. There have mostly been incremental updates to the devices put out by Amazon, Google, and others like Lenovo, adding bigger screens and (marginally) better speakers, but nothing has really moved the category forward. As it has done several times before, Amazon is poised to usher in the next paradigm shift in smart speaker tech with its latest Echo device, the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen).I've had the pleasure of using just about every Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled smart speaker over the past few years, so I feel well-suited to write this Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) review based on that background. I'm not going to get too far into the argument of which smart assistant is better — by now, you've probably made ...

Amazon absolutely nails it with the Echo Buds (2nd Gen).We have a whole host of expert writers and reviewers here at Android Central that eat, sleep, and breathe true wireless earbuds. I'm talking about legit audiophiles who can talk your ears off about dynamic range, sound profiles, and the merits of active noise cancellation. I'm not part of that group, and I'm not invited to sit at their lunch table. Don't ask; it's fine...What I am is an Amazon Alexa enthusiast, and I've owned, tested, or reviewed just about all of the best Alexa devices that have come out in the past few years. Some would say that I'm a little too close with my voice assistant. In fact, I even have a t-shirt that says "Alexa is my side chick," which my wife is not a fan of, lol. So given my Amazon device experience and the fact that I reviewed the original Echo Buds back in 2019, I was the natural choice to write this Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) review.But enough about me, what you really want to know is: a...

Pictured: New Echo Dots with previous-generation Dot for size comparison.Amazon rounds out its mini smart speaker lineup.Everyone who knows me or has read my work here on Android Central knows that I'm a big fan of Amazon's Echo smart speakers and its Alexa voice assistant, so it should come as no surprise that I jumped at the chance to review the new Echo Dot with Clock (4th Gen) and Echo Dot (4th Gen). That being said, aside from the new spherical shape introduced first with the larger Amazon Echo (4th Gen), I didn't think there would be all that much to get excited about. Well, after spending several days with the two newest Echo Dots, I can admit that I was wrong; these things are fantastic!We're now on the fourth generation of Echo Dot devices, and each has improved pretty dramatically over the previous version (though the jump from Gen 1 to Gen 2 wasn't huge). I should know; I have at least one of each generation of Echo Dot in my home right now, and they all still work per...

It's not pretty, but that's kinda the point.When Amazon announced the Echo Flex at its September 2019 event in Seattle, the product received a mixed, if muted reception among the tech press and Echo/Alexa fans. Some saw it as another example of Amazon just throwing a bunch of crud up against a wall (which, ironically, is where this thing goes) to see if it would stick, some didn't pay it much attention at all, and some thought it was possibly the most important product announced at the event.If you're wondering "what the heck is the Echo Flex anyway?" then let me back up a step. The Echo Flex is basically a souped-up smart plug that is meant to bring Alexa functionality to those spaces in your home that are not conducive to placing a larger smart speaker or similar device. It plugs directly into any standard wall outlet and allows you to make queries of Alexa and hear her responses.My initial feelings on the Echo Flex were somewhere between the "throwing stuff against the wall"...

This ain't your old boring fitness tracker.It's no secret that Fitbit makes some of the best, most beloved fitness trackers around. The company was a bit late to the smartwatch game, but it now offers some of the best smartwatches that you can buy for Android or iOS. After the lackluster reception of its Ionic smartwatch, Fitbit redoubled its efforts with the Versa and Sense lines, developing devices that were not only feature-packed but showcased premium designs and built quality. Despite all of these new products, the company that is most known for its fitness bands hadn't released an all-new tracker design in over two years when the Inspire line came out. That is, until now.As a known proponent of fitness trackers, I was extremely excited to get the chance to write this Fitbit Luxe review. I know I'm not the only one either — my colleague Jerry Hildenbrand recently wrote about how he is looking for the next great fitness band that he can buy for his wife. But is the Luxe th...

Aside from 5G and a more appealing design, the Nord N200 5G won't be very different from the Nord N100.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed the design and key tech specs of OnePlus' upcoming Nord N100 successor.The phone will come with a 6.49-inch 90Hz display and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480 chipset. It is expected to launch in the U.S. "later this year" for a starting price of $250. Last week, OnePlus shared the first details about the Nord N200 5G, a follow-up to one of the best cheap Android phones of 2020. Popular leaker Evan Blass has now shared a high-res render of the upcoming budget phone, along with its entire specs sheet.N200 specs pic.twitter.com/0KmlExzG70— Evan Blass (@evleaks) June 13, 2021As you can see in the render above, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G will have a slightly more premium design than its predecessor. It will reportedly feature a 6.49-inch IPS LCD panel with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone is tipped to be powered by Q...

The OnePlus Nord 2 is coming very soon, and it will have exciting hardware upgrades.The OnePlus Nord debuted to much fanfare last year, and it turned into a bestseller for the company. OnePlus is now working on a follow-up dubbed the OnePlus Nord 2 that will make its debut sometime later this year.Right now, the focus for OnePlus is the Nord CE 5G, a Core Edition variant of the Nord that's coming to India and European countries. The Nord 2 is set to make its debut sometime in July, and we've already seen a lot of interesting details trickle out around the device. Here's what you need to know about the Nord 2 and when you'll be able to get your hands on the mid-range phone.Jump to:Release datePrice and availabilityDesignSpecsSoftwareBudget warriorOnePlus Nord N10 5G$300 at AmazonYou don't have to pay more for 5GThe Nord N10 5G lets you make the switch to 5G on a budget. It has a Snapdragon 690 chipset with 5G connectivity, a large battery with 30W fast ...

Amazon's huge Prime Day sale is just a week away, but you don't have to wait until then to score some of the best Amazon device deals of the year.As Amazon is wont to do, it has kicked off the Prime Day festivities early with some steep discounts on its first-party hardware. That includes a bunch of new Echo deals as well as discounts on Amazon's Halo Band and Luna games controller, on top of previously announced Ring, Blink, and eero deals.Whether you're just getting started with a smart home or you're looking to add more Amazon devices to different spts around your home, these deals are not to be missed.Check out some of the highlights below and hit up the full sale for more Prime Day deals.Amazon Echo Dot (4th-Gen), 2-pack | $50 offAmazon's latest Echo Dot smart speaker is seeing a Prime Day promotion already with $50 off when you buy two. Just use code PDDOT2PK at checkout to save. With a total price of just $49.98 for Prime members, you're getting two Dots for th...

I'm ready for the shock and awe of an upgrade without the shocking price.Alright, so Prime Day 2021 is just around the corner, taking place between June 21 and June 22. That's a Monday and a Tuesday if you were wondering, and the day right after Father's Day. As a dad myself, I'm gearing up to spend some of that cold hard cash on a smokin' new Samsung Galaxy S21. I might even grab a Galaxy S21 Ultra if the best Prime Day smartphone deals are good enough!These phones were definitely a bit too rich for my blood when they first launched back in January — in fact, some of their thunder was probably stolen by the fact that the Galaxy S20 FE is still such a great phone — but these new deals have me hoping that I'll be switching back to Samsung once again.Getting a killer deal Last year, Samsung's phones were hundreds of dollars cheaper during Prime Day.Prime Day is all about getting a killer deal, and there's no reason to think that Amazon won't be offering some amazing ...

Unlike its brother the TCL 10 Pro, the TCL 10L features a design that's a bit more unimaginative but is extremely affordable. The device stacks up nicely when compared to the Moto G Power but falls flat if you want a lot of performance. What TCL did with the 10L is integrate some pretty nifty display technology and features to produce one of the best displays on a budget phone. So if you want to grab one, make sure you also grab the best TCL 10L screen protectors to go with it.Tried and trueSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-pack)Staff PickSupershieldz is at it again, offering a three-pack of tempered glass screen protectors for the TCL 10L. You'll get the same great materials used in all of Supershieldz's screen protectors, including rounded edges for a smooth transition and an oleophobic coating.$8 at Amazon$8 at WalmartFrom the brandTCL Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorIt's a bit surprising to see a phone maker release a screen protector for i...

Some reports suggest the phone has been canceled altogether.What you need to knowThe launch of Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE successor might be delayed by a few months.Samsung is said to have suspended production of the Galaxy S21 FE due to a component shortage. The Galaxy S21 FE was previously expected to debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 in August. Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE, which was rumored to be unveiled at the next Galaxy Unpacked event in August, may not arrive until the end of the year.Some reports out of South Korea are now suggesting that Samsung has suspended production of the Galaxy S20 FE successor due to a battery shortage. A few other reports blame the move on a chip shortage.According to a since-deleted report from ETNews, Samsung has decided to cancel the Galaxy S21 FE altogether due to a shortage of Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chips. Samsung leaker Ice Universe, however, claims the company has only temporarily halted production of the S21 FE ...

Interested in Luna? Now's the time to try it out ahead of Prime Day.What you need to knowAmazon Prime Day takes place on June 21 and 22 this year.Prime members can start saving now on an Amazon Luna controller and Fire TV Stick 4K bundle.During Prime Day, members can access Luna games without needing to request an invite.Amazon Luna accessories are being heavily discounted ahead of Prime Day. The company has announced that between June 14 and June 22, Prime members can save on Luna's controller and the Fire TV Stick 4K with Luna controller bundle.The official Amazon Luna controller, which normally costs $70, will be discounted by 30%, bringing the final price down to about $50. The Fire TV Stick bundle has an even steeper discount, going from nearly $120 regularly down to $74, more than $40 off. If you're interested in Cloud gaming, it's well worth the sales price. The Fire TV Stick 4K features apps like HBO, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and many more. The controller, designed...

The Nord CE 5G just doesn't measure up to the Nord or the myriad of great alternatives in this segment.With the Nord, OnePlus showed that it can deliver a mid-range phone that is just as good as its flagships. The Nord continues to be one of the best cheap Android phones nearly a year after its launch, and OnePlus saw a sales hike of a staggering 300% following its launch in markets like India.OnePlus already rolled out several models in the Nord series, including the N10 and N100, and more recently the N200. The Nord 2 is also on the horizon, with that phone slated to launch sometime in July with a MediaTek chipset — a first for OnePlus.Then we have the Nord CE 5G. OnePlus is billing it as a more affordable version of the original Nord — the device costs anywhere between 11 to 18% less than the Nord in global markets. The Nord CE has the same 90Hz panel and follows the same design aesthetic as the Nord, but it is powered by the Snapdragon 750G, has a 64MP camera at the bac...

PlayStation VR is increasingly becoming a larger platform, especially with the impending PS5 VR release. But no matter where you play your VR games, whether they be on PS4 or PS5, you're in for an incredible experience. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's hard not to be overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games slated to hit PSVR in the coming months. We look forward to adding some titles to our best PlayStation VR games list, and we hope some of these catch your eye too.Jump to:Sniper Elite VRWinds and LeavesAfter the FallFrackedArashi: Castles of SinI Expect You To Die 2Puzzling PlacesSong in the SmokeStrideZenithWandererPuzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation OdysseySniper Elite VRThe Sniper Elite series has become one of the most popular first-person shooter series around, and now players can get the chance to experience the game in VR. Completely re-designed from the ground up, Sniper Elite VR aims to ret...

Agent 47 is missing, but the assassination show must go on.What you need to knowSquare Enix revealed Hitman Sniper: The Shadows during its E3 showcase.This mobile title is the sequel Hitman Sniper, and requires players to carrying out sniper assassinations.It's set to launch sometime later in 2021.In the middle of its E3 showcase, Square Enix dropped a trailer for its new mobile title, Hitman Sniper: The Shadows. Originally teased under the working title Hitman Sniper Assassins, this game is set to launch on Android and iOS as a free-to-play title later in 2021.The game is the sequel to the Hitman Sniper mobile title that launched in 2015. In that game you (as Agent 47) were tasked with sniping a target from a safe vantage point, and using your powers of observation to make sure you did so as quickly and discreetly as possible. There's no gameplay in the trailer, but we can presume it'll be similar to the previous title.The trailer shows a sniper taking a shot from ...

Step into a world of dark fantasy.What you need to knowStranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin is a new souls-like game coming to consoles and PC next year.The game is being developed in collaboration with Koei Tecmo's Team Ninja.A demo is available exclusively for PS5 today until June 24, 2021.Announced during Square Enix's E3 2021 presentation, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a new souls-like coming to consoles and PC in 2022, with a demo coming exclusively to PS5 out now.Led by Final Fantasy VII Remake veterans Tetsuya Nomura and Kazushige Nojima and Koei Tecmo's Team Ninja, Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin is a new action game set in the world of Final Fantasy.The trailer shines a spotlight on Jack, who, along with his fellow Warriors of Light Ash and Jed, battle a variety of creatures and enemies, and ultimately fight an evil-looking knight who seems to resemble Garland from the original Final Fantasy.PS5 owners will get a chance to t...

Lovingly recreated the classics pixel by pixel.What you need to knowFinal Fantasy Pixel Remaster was announced during Square Enix Presents at E3.It remasters the first six pixel Final Fantasy games.The compilation is coming soon to mobile and Steam.The rumors are true, Square Enix is remastering the first six Final Fantasy games with the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, coming to mobile and Steam soon. Though Android wasn't specifically announced, you'll likely be able to download it through the Google Play Store.The first Final Fantasy games are some of the most beloved titles of all time, sparking an RPG renaissance that continues to this day. Square Enix has since completely remade Final Fantasy 7, which was just enhanced for PS5 recently with a new DLC.Unfortunately, Square Enix did not announce a release date other than "coming soon." Hopefully we'll be able to dive into these classic titles sometime this year....

It's hard to believe, but Amazon Prime Day is here, which means tons of great Prime Day phone deals! This two-day savings event is one of the best times of the year to shop for all sorts of things, including Android smartphones. With phone prices seeming to increase all the time, having an opportunity to pick up a quality handset for less is a big deal.Whether you're in the market for a top-of-the-line flagship or something more affordable, Amazon Prime Day has you covered for Android deals and discounts. We've rounded up the best ones we've found so far. So, without further ado, here are the Android phone deals you can't miss during Prime Day 2021.Best Amazon Prime Day Android Phone Deals:Flagship phones: Save up to $135Budget options From $175More info Pricing history, which to buy, and moreAndroid phones often see a lot of discounts during Amazon Prime Day, so if you need an upgrade, this is a perfect time to finally pull the trigger and buy. Here are a few of the ...

It's a summer for sofa-bound soccer fans to savour. With Euro 2020 in full flow on the other side of the world, its South American equivalent will be taking place at the same time.Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of every Copa America 2021 match no matter where you are in the world with our guide below.While the Euro's can boast having the likes of Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé on show, the Copa America can argue it will have the game's biggest entertainers showing off their skills, with Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez all set to grace the tournament.Originally intended to take place in Colombia, major protests against the government saw the tournament moved to Argentina, only for rising COVID numbers forced another change of plans, with the competition shifting across a border once more, and now set to take place somewhat controversially in Brazil.The stand-in host nation are the pre-tournament favorites, and will be looking to retain the tr...

Whether your phone sports an LCD or an AMOLED panel, everyone has a personal preference for how bright or how dim they like to keep their Android phone screen. If you don't want to leave the brightness settings on auto adjustment, change them manually. Adjusting the brightness level on your Android phone is easy peasy lemon squeezy. Let's get started!How to adjust brightness on an Android phone: First turn off auto-brightnessBefore you select your preferred level of brightness, you'll need to turn off the auto-brightness function to avoid losing your choice of settings. This can be done from Quick Settings or through the display settings. For this guide, we have used a phone running Android 11.Turn off auto-brightness through Quick Settings:Swipe downwards to draw open the Quick Settings menu.Tap Auto brightness to turn it off.Turn off auto-brightness through display settings:Open main settings and enter Display settings.Tap Brightness level option.Toggle Automati...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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