Latest from Android Central

What you need to knowFacebook's rumored smartwatch will have two cameras.The back camera will be detachable and will have auto-focus.The smartwatch will connect will all Facebook apps.Facebook rumored smartwatch that is likely to come out next summer will feature a display with two cameras that can be detached from the wrist for taking pictures, according to a report from The Verge.According to the article, the camera on the front of the watch will be used for video calling and the back camera, which is 1080p, will have auto-focus and is primarily to be used for taking photos and video when detached.The Verge spoke to two individuals with knowledge of the project and was not named in the article as they did not have permission to speak about the product from Facebook.Android Central reached out to Facebook, but the company did not comment on the report and instead, pointed to comments made on Twitter by Andrew Bosworth, the company's vice-president of Reality Labs.Bos...

Samsung and Google have already announced the intention to merge Tizen and Wear OS.What you need to knowSamsung may be giving us our first look at the new Wear OS this month.The company is hosting an event showing off its "reimagining" of smartwatches at virtual MWC on June 28th.The company combined its smartwatch operating system efforts with Google earlier this year at Google I/O.Samsung might show off the new Wear OS watch operating system later this month at virtual MWC, the company has hinted at via its session description. Spotted by 9to5Google, the company will be showing off its next-generation smartwatch experience on the 28th of June.The description reads: The Galaxy ecosystem of connected devices, services, and partnerships provides people with choice, freedom, and possibility. We're reimagining smartwatches, creating new opportunities for both developers and consumers. And we're enhancing security, giving people the protection they need in an open and conn...

Podcasts are the new radio.Whether you're doing laundry, driving home from work, or breaking a sweat at the gym, podcasts are great for filling up your time with the latest news, comedy shows, in-depth storytelling, and so much more. Podcasts are the new radio stations, and there are plenty of options to choose from, but how do you find them? These are easily our picks for the best podcast apps for Android.The top 3 apps1. PocketCasts2. Spotify3. Google PodcastsMore optionsPodcast AddictCastboxPodbean App & PlayerStitcher Podcast PlayerAmazon MusicAntennaPodSonnetDitch the radio with the best podcast apps for AndroidIt should come as no surprise that Pocket Casts is our favorite podcast app for Android. Even with changes to the platform that made the app free but introduced another subscription service, it doesn't get much better than this.Did you really think that Spotify wouldn't be included? The app is already our favorite music streaming servic...

Hey Fossil, watch this!What you need to knowAccording to a customer service representative, the TicWatch Pro 3 GPS will be receiving the new Wear OS in the future.There is no set date for the availability of the new wearable OS from Google and Samsung, but it's expected to launch this year.This update puts Mobvoi into an elite category of manufacturers willing to update their smartwatch to the brand new OS.Ever since the new Wear OS was announced at Google I/O 2021 — a joint effort by Samsung and Google to make the ultimate smartwatch OS — a few things have remained a bit unclear. Which of the best Wear OS watches will be getting the update? What is the new Wear OS going to be called? Thanks to a Reddit user, it seems that Mobvoi support has some answers for us.First up is the news that the TicWatch 3 Pro GPS will, indeed, be getting the brand new Wear OS update co-created by Samsung and Google. Given that the latest Samsung Galaxy smartwatches — and current Wear ...

Ready to build a new security system for your home? Start with the Arlo Pro 2 1-camera system. Use code 6DADSALE399 during checkout to bring this security package down to $99.99 at Newegg. You'll get the Arlo Pro 2 base station and one wire-free security camera. That code takes $20 off the price, and that's off an already discounted price. It was going for as much as $150 in 2020 and has been selling for around $130 at the beginning of April. Similar systems are still going for over $120 at other retailers like Amazon.The Arlo Pro 2 is a fully wireless security system. The camera uses a rechargeable battery. It can also be easily plugged in if you're using it indoors or let it recharge with a solar panel if you have one. The wireless nature gives you the flexibilty to put this camera basically anywhere. Set it up to watch a spot of interest or buy a bunch of cameras, connect them all the to the base station, and keep an eye on every part of your house from the outside and inside....

The best wireless earbuds enhance every screen we use, from phones to tablets to Chromebooks and laptops . Not only are they convenient, sound great, and have a pretty good battery life, but you can use them while relaxing while working or while working out! With Prime Day deals nearly here, we're about to see some of the best discounts on the most popular wireless earbuds.Another great thing about true wireless earbuds is that no matter what kind of device you have, be it an Android phone or iPhone, Chromebook, smartwatch or tablet, the Bluetooth connectivity means that they will work across devices.Amazon Echo Buds (1st Gen) | $50 off at AmazonAmazon's Echo Buds may look a little bulky, but they're actually quite comfortable in the ear. The earbuds feature Bose-powered Active Noise Reduction, while also allowing granular control of what outside sounds you want to let pass through. You have hands-free Alexa access, and you can invoke Siri or the Google Assistant with just a ...

The second Android 12 beta is all about privacy control.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out the second Android 12 beta update with new privacy features.The beta brings Android 12's Privacy Dashboard, app indicators, and toggles to block or enable system access to certain apps.A new Internet Panel is being introduced in the quick settings menu for easy access to connectivity options.The first Android 12 beta has been available for less than a month, but Google is already releasing the second beta. This build is focused on privacy and introduces features that give users more control over their phones and apps.The biggest addition coming to Android 12 Beta 2 is the new Privacy Dashboard introduced during Google I/O 2021. The new setting allows users to check which apps gaining access to certain smartphone data, when the data is accessed, and for how long. This includes location data, the camera, microphone, and more.Additionally, Google is bringing app indicators ...

Amazon's Prime Day 2021 is being held on June 21 and 22, and you can look forward to amazing deals on just about every product the retailer makes, including Kindles. We've already seen Kindles go on sale over the course of the year, but the best deals are reserved for Prime Day.Every Kindle model will be discounted for Prime Day, so if you've already made up your mind about what you want, you can just wait for Prime Day to roll around and get your hands on a new e-reader. A few deals are live right now, so head on down to the deals section below to see if the model you're looking for is on sale. If you haven't decided and are interested in learning more, we have you covered. We'll be rounding up all the Kindle deals for Prime Day 2021 as and when they go live, and give you buying advice to ensure you pick up the right Kindle for your needs.Best Amazon Prime Day 2021 Kindle Deals:Should you buy a Kindle?Best Kindle Prime Day dealsPricing history, which to buy, and more...

As millions of us continue to learn and work from home, Prime Day deals will make a great time to replace your aging desktop or add another Chromebook to your family's collection. Most of the best Chromebooks have been available for over a year now, which means that deals are much more likely this year than they were last year — when we were also in the midst of the 2020 Chromebook shortage.Part of why Chromebooks have (almost) always had great deals on Prime Day is that mid-range Chromebooks come down to budget prices, and budget Chromebooks come down to impulse-buy prices. Considering that Chrome OS is designed to run on more affordable hardware to begin with, and that means that Prime Day is the best time to get a laptop, especially a budget laptop.No matter your budget this Prime Day, Google has durability and usability standards for almost all Chromebooks — because most models are designed for chaotic classrooms or unforgiving businesses — that make Chromebooks ideal f...

Crash meets an old friend and his rogues gallery in the new season.What you need to knowCrash Bandicoot: On the Run! is a mobile endless runner from King starring Crash and Coco.The latest season brings Spyro into the world, marking another crossover between the two.Crash and Spyro will be facing off with two of the latter's biggest enemies, Dark Spyro and Gnasty Gnorc.Crash Bandicoot is joined by an old friend in the upcoming third season of Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! Spyro the Dragon, the other 90s platforming icon who recently got a remake trilogy, is joining for the season, as are two members of his rogues gallery. The season is, appropriately, called "Battle of the Dragons," and it debuts on June 10.The Bandicoot and the Dragon have history together. Both come from quintessentially 90s platformers, and both are kid-friendly heroes. They crossed over in two Game Boy Advance titles, called Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage and Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspirac...

Google Meet is one of our favorite video conferencing services for many reasons, not the least of which is that it integrates so well with all of the other great Google products like Gmail, Docs, and Slides. Since the start of the pandemic, Google has quickly added compelling new features to Meet, making it more functional and accessible for all as more continue to work or study from home. However, as user-friendly as Meet may be, there are ways to make it work smarter for you without taking your eye off the webcam — keyboard shortcuts. Here are the best Google Meet keyboard shortcuts for you to master so that you can get the most out of your next work meeting or family call.Google Meet accessibility keyboard shortcutsAnnounce who is currently speaking: Ctrl + Alt + s on ChromeOS or Windows PCs will alert you to who is currently speaking. On a Mac, replace the Alt with the ⌘ key.Announce current information about the room: Ctrl + Alt + i will tell you information about the...

Do you struggle to wake up in the morning? Did you press the snooze button at least six times? Maybe you just haven't found the right method for waking up. Try the Philips SmartSleep HF3520/60 wake-up light while it's on sale for $79.95 at Amazon. It's $20 off its normal price, and this deal marks only the second time in the last year it has dropped this low. In fact, at one point in 2020 it was going for as much as $130, so today is one of the best opportunities you're going to see to get the light at a discount.The SmartSleep is way more than just a light or a clock. It definitely has both of those things, but it also does a lot more. By design, it's meant to help you improve your sleep by improving how you reach it and how you wake up in the morning. Set the right mood and create the perfection environment.The lights and sounds can help simulate a sunset and a sunrise by fading the lights at the right time. You fall asleep naturally as the room darkens around you and you wake ...

The best shows streaming on HBO Max todayHBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films being released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxHBO Max originalsPopular on HBO MaxDrama on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsHBO Max original seriesHBO Max launched in 2020 with a handful of original series exclus...

Everything you need, without the luxuries you don't.It's easy to get drawn in by the allure of über-premium devices like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but if there's anything Samsung learned from last fall's shockingly performant Galaxy S20 FE, it's that for many users, the best Android phone isn't necessarily the one with the highest price tag. That's especially true now, as thousands across the U.S. are struggling to make ends meet amidst a global pandemic; for those people, dropping four figures on a smartphone is hardly a top priority.The Galaxy S21 feels like the right phone arriving at the right time. It's $200 cheaper than last year's S20 at launch, and with aggressive trade-in offers, it can be had for much less. While it makes a few concessions in order to reach that lower price, the S21 still offers a fully-fledged flagship experience that I think most people will be perfectly happy with — but make no mistake, this isn't just a smaller S21 Ultra by any means. And that's ...

The report blames the lack of interoperability in the consumer IoT sector on the prevalence of proprietary technology and lack of common standards.What you need to knowThe European Commission has published the preliminary results of its inquiry into the consumer Internet of Things (IoT) sector.The report has identified a few potential concerns, including prevalence of proprietary technology and accumulation of large amounts of data by "providers of smart device operating systems." The European Commission is expected to publish its final report in the first half of 2022. The European Commission today shared the initial findings of its consumer Internet of Things (IoT) sector inquiry. The inquiry was launched in July last year as part of its digital strategy. Along with confirming the rapid growth of the Internet of Things market, the report highlights a few potential concerns with regards to the "current functioning of consumer IoT markets, as well as to their future outlook...

The best cheap true wireless earbuds have become great over the past several years. The ones you typically hear about are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air V2, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality.Best overall: Creative Outlier Air V2It's hard to beat the Outlier Air V2 on battery life. Even compared to the best wireless earbuds, they outperform most of them with up to 12 hours of audio playback per charge at default volume. Add another (almost) two charges in the charging case, and you've got over 30 hours of total listening time. The only real downside is that the case doesn't feature wireless charging.Creative based the design on the Outlier Gold, which used different ear tips than the original Outlier Air did, and that move pays dividends in both fit and comfort. It also gives you a better seal to trap in more of the bass and preserve as much of the soundstag...

Movavi has made a classy addition to their video editing suite, making those instructional videos and blog posts easier than before.It's good to know that a need has been catered for. You look around for that complete and easy-to-use multimedia software package that works seamlessly on your PC and android phone - and realize with a sigh of relief that someone has been working tirelessly on it, so you can have it at your fingertips.Movavi are the helpful culprits here. For over 15 years, what started out as a small team of enthusiasts with a singular vision has blossomed into an international company employing hundreds of other dedicated enthusiasts from all over the globe. All so you can be the creative director you know you are, without having to take courses in learning overly complicated and downright laborious professional programs. Movavi's multimedia software is basic, and that's a good thing.Most of us are multimedia users nowadays, let's face it, whether we realize it o...

It just couldn't measure up.What you need to knowGoogle Measure is no longer available on the Google Play Store.You'll either have to sideload the APK or download one of the many third-party options available on the Play Store.This follows in the footsteps of other AR experiences that were recently sunset by Google.Google's Measure AR app has been around since the days of Project Tango, the AR phone and tablet ecosystem that was short-lived. Like the ecosystem it was built in, Google is sunsetting the Measure app as of now, first spotted by Android Police. While the updated changelog on the Google Play Store reads that the most recent update is the "final release", it seems that Google is highlighting the actual finality of that decision.While it seems a bit odd to see Google sunset such a simple, useful app, this follows the trend of them getting rid of many AR experiments like Playground and Playmoji, which is only available on the Pixel 5 and earlier Pixels. Last year,...

The best drawing tablets combine the fluidity and versatility of freehand drawing with the precision of digital graphics. You need a tablet with the right stylus, pressure sensitivity, multi-touch display, screen size, low latency, and other specs to make your drawing experience as effortless as possible. We've chosen the most popular and well-reviewed models, both for specialized drawing tablets and all-around excellent tablets that support drawing apps.Best overallWacom One Digital Drawing Tablet with ScreenStaff PickHere's the perfect solution for budding artists. Although it's not quite as large and impressive as some professional options, the Wacom One model is a simplified version of an advanced drawing monitor that lets you draw directly on the screen. This is a great starter tablet for beginners.$400 at AmazonUpgrade pickWacom Cintiq 22 Drawing TabletNot for the faint of pen, this is the best drawing tablet if your budget can stomach it: It's big, pr...

The Moto G Stylus gets a much-needed 5G upgrade.What you need to knowMotorola launches the new Moto G Stylus 5G.The latest Moto smartphone features a large 5,000mAh battery, 48MP camera, and built-in stylus.The Moto G Stylus 5G will be available on June 14 for $400.Motorola has announced the 5G variant of the Moto G Stylus (2021) that launched at the top of the year. The newer Moto G Stylus 5G comes with much of the same hardware chops as its sibling but with the added benefit of a faster 5G connection.Like the Moto G Stylus (2021), the newer model features a 6.8-inch FHD+ Max Vision display with a 16MP hole-punch selfie camera. There's also 4GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, but interested parties also have the option to purchase the device with 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.The quad-camera system on the rear features similar specs as its sibling, with a 48MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide, macro, and depth sensors. The layout of the cameras has changed and i...

Do you think you'll use FaceTime now more than Duo?Earlier this week at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the fruit company made a whole host of announcements about updates to its core OS's like iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, as well as teasing new features for core apps like Apple Maps, Notes, and Music. But perhaps the most interesting announcement to us as Android users was the mention that Apple's FaceTime video calling service would be coming to Android; well, sort of.To be fair, FaceTime is not something that most Android users need — we already have access to a ton of great teleconferencing apps. Everything from Google Meet and Google Duo to WhatsApp and Telegram have this capability and are cross-platform. You can simply download them onto any number of Android phones with great cameras, and away you go. So what's the big deal here?For many, it's that our iPhone toting friends are more likely to actually call us more via FaceTime than they would be to download ...

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to snag a decent set of noise-cancelling headphones these days. In fact, over at Amazon you can snag Anker's Soundcore Life Q30 for only $60 right now. All you have to do is clip the coupon on its product page there to score $20 off.These headphones are already our pick for the best value wireless headphones and you'll be scoring for less than ever before with today's coupon deal. The deal applies to the black colorway only.The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones feature hybrid active noise-cancellation, utilizing a combination of internal and external noise-detecting microphones to filter out up to 95% of ambient noise and keep your ears focused on what you're listening to instead.The ANC is customizable and comes with three modes: indoor, outdoor, and transport. The latter choice minimizes things like airplane engine noise so you can use these headphones while you're moving around. Outdoor can help when dealing with traffic and wind...

Gaming on the go can be much better when you have a bit of an upgraded screen to play on. For this reason, many players turn to tablets when it comes to playing some of the best mobile games on the market. However, with the tablet world filled to the brim with so many choices, it can be kind of tough to choose just what might be the best one for your gaming needs.When it comes to Android-based tablets, a handful of contenders make the cut for some of the best possible choices, but only a handful are really perfectly suited for gaming needs. To help, we've compiled a list of some of the best Android gaming tablets you can find. If you're looking for a place to start, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 has a ton of the punch of the more premium Galaxy tablets without the extremely high price normally associated with a premium tablet. Sporting a 10.4-inch IPS LCD screen, you'll get some great visuals o...

The God of Mischief is finally stepping out of his brother's shadow with his very one Disney Plus original series and we have all the details on how you can watch Marvel's Loki online.The new series, which stars Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Owen Wilson as Agent Mobius, takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame and looks to have huge implications for the future of Marvel Cinematic Universe.During Endgame's time heist, 2012 Loki took the Tesseract from Tony Stark and as a result, he has found himself in the hands of the Time Variance Authority (TVA). Mobius M. Mobius is an agent with the TVA who explains to Loki that by taking the Tesseract, he has altered the proper flow of time.Now in order to set time straight, Mobius decides to take his biggest risk ever by deputizing and partnering up with Loki. Will Loki fall in line with Mobius' demands or will he revert to his deceitful ways?During his cross-timeline journey, Loki appears more like a fish out of water than his nor...

In China, the smartwatch will ship with just a 5W wireless charger in the box.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 have been certified by China's 3C certification authority.Both models will come with 5W wireless chargers in the box, but a charging adapter won't be included.The Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 are expected to be announced at Samsung's next Unpacked event in August.Last month, Samsung confirmed that it is ditching its Tizen OS in favor of Google's Wear OS for its future Galaxy smartwatches. While Samsung hasn't revealed any details about its upcoming Wear OS smartwatches yet, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 have now passed through China's 3C certification process (via MyFixGuide).The 3C certification reveals all variants of the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 4 will have a 5W wireless charger in the box. Surprisingly, however, they may not come with a charging adapter in some markets.Samsung...

For just $15 a month, HBO Max provides subscribers with access to a massive streaming library that includes more than 10,000 hours of film and television content from HBO and WarnerMedia. While the most straightforward way to sign up for HBO Max is through HBO, you can also access HBO Max through cable and mobile providers. Here are the options for getting HBO Max through cable and mobile providers right now.How to get HBO Max through your cable providerIf you already subscribe to HBO through your cable provider, you may already get access to HBO Max at no additional cost or for an extra fee. Here are the providers who offer HBO Max free of charge as part of your current HBO plan.1Tennessee BroadbandAcenTekAcme CommunicationsAdams Cable ServiceAlbany Mutual TelephoneAll West CommunicationsAllen's CommunicationsALLO CommunicationsAlpine CommunicationsAltice OneAltice USAAntietamArmstrongArthur Mutual TelephoneAT&TATC BroadbandAtlantic BroadbandATMCBaldwin ...

There are some great mesh systems to choose from. Which is the right one for you?Most people don't put enough thought into their wireless router. Things like the layout of your house, the materials it's made up of, and how many stories it is all matter when you want good Wi-Fi from one end to the other. Or maybe you need to plug something into a router with a network cable in one room but still want great Wi-Fi everywhere else. Finding a networking solution that's flexible enough to meet your current and future needs can be a challenge, and it can be a huge pain to change your router every time you need some more coverage.This is where wireless mesh networking makes the most sense. Sometimes one central wireless access point that sends out a powerful omnidirectional signal is perfect but often a mesh system delivers a better experience without giving up anything you need. There's a big difference between Wi-Fi in your house that works and Wi-Fi in your house that works well.If ...

When it's time to upgrade your TV to something bigger and better, looking at the prices of brand new 4K TV sets can be a little off-putting. Since buying a TV is one of the bigger and rarer purchases you make in life, you want to get it right and maybe even save some money in the process.Woot's big one-day sale on Samsung smart TVs gives you the opportunity to do just that with 4K and 8K models starting from just $420.All of the TVs in today's sale are offered 'Certified Open Box' and, though they may not be brand new, they've each been inspected and tested to ensure they're in proper working condition. Oftentimes, you can barely notice an item has been used before after it's been refurbished but you will notice the cash you saved. Plus, Woot includes a 90-day warranty with the purchase.The sale includes the super neat Samsung The Frame TV. This TV has made a name for itself due to its Art Mode, which transforms the TV when it's off into a work of art — art which you've selec...

The second time around, Google dropped quirks and just made a great pair of earbuds.Google's first Pixel Buds headphones were quirky, expensive and still had a wire between them in an era where true wireless earbuds were the hot new thing. Over two years later, Google smartly went back to the drawing board for an entirely new design in the second-generation Pixel Buds. They're now truly wireless, with a fresh look and a much more traditional case.But the Pixel Buds haven't given up their Google flair or focus on delighting users with extra features and capabilities. These aren't just regular Bluetooth headphones; Google brings a lot of "smart" additions once again, and those help justify the higher $179 price tag. This complete package is well worth that money — or it would be if connection issues hadn't become a deal-breaking issue in the year since its launch.At a glanceGoogle Pixel Buds ...

Here's what Google has in store for its sixth Pixel.It's become a tradition that every year brings us a new Pixel, and for 2021, we're expecting Google to deliver the Pixel 6. It seems like yesterday that Google was unveiling the series for the first time, but somehow, we're already looking ahead to the sixth generation of the phone.We still have a long way to go before we can get our hands on the Pixel 6, but that doesn't mean we can't start speculating and making informed guesses as to what it'll offer. From price, specs, availability, and more, here's everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 6.Current flagshipGoogle Pixel 5$679 at AmazonThe best Pixel you can buy right nowWe expect the Pixel 6 to be a darn good phone, but if you need something right now, the Pixel 5 has a ton to offer. Whether you're searching for amazing cameras, a quality display, snappy performance, or reliable battery life, you get all of that with the Pixel 5. And thanks to its mid-t...

It's time to get off the couch and get in shape!Did you have bold plans to start running more at the start of the summer, but things just didn't pan out? It can be tough to just go out for a free run when you're still working on your form and endurance.That's where using one of the best running apps can come in handy. The most popular smartphone apps for runners are the Couch to 5K training programs. They are typically built around an 8- or 9-week program that eases you into running using the interval training method. The goal is for you to be able to complete a full 5K run with no walking breaks needed by week eight.The top 3 apps1. C25K - 5K Running Trainer2. Couch to 5K3. Nike Run ClubMore optionsZombies, Run! 5k TrainingJust Run: Zero to 5KStart to Run. Running for BeginnersCouch to 10K Running Trainer5K Run - Couch to 5K Walk/Jog Interval Trainingadidas Running App - Your Sports & Run TrackerGo from couch potato to hero with these Couch to 5K app...

There's currently no word on when the features will begin rolling out to users.What you need to knowThe Google Assistant may soon gain two useful new features.With "Quick Phrases," users will be able to skip the "Hey, Google" hotword for the most common interactions. The Assistant will also begin recommending shortcuts based on your app usage pattern. Google announced a bunch of new features coming to the Google Assistant with Android 12 at I/O 2021 — including shortcut expansions. A teardown of the latest Google App v12.22.5 by XDA Developers has now revealed another new feature that will soon be added to the Assistant.The upcoming "quick phrases" feature will allow users to interact with the Google Assistant without saying the "Hey Google" hotword. As per the report, the feature will only work for the most common voice interactions, such as dismissing a ringing alarm or an ongoing timer. The feature is code-named "guacamole" and was first spotted in April this year wh...

Chromebooks are built light, lithe, and long-lasting. Still, as more Chromebooks shed USB-A and card-reading ports for future-proof, multifunctional USB-C ports, users are faced with a choice: You can try to upgrade all your peripherals to USB-C, or you can get a USB-C hub and keep using your USB-A keyboard and ripping photos off your camera's SD cards. Many USB-C hubs also support HDMI monitors, Ethernet, and Power Delivery charging too, so no matter your needs, there's a great USB-C hub out there for you! Here are some of the best Chromebook USB-C hubs you can buy right now.USB-C peripheralsAnker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub AdapterAnker makes a wide, wide array of USB-C hubs, but this one stands out. In addition to having a PD port for pass-through charging, there's also an extra data port for plugging in a USB-C peripheral like a USB-C flash drive or keyboard.$28 at AmazonPocket-friendly powerhouseUni USB-C Hub$34 at Amazon (6-in-1)$40 at Amazon (8...

If you plan to travel to the U.S. and want to avoid expensive roaming charges, getting a prepaid SIM Card for U.S. travelers and tourists is the way to go. As long as you own a GSM unlocked phone that's compatible with local networks such as T-Mobile and AT&T, getting a SIM card online or at a local retailer is both easy and affordable. These are some of the best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists to consider.Best overall: T-Mobile Simply PrepaidT-Mobile not only offers some of the best cell phone plans you could get today, but it also has an excellent prepaid option that will suit most travelers and tourists needs when visiting the U.S. Because T-Mobile's network has improved vastly over the past few years and its 5G network has some of the most expansive coverage and fastest speeds in the nation, you'll likely get excellent service with T-Mobile when traveling to major cities during your stay.There are four T-Mobile prepaid plans you can choose from, thou...

Oculus Touch controllers have wrist loops that keep them from flying off, but you still have to keep a rigid claw grip on them at all times while playing. By installing a hand or knuckle strap, you can keep your Touches fully attached while giving your hands a break. We've collected the best Oculus Quest 2 hand straps — plus straps for the original Quest's different-sized Touch controllers — to make long VR gaming sessions more bearable.Note: We will label which products work with the original or updated Touch controllers, so be sure to check before buying.Best for comfortVR Cover Controller Grips for Oculus Quest 2Staff PickDesigned specifically for the new Touch controllers, these VR Cover grips have felt fabric straps that wrap around the back of your hand or knuckles, plus a plastic non-slip grip that won't bend in your fingers like a silicone grip. We tested and loved these grips, especially the strap that softly hugs your hands and allows you to let go worry-f...

Google Photos just got a little better on iOS.What you need to knowGoogle has announced that its new photo and video editor is rolling out on iOS devices.The new Google Photos features were previously available on Android devices.Some photo editing features may require a Google One subscription.New photo and video editing features are arriving on the Google Photos iOS app. The update was announced on Monday in Google support page.The update brings advanced photo and video editing functions that were previously only made available on the best Android phones. This includes new machine learning tools that will suggest edits to be made to an image like Enhance and Color Pop. Google says that more edit suggestions will come to the iOS app in the future for additional types of images.The new video editor is also reaching the iOS app. This will bring a host of new editing features such as trimming, stabilizing, cropping, and adjusting various attributes like contrast, highligh...

Xiaomi is now rolling out the MIUI 12 stable update based on Android 11 to a lot of phones.MIUI 12 made its debut earlier this year, and Xiaomi has finished rolling out the stable update to most devices in its portfolio. Xiaomi's latest skin offering an array of new features, including an improved system-wide dark mode, AI-assisted calling features, Dynamic Always-on Display, new visual design, tweaks to system animations, and much-needed privacy fixes.Xiaomi is now turning its attention to the Android 11 update. It is starting to roll out MIUI 12 based on Android 11, with the stable update now rolling out to the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Mi 10. Xiaomi makes some of the best cheap Android phones, and it is good to see the manufacturer rolling out the Android 11 update earlier than usual.So let's take a look at the list of eligible phones slated to switch to Android 11, and when your device might receive the update.MIUI 12 Android 11 update: Now rolling out to Redmi Note 9, Mi 10, ...

The Google Pixel 4 is a significant switch from the previous Pixels, ditching the two-tone glass and the fingerprint sensor. However, it's still a glass-backed flagship phone. While it's important to protect any phone from dust, dirt, bumps, and scratches, it's especially important to do this from the get-go with a glass-backed device. So whether you want a clear case that can show off the Pixel 4's loveliness or prefer a more robust heavy-duty case to keep things locked down, we've spent hours looking for the best Pixel 4 cases out there.Slim gripSpigen Liquid AirStaff PickThis slim case features a wonderful texture on the back and sides, allowing you to add a bit of drop protection and a lot of grip without succumbing to the same old siren song of the carbon fiber case.$13 at AmazonDependable defenderTudia Merge SeriesPrefer your cases with a bit more protection? Tudia's Merge Series features the classic hybrid format, four color options, and an excellent price ...

Google's search choice screen is getting a little more equitable.What you need to knowGoogle's auction based search choice system is going away after backlash from rival search companies.In replacement, a system that includes up to 12 search englines will come into play on new Android devices.This change is rolling out from September 1.Google will be altering its search choice screen for Android users in Europe. From September 1, users will be able to see an expanded list of up to twelve search services. Previously, the company offered four choices, each one based on an auction.Google is retiring the auction as a result of feedback from both the European Commission and search companies, instead opting to promote the top 5 search services in each eligible country, that is, the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom. It will now display the top five most popular search services in each applicable country, followed by up to seven other eligible services in a randomi...

The new Sony WF-1000XM4 launch with a smaller footprint and a big price tag.What you need to knowThe new Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds have launched with a new design and improvements over their predecessor.The earbuds feature enhanced ANC and High-Resolution Audio Wireless with LDAC support thanks to Sony's new V1 chip.The Sony WF-1000XM4 retail for $280 and can be ordered online now.Roughly two years after the launch of its last flagship wireless earbuds, Sony has finally unveiled the new WF-1000XM4. The earbuds represent a major design change from the Sony WF-1000XM3 while improving many features.The earbuds and included charging case feature a more compact design than the XM3s. Sony says the buds are 10% smaller, and the case is a whopping 40% smaller. But the size reduction doesn't come at the expense of premium features or battery life, and that's largely thanks to Sony's new V1 Integrated Processor.The WF-1000XM4 have improved ANC with dual microphones on either earb...

Bose is known not only for comfortable headphones, but for excellent sound quality, so getting a pair of the best Bose headphones might be worth the investment. Bose's Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are the company's most innovative option to date. They feature 11 different steps of active noise cancelation, great battery life with up to 20 hours on a single charge, USB-C charging, and solid sound quality.Best overall: Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 aren't the newest headphones the company has to offer, but they're still, by far, the most innovative.The headlining feature here are the NCH 700s' active noise-cancelation (ANC) capabilities. The outgoing Bose QC35 II had solid ANC but were clearly showing their age. However, the NCH 700 now feature some of the best ANC available on the market today. With new ANC algorithms, they're able to block out nearly all bass/low-end noise and a decent amount of midrange and treble. They also fea...

For some, card games are the ultimate way to relax. Killing time on your morning commute or unwinding at the end of your day playing cards can now all happen on your phone, which is fantastic. You can play solo games, connect with friends or random online opponents over classic card games, or dive into fantasy card games of every kind.Here are some of our favorites now available for Android. When you're all wrapped up here, be sure to check out our best Android games!The gamesMicrosoft Solitaire CollectionGin RummyUno!Exploding KittensEvil Apples: You Against HumanityCard ThiefReigns: Her MajestyHearthstoneAscensionGwentLegends of RuneterraShelter FreeRWBY: Amity ArenaYu-Gi-Oh! Duel LinksStar RealmsShards of InfinitySlay the SpireMicrosoft Solitaire CollectionMicrosoft single-handedly made Solitare a household name by including it with every version of Windows since 1990. You can now keep yourself distracted on the go with the Microsoft Solitaire C...

Captured in Fidelity Mode.You can't save the day without a little help from friends.As one of the PS5's biggest exclusives so far, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart takes the hardware to new levels. This was already evident in its early trailers and gameplay footage, showcasing what the lightning-fast SSD could do for its world and its interdimensional adventure hopping. It's even more pronounced after spending nearly 20 hours with it. Insomniac is at its best here, coming off the already successful releases of Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales the past few years.To provide some context on my experience with the series, I played the original Ratchet and Clank on PS2 but haven't picked up the series since. Despite taking place after the events of Into the Nexus and the 2016 game, Rift Apart is very accessible to newcomers. I had no issue jumping in, and it stands as an excellent starting point if this is your first Ratchet and Clank game.With hyper-realistic masterpieces lik...

OnePlus announces yet another stripped-down Nord.What you need to knowOnePlus today shared more on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, a stripped-down version of the OnePlus Nord.It's set to come to Europe and India for an affordable price. An official launch will reveal everything on June 10.OnePlus today introduced the OnePlus Nord Core Edition, following up on its OnePlus Nord N200 reveal yesterday via an exclusive shared to TechRadar. The OnePlus Nord CE aims to replicate the core of the original Nord, one of the best cheap Android phones in 2020. Of course, OnePlus will also be cutting down on many of the specs to accomplish this.Down from a quad lens, OnePlus will have a triple-lens layout at the rear. With two of the Nord's lenses being more or less useless though, this is doesn't quite matter. Instead, what does matter is that the company will keep a powerful main shooter, and likely an ultra-wide. TechRadar speculates it may have a depth or a macro shooter of some unknown re...

Like many of its A-series brethren, Samsung Galaxy A42 5G offers a lot of value for money. The mid-range smartphone includes a massive 6.6-inch display, a 5,000mAh battery, quad-camera setup, and most importantly, 5G connectivity, all for just under $400. That said, like any modern smartphone, the Galaxy A42 5G also needs a case to survive the rigors of everyday use. There are quite a few of them available out there, so to help you decide, we've rounded up some of the best Samsung Galaxy A42 5G cases.Best overallSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickSpigen's Rugged Armor is made from flexible TPU material and uses "Air Cushion" technology to absorb impact, thus protecting your Galaxy A42 5G from bumps and falls. The case features raised lips around the corners for shielding the display from damage, and its precise cutouts allow easy access to all the ports.$11 at AmazonBest slim profileOtterbox Symmetry SeriesEasily one of the best Galaxy A42 5G cases in the market, ...

VR lens manufacturers are gearing up for huge orders from Facebook and Sony.What you need to knowBoth Facebook and Sony's next-generation VR headsets will launch in 2022, based on supply chain orders for lenses.These new lenses are more advanced and will cost more to produce, which should deliver greater clarity and a wider field of view.Kuo estimates that 8-9 million Quest 2's will be shipped in 2021, while Facebook will be shipping 18-20 million VR headsets in 2022.While we'll still be busy playing the best Quest 2 games well into the next year, VR lens factories will be working to build even better hardware than we have right now. As the Oculus Quest 2 enters its second year of existence, supply chain analysts believe we will see an Oculus Quest 3 hit the shelves. That, or an Oculus Quest Pro, depending on what Facebook's headset strategy turns out to be.Meanwhile, the same Taiwanese lens manufacturer, Yujingguang, will also be working on orders for Sony's PlayStation ...

After making her debut in the 25th season of The Bachelor, Katie Thurston is back but this time she'll be doing the choosing and we have all the details on how you can watch season 17 of The Bachelorette on TV or online.Just a year after The Bachelor debuted on ABC, the network created a spinoff series called The Bachelorette in 2003 that would give female contestants a chance to do the choosing when it came to finding a husband among 25 bachelors.While Chris Harrison hosted the show from its first season all the way up to season 16, he has decided to take a step back this season and now former Bachelorettes Taysia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will be doing the honor.During her time on The Bachelor, Katie made a name for herself by standing up against bullying and negativity in the house which led to fans of the show across America applauding her for speaking up for what she believes. The 30-year-old Washington native will now have her pick of 29 lucky potential suitors as well a...

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 could be priced around $1,600 in the U.S.What you need to knowSamsung's next foldables could be more affordable than expected.The top-of-the-line Galaxy Z Fold 3 will reportedly be up to $400 less expensive than its predecessor. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3, on the other hand, is tipped to be priced at around $1,100. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 foldables could be significantly more affordable than their predecessors, according to a report from SamMobile. The publication claims both devices will be "up to 20% cheaper" than last year's models.If the report is to be believed, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 would be priced somewhere around $1,600 in the U.S. The Galaxy Z Flip 3, on the other hand, could start at $1,100. The lower prices should help make foldable phones a lot more popular, although it could still take a long time for foldables to become truly mainstream. Along with lower prices, Samsung is said to be planning to offer "generous...

AT&T subscribers who take advantage of this deal can also snag a Stadia controller and Chromecast Ultra for $20.What you need to knowAT&T Fiber and 5G customers can get 6 months of Stadia Pro for free.Stadia Pro comes with free games every month, such as MotoGP20 and Chronos: Before the Ashes.Customers that sign up for Stadia Pro can buy a Stadia Controller and Chromecast Ultra bundle for $19.99.Many of the best cell phone plans come with some extra perks like Netflix or HBO Max but starting June 9, 2021, AT&T is putting the focus on gamers with Stadia. Paired with one of its fiber optic home internet plans or 5G wireless unlimited plans, AT&T is offering customers six months of Stadia Pro for free with the option to buy a Stadia controller and Chromecast Ultra for just $19.99.This is open to existing wireless customer that upgrade to a 5G phone or new customers that add a 5G phone. New fiber internet customers and existing home internet customers that upg...