Latest from Android Central

Is music the missing puzzle piece in the mystery of the universe?I've been playing a lot of newer games recently, so this week I thought I'd sift through the bottomless abyss of games I missed to try and find any lost treasures. Boy howdy, did I find a doozy of a game in Samorost 3!Samorost 3 gives me a feeling that is profoundly hard to describe. Samorost is beautiful, whimsical, intricate and charming. And yet it is also somehow disturbing. Maybe it's the muted color palette. Maybe it's the feeling of isolation that you get from thinking about the emptiness of space for too long. Maybe it's that so many things in this strange little world appear to be covered in hair. Whatever it is that makes Samorost so unique, it leaves an unmistakable impression in its wake. This is best Android games quality we're talking about here, folks.The development team has stated that it drew inspiration for Samorost's art direction from the animated works of Yuriy Norshteyn, one of the most ...

Have you been contemplating a new purchase? Whatever it might be, there's a good chance you're going to save on it this weekend because Best Buy has a huge 3-day sale featuring tons of electronics all down to low prices. We're talking about all kinds of savings from price matching deals on Amazon's smart devices to taking as much as $400 off popular 4K Smart TVs. That's just the tip of the iceberg, too. Save on true wireless earbuds, a new laptop, active noise-cancelling headphones, video games, smartphones, and more.Grab the AeroGarden Sprout down to just $59.99 this weekend. We shared a deal on it a couple weeks ago when it dropped to $70 because that was a good price back then. Today you can save another $10 and take a shot at growing some indoor herbs and veggies.These indoor gardens are great because they use bright LED lights instead of the sun for photosynthesis and they grow in water instead of soil. That means you can put them just about anywhere and you'll never create ...

You will also be able to adjust the volume directly from Chrome when casting content.What you need to knowGoogle is working on further improving global media controls in Chrome.You will soon see a row of shortcuts to available targets in the media picker, similar to media controls on Android 11.Google might also add a volume slider and mute button to cast session notifications. Google rolled out global media controls in Chrome last year, making it easier for users to manage audio and video playback. A spotted by an eagle-eyed Redditor, Google is now planning to make a few more changes to media controls in Chrome to make casting easier.An entry in the Chromium Gerrit reveals Google will be adding a row of shortcuts to cast targets at the bottom of the media picker. Users will be able to view a full list of cast targets by clicking on an arrow button to the right. As can be seen in the screenshots below, the revamped media picker in Chrome will look fairly similar to media ...

I think Samsung will have Android 12 ready to go by the time the next flagship series is released.There are plenty of choices when it comes to buying a new Android phone, and every model has its own specific things that make it great. You'll also find a Samsung Galaxy phone at the top or near the top of any best phone list out there, and for good reason: they combine awesome hardware with meaningful features that draw in plenty of users. Small complaints aside (we all have those with every phone), I think Samsung killed it with the Galaxy S21, and I'm not surprised when someone says it's up there with the best Android phones you can buy. You can't deny that the Galaxy S21 is one of the best Android phones you can buy right now.Google also makes some great phones like the Pixel 5, and when it comes to the company's yearly flagship, it has two things that make it stand out: the best camera of any mobile device and instant updates to new Android versions. While companies like S...

The best car phone holders make sure your phone is secure and within reach while safely operating your vehicle. When you're on the go, your phone is more than just a tool for keeping in touch. It's your road trip DJ, your trusty navigator, and for safety's sake, you need to mount it up securely. Your hands need to be on the wheel, not your phone, and you don't need to be looking down for directions at highway speeds. We've gathered up a list of some excellent options for universal car phone holders and mounts for your needs.Brand poweriOttie Easy One Touch 5Staff PickiOttie's Easy One Touch 5 is a great option that's easy to articulate however you like, thanks to a telescopic arm. It also comes in four mount styles, including a cupholder one, so you have options.$25 at Amazon $30 at Best Buy $25 at WalmartBest for rental carsMaxboost Car MountBest Magnetic MountMaxboost's car mount slides into a vent on one side, and securely sticks to a phone with the four magn...

As good as Samsung's software currently is, there's still room for improvement later in 2021.Samsung's One UI software is at the heart of many of the best Android phones out there, like the Galaxy S21 series. The company's smartphone UI has come a long way since the days of TouchWiz (a.k.a. the old, bad Samsung UI), and the current One UI version 3.1 boasts fast performance slick animations and a rich feature set.Nevertheless, there's always room for improvement, and Samsung's position as the leading Android manufacturer in the West means that expectations are high for the upcoming One UI 4.0 update. After three years of One UI, we've rounded the top five things we want to see in the next version.1. No more ads There's no excuse for unblockable push ads on a $1000+ phone.In the U.S. in particular, Samsung phones have become notorious for aggressively pushing ads, often in the form of notifications, to its users' devices. While it is possible to turn off ads on a Samsun...

Experts think the carrier is doing what it can to be number one, but also to eventually onboard customers to more expensive plans.T-Mobile's move to add free lines to bolster wireless net additions is a tactic to make itself the winner, but in the long run, the carrier wants to "cross-sell and upsell," and get more customers on expensive plans, experts say.On May 4, the carrier posted its Q1 2021 earnings indicating it added nearly 800,000 new post-paid customers with an increase in revenue of $19.8 billion. The carrier, which some argue to be one of the best wireless carriers in the U.S., is still merging Sprint's network with its own.T-Mobile also reported that its net income remained flat "as higher revenues were offset by expense increases as a result of the Sprint Merger, including merger-related costs."Roger Entner, a telecom analyst and founder of Recon Analytics, said in an interview that even if those free lines don't add revenue to T-Mobile, they add "stickiness," a...

Chatting with the AC forums.As much as I love the bright, vivid, high-refresh displays on larger phones like the OnePlus 9 or Samsung Galaxy Note 20, there's something refreshing about using a more one-handed friendly phone like the Google Pixel 4a. For me, there's a dose of nostalgia for the days when the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was considered a beast, but it's also easier and more comfortable to use a small phone one-handed. And that's not even taking into account the conveniences a smaller form factor brings to those of us who have smaller pockets to stuff larger and larger phones into. Will we see the Android equivalent of the Apple iPhone 12 mini anytime soon, or are foldables our hope for more pocketable phones?It's not a new debate, but it's one that keeps coming up in certain circles, including the AC forums: Kuldip Wagh 05-06-2021 10:43 PM “ 1. Samsung OneUI has become much better, cleane...

The service could give users a chance to "influence" the development of planned shows before filming is completed.What you need to knowNetflix is reportedly working on a new "N-Plus" service.The service will include podcasts, custom TV show playlists, how-tos, and more. At this point, it is unclear when the service will be launched. Netflix is toying with the idea of rolling out a new service called N-Plus, according to a report from Protocol. The streaming giant recently sent out a survey to some users, asking them if they would be interested in accessing new content such as podcasts, user-generated playlists, how-tos, and more.Netflix describes N-Plus as a "future online space where you can learn more about the best Netflix shows and things related to them." Until now, Netflix has been posting behind-the-scenes interviews, podcasts, and other similar content through YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms.Along with behind-the-scenes content, however, N-P...

Changing your life and making it as a journalist is no small task but that is exactly what Annie Easton has done in Hulu's hit comedy Shrill and we have all the details on how you can watch the final season of the show online.Based on the book Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West, the series first premiered on Hulu back in 2019. Set in Portland, Oregon, Shrill stars American actress and comedian Aidy Bryant who is known for her work on Saturday Night Live.At the beginning of the series, Annie was an overweight young woman who wanted to change her life but not her body. Although the world around her deemed her not good enough because of her weight, Annie soon realized that she's just as good as anyone else and decided to act on it. However, in order to get the assignments she wanted to write about, Annie had to win over and convince her perfectionist boss Gabe Parrish (John Cameron Mitchell) that she had what it takes.The third and final season of the show finds Annie e...

Motorola's $230 budget beauty can't rise above an extremely competitive landscape.I've said it many times, but I firmly believe that Motorola's Moto G line changed the world, and why we had to give you a Moto G Stylus review. It brought down the cost of good-enough Android phones to the point where it was finally possible to recommend them to people; it opened the door for millions of people around the world to take advantage of what the operating system could do without the hardware getting in the way. And over the years, it's managed to iterate and evolve without losing the fundamental tenets of what made the original so compelling in the first place.But under Lenovo's tutelage, the Moto G line has exploded in volume and complexity, and instead of following up 2019's superb Moto G7 series with the Moto G8 in North America, the company reset the brand entirely, releasing two phones under the names Moto G Power and this one, the Moto G Stylus. All of this success is what keeps mo...

Samsung needs the Galaxy A series to continue its 5G dominance.Samsung is the world's largest smartphone manufacturer by some margin; in Q1 2021, the South Korean manufacturer sold 76.1 million phones around the world and had a 22% market share. While Samsung traditionally relied on its flagships for a bulk of the revenue from its mobile business, it is increasingly turning to the mid-range and budget segments to bolster growth.The Galaxy S21 series was well-received following its debut earlier this year, but there won't be a Galaxy Note this year, with Samsung shifting focus to foldables, like the upcoming Z Fold 3.Looking back at the ten best-selling phones last year, Samsung did not have any Galaxy S or Note models in the list. However, it did have four models in the Galaxy A series, with the Galaxy A51 narrowly losing out to the iPhone 11 as the best-selling phone of 2020. That particular device was joined by the budget-focused Galaxy A01, A11, and A21s. Samsung's decis...

Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.The way we arrange, organize, and interact with our apps on Android is called the launcher. Launchers usually consist of a series of home screens, where we can arrange app shortcuts and widgets and an app drawer. Every phone comes with a launcher, but when they drop the ball, there are endless third-party launchers that not only pick it up again but knock it clear out of the park. Everyone has their perfect launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, then here are a few launchers we think will satisfy users of every type.The best launchersBest Overall Smart Launcher 5Resurging Legacy Nova LauncherSwiss Army Launcher Action LauncherBest Productivity Microsoft LauncherQuick and Simple Niagara LauncherHonorable Mention Lawnchair 2Best Overall: Smart Launcher 5 AC Score 5 ...

Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the recently released Google Pixel 4a models. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package. Snagging a great deal on one isn't so tough either; we've gathered the best offers available right now and put them in a list just below. Then again, there are some excellent Pixel 5 deals to consider too if you'd rather purchase an upgraded model.Best Google Pixel 4a Deals Available NowPixel 4a 5G: as low as $5/monthPixel 4a: up to $130 offGoogle Pixel 4a 5G | $5/month at VerizonThis 5G model of the Google Pixel 4a is now available at Verizon for as low as $5 per month! You'll just need to add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal. Another option at Verizon earns you up to $200 back with the device's purchase...

FuboTVSports fans rejoiceFrom $65/mo. at FuboTVProsImpressive live sports lineup4K streaming for sportsMore channels ConsMissing TBS, TNT, CNNLimited cloud DVR storageAdd-ons add up The FuboTV cable replacement streaming service focuses mainly on channels offering live sports, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and international soccer. You'll also find news, network series, and an on-demand media library.YouTube TVLive sports and more$65/mo. at YouTubeProsImpressive live sports lineupGreat overall channel lineupUnlimited cloud DVRConsNo offline viewing No HD playbackRestrictions on select sports contentYouTube TV offers live TV, on-demand video, and cloud-based DVR. Among the 85 channels included as part of the service are the Big Four broadcast networks. You also have the option to add premium channels.Both FuboTV and YouTube TV offer the best in live sports coverage outside of a traditional cable package. FuboTV's plans o...

Typing on Wear OS just got a lot better.What you need to knowGoogle just released an update to the Gboard app on Wear OS.The new version features enhanced suggestions, support for multiple inputs, and more.The update is rolling out today and measures in at 12.18MB.Google just dropped a surprise update to the Gboard app on Wear OS. The new update brings a new layout the more closely resembles Gboard on the best Android phones while also bringing a few new features and improvements to the experience.The keyboard now comes with a black background instead of the grey-ish tone found on the previous version. It also changes some design and layout elements with larger, more pronounced buttons. You can see the difference between the two versions below:The circular language button is no longer present and has instead been moved to the space bar. Pressing and holding the now-larger space bar will bring up language and input options similar to how the smartphone app behaves. And...

The world's biggest rockstars weren't always so big... From Cradle to Stage takes a look at the relationship between mothers and musicians through the lens of a six-part unscripted television series that's premiering exclusively on Paramount Plus. Directed by Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Nirvana fame, and based on the book by his mother Virginia Hanlon Grohl, the series sees Dave and Virginia visiting the homes of some of the most iconic acts in music history to see how they truly became who they are today.Among the musicians featured in the show are Pharrell Williams, Brandi Carlile, Geddy Lee of Rush, Miranda Lambert, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons.Paramount+Join at Paramount+ todaySubscribe at Paramount+ today to start watching From Cradle to Stage and get your first week free! Along with shows from VH1 and MTV, the service includes films and series from networks like Comedy Central, BET, Nickelodeon, CBS, and more. T...

Best answer: No, not as a tracker. The Apple AirTag will work with an Android phone via NFC when the tracker is in Lost Mode to return it to its owner.Don't plan on buying an Apple AirTag if you use an Android phoneWhen Apple announced the AirTag during its Spring Loaded Event in April 2021, this question came up: "Will the Apple AirTag work with an Android phone or not?" After all, it works like all the other excellent Bluetooth trackers on the market, right? Kind of. While the Apple AirTag has Bluetooth, which can help track it down, there is much more technology inside that coin-shaped device than just Bluetooth.Arguably the most impressive bit of technology inside the AirTag is the inclusion of UWB (ultra-wideband) that helps with locating the device down to within half an inch. You'll find NFC in the tracker as well, and that's the only part that will be compatible with Android phones. If the owner of an AirTag puts it into "Lost Mode," if found by an iPhone or Android use...

Google is going to protect you whether you like it or not.What you need to knowGoogle is highlighting its password management tools on World Password Day.Eligible accounts will be automatically enrolled into two-factor authentication.Google hopes to stop using passwords eventually due to their insecure nature.Google has announced that it will automatically enroll users into two-factor authentication in a move to better protect accounts. The announcement came as Google recognizes World Password Day.In a blog post, Google stated that accounts that are "appropriately configured" will be enrolled soon, although did not elaborate on when the change will occur. With the 2FA turned on, logging into your Google account from your computer will send a prompt to any of the best Android phones that are linked to the account. You will have to confirm that it's you trying to sign in.Enabling two-factor authentication for everyone will ensure that there's no unauthorized access to an ...

If you're a commuter or work in a busy environment, you're likely in the market for some of the best noise-canceling headphones. Drown out all that background noise with active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, which has become one of the most highly sought-after features that's no longer exclusive to expensive headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM4's ANC heads up a group of class-leading headphones through their excellent performance and battery life, making them our top choice. But there are plenty of other options for a variety of lifestyles and budgets on this list.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4Sony has been in the top spot before with its WH-1000XM3, which were the best ANC headphones on the market before they were replaced by the WH-1000XM4. Sony's flagship cans have become the benchmark for the industry as a whole, forcing others to catch up. What makes them so good is the unique QN1 processor and a dual noise sensor that work together to block out ambient sound. For a daily com...

Roma have a mountain to climb if they are to overturn Manchester United's significant aggregate advantage and progress to the UEFA Europa League final. Don't miss a moment with our Roma vs Man United live stream guide.Manchester United have essentially stamped their ticket to Gdańsk after thumping Roma in the first leg clash. After going 2-1 down at halftime in the home leg, United turned on the style in the second half, bagging five goals to all but secure their place in the final.Roma's recent league form doesn't make for good reading either with the team picking up just one point out of 12 available in their last four Serie A games and recording just one win in their last eight games.With a string of poor results and Europa League qualification seemingly out of reach for next season, it was announced that Roma manager Paulo Fonseca will leave the club at the end of the season with former United manager Joes Mourinho taking the reins for the next campaign.Despite a healthy...

One of Samsung's latest smartphones, the Galaxy S21 Ultra, impresses with tons of fabulous features, including amazing cameras and a super sleek design that's complemented by the absolutely gorgeous 6.8-inch screen. The phone is IP68 dust and water-resistant, but it's still important to protect it with a case. And while the device doesn't come with the popular Samsung S Pen, it works seamlessly with one. So, it's a no-brainer to grab the S Pen — easily the best stylus for Android phones like this one — to use with this phone. While you're at it, consider choosing among the best S Pen cases and other accessories to complete the experience.Trusted brandSpigen Liquid Air PStaff PickYou can never go wrong with a Spigen case, and this one actually comes with a built-in slot to accommodate an S Pen. It's slim and form-fitting with an anti-slip matte surface that's comfortable to hold while tapping away or jotting notes. With military-grade protection and Air Cushion technolog...

I know it's hard to find a docking station, but this costs as much as my first Chromebook.What you need to knowHyper has announced a series of accessories that are Made for Chromebooks.The HyperDrive 14-Port USB-C Docking Station for Chromebook has four video outputs and 5 USB-A ports.Hyper's also offering a 5-in-1 USB-C Hub and an Ethernet to USB-C Adapter.All three products will be launching in August, ranging in price from $50-$240.Whether you're running the best Chromebook or you're using something that's a couple of years old, you can upgrade your experience and turn your Chromebook into a perfect work from home laptop by adding on an external monitor and a better mic than the dinky one your Chromebook shipped with using a Chromebook-compatibile docking station. The problem is that finding a docking station that plays nice with a Chromebook can take a while because things aren't always the same as they are on a Windows laptop or a Macbook.I've actually gone throug...

Second chancesAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)$100 at AmazonProsSmaller and better fitHands-free Alexa accessImproved ANC performanceMaintains EQ supportGreat support on both iOS and AndroidFaster chargingConsNo real difference in battery lifeNo multipoint BluetoothFinicky touch controlsAmazon is back for an encore with the second-gen Echo Buds, focusing on improving the things their predecessors didn't do so well. The results will largely depend on how you view the audio output, but the supporting features at least move the ball forward.First time outAmazon Echo Buds$130 at B&HProsSolid active noise reduction (ANR)Up to 20 hours of total listening timeHands-free Alexa accessEQ support for some custom soundGreat support on both iOS and AndroidCompact charging/carrying caseConsAging Micro-USB for chargingNo wireless chargingOnly available in blackThe debut Echo Buds don't look to be here for long, as Amazon looks to go all-in...

Bringing back the age of gathering around a table for some fun.Dungeons and Dragons is one of those experiences I've often considered but had never undertaken. Over the years, I've played card games like Magic the Gathering, taken part in several Everquest and World of Warcraft LAN parties, and, yet, something as ubiquitous as Dungeons and Dragons has, somehow, always eluded my grasp. I don't know if it's the deep commitment that D&D players often find themselves agreeing to — my own brother has a regular D&D group he plays with — or the huge rulebook that seems to change all the time; it's just never been part of my routine.Demeo threatens to change all of that — in a very good way, of course — by bringing the feel of Dungeons and Dragons to the world of VR, creating a board game atmosphere in a virtual basement where you and three other teammates can delve deep into dungeons without the need for a commute or a massive commitment. It's Dungeons and Dragons for th...

Your family members can now respond to Broadcast messages from any device.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out new family-friendly Google Assistant features.Broadcast, which is one of the most popular Assistant features, now makes it easier to reach your family wherever they are. Google is also introducing two new family bell reminders, along with new stories and games that can be accessed from an Android device or a smart display.Ahead of Mother's Day this weekend, Google has announced a bunch of new family-friendly Assistant features. You can now reach your family wherever they might be, with the help of Family broadcast, one of the most popular Assistant features.When you broadcast a message to your family, they will now be able to respond from any device — including smart speakers, smart displays, iPhones, or Android phones. You can easily reply to a broadcast message from the best Android phones by tapping the reply button or by voice.Google is also rol...

Google Play wants to help you understand how your data is being used.What you need to knowGoogle Play will introduce a safety section to bring more app transparency.The section will inform users of the different data requirements and safety features of an app.The timeline for the safety section indicates a rollout won't occur until early 2022.Google is announcing a new safety section that will live in Google Play app listings. The new section will encourage better transparency between users and app developers by including useful information about how an app uses data.Google wants developers to indicate the kind of information that their app will use, including "approximate or precise location, contacts, personal information (e.g. name, email address), photos & videos, audio files, and storage files."Developers have the ability to highlight if their app includes data encryption, whether or not the app can function without sharing or using certain data if users can re...

There's a lot to love about the PS5 DualSense controller, but it isn't perfect. Even the best PS5 accessories have their faults. One of the biggest issues plaguing the DualSense is thumbstick drift, and some people have other issues in addition to that, including with its internal battery. We'll run down a few of the most common you may experience and how you can fix them. There's no one size fits all option, and your mileage may vary, but these methods have proven to work in some instances.How to fix PS5 controller driftDualSense drift usually happens because of general wear and tear on your controller. Its thumbsticks are soldered to the main controller board and are connected to potentiometers that detect movement. As you constantly use your controller, friction can wear them down. This is the most difficult problem to fix because the best method to do so would be to take apart the entire controller and replace the offending parts, and not everyone is equipped to do that....

Facebook's cementing its status as a messaging king.What you need to knowFacebook is improving its most interlinked messaging apps.Facebook Messenger is gaining new themes, stickers to commemorate AAPI month, as well as tap-to-record. For Instagram, the company is adding themes, a new read receipts feature, and new, more visual replies.Facebook's messaging apps are already best in class, and the company today announced new features to keep it that way for both Instagram and Messenger. It's worth noting on the outset that some of these features may depend on whether you have Facebook's new Instagram integration, while some are Messenger exclusive and others are universal.When it comes to Messenger, this update adds a lot. Messenger is getting new themes and stickers. It may be too late for May the 4th, but there's a new Star Wars sticker pack regardless. You'll also find one for Selena The Series. The company is also rolling out new stickers for Asian and Pacific Islander...

According to an investigation by the New York Attorney General, millions of comments submitted during the 2017 net neutrality proceeding were fake.What you need to knowNew York Attorney General says millions of comments to FCC proceeding on net neutrality were fake.Broadband companies initiated the campaign to generate fake comments.Three firms that help generate comments were charged $4.9 million.The nation's largest broadband companies, which includes some of the best wireless carriers in the U.S., funded a secret campaign to generate millions of fake comments to the Federal Communications Commission during its repeal of net neutrality rules in 2017, according to the New York Attorney General's office (NYAGO).The investigation, which was released today, indicated that many of the comments provided "cover" for the repeal of the rules. The investigation indicated that the broadband companies engaged "commercial lead generators" that would use prizes, like gift cards or sw...

The best tablets and large-screened smartphones are designed for you to use your fingers to navigate menus and screens, type, select, and more. But you can also use the best stylus for Android phones and tablets to do all of the above. A stylus offers better precision, particularly with specific tasks like coloring, jotting down digital notes, or selecting items in a detailed document or spreadsheet. They're especially useful for those with large hands, fingers, and/or thumbs who find it difficult to manipulate small text on the screen. We've rounded up the best universal stylus pens. For those who own a Samsung device, specifically, however, the absolute best option is an S Pen.Fine-point stylusAdonit Dash 3 (Black)Staff PickThis universal stylus for Android phones and tablets features a fine-tip point that mimics a paper-like drag.$50 at Amazon $50 at B&H PhotoFor the latest Samsung tabletsSamsung Note20 Replacement S PenFor a replacement or extra S Pen to u...

One of the most annoying things about surfing the web back in the wild west days of the early internet was pop-up ads. Do you remember those? Yuck! Unfortunately, pop-ups have been reborn in recent years with pop-up notifications that appear when you visit various websites in popular browsers like Apple's Safari and Google's Chrome. If these notifications bother you as much as they bother me, then you're probably wondering if there is anything you can do about them, short of clicking Block every time one pops up. Thankfully, there is something you can do, and it's pretty darn easy. I'll show you how you can get rid of Google Chrome pop-ups once and for all so that they never bother your browsing again!How to prevent site notification popups in Google ChromeOpen up the Google Chrome browser.Click on the three-dot menu at the top right corner.Click on Settings.Click on Privacy and security.Click on Site Settings.Click on Notifications.Click the toggle at the top th...

It's no secret that Android tablets are a lot less popular today than they were a few years ago. Despite that, Samsung continues to be one of the few companies that regularly releases new tablet options. That's a good thing for you and me because Samsung knows what it takes to create a killer tablet. Whether you get our top overall pick — the Galaxy Tab 7 — or anything else mentioned in this roundup, here are the best Samsung tablets you can buy in 2021.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7You have a large number of Galaxy Tabs to choose from, but above everything that's on offer, the Galaxy Tab S7 stands out as our go-to recommendation. It's one of the newest tablets in Samsung's lineup, and for most folks, it'll be the best one you can buy.The most important aspect of any tablet is its display, and in these regards, the Tab S7 has a lot going for it. You're treated to an 11-inch LCD panel with a 2560x1600 resolution and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you pla...

Sony had stopped letting retailers sell digital game codes back in 2019.What you need to knowSony has prevented third-parties from selling digital game codes since 2019.The company is now facing a class action lawsuit due to this decision.The lawsuit alleges that PlayStation has created an unlawful monopoly.For The Players means different things to different folks. PlayStation's enduring motto has taken criticism over the years for what people view as anti-consumer practices, one of which was the decision to prevent third-party retailers from selling digital game codes. Sony enacted this policy in 2019, preventing stores like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and more from selling digital game codes that could be redeemed on PlayStation consoles, making the PlayStation Store the only place to buy these games. Sony is now being sued for this decision, according to a report from Bloomberg.A proposed class action lawsuit claims that Sony is operating an unlawful monopoly where peop...

You'll soon be able to access the clipboard directly from the virtual keyboard on your Chrome OS tablet.What you need to knowGoogle is making it easier to copy and paste on Chromebook tablets.The virtual keyboard on Chrome OS has gained a new Multipaste feature with the latest Chrome OS Beta update.It is likely to be added to the stable channel with the next Chrome OS release. The Google-made virtual keyboard on Chrome OS received a major update last year, which brought a refreshed UI and a few other useful improvements. Despite the update, however, the virtual keyboard is still not good enough and makes a great physical keyboard essential for Chromebook tablet owners.Fortunately, Google willl soon add a new feature to the Chrome OS virtual keyboard to make it a lot easier for Chromebook tablet users to copy and paste content. As reported by Android Police, a recent Chrome OS Beta added Multipaste functionality, which can be activated by pasting chrome://flags/#enable-cro...

When all is lost, the tide remains.Selene's journey deeper into Atropos leads her into the Abyssal Scar, an underwater ruin and the final biome of Returnal. In the Abyssal Scar, your jump is twice as effective, but you also fall slower, which could leave you open to attack if you're not careful. As you plunge deeper into the depths of the Abyssal Scar, you'll encounter Ophion, the final boss standing behind you and the answers you seek. Here's how to defeat the final boss Ophion in Returnal.How to prepareIf you've managed to fight your way through the fourth and fifth biome, then you may in good shape heading into the Abyssal Scar. Enemies are frequent in this biome and are prone to exploding, so watch your step as you explore its murky depths. Stock up on health and shield items, and grab a Child's Watch or an Astronaut Figurine, to make sure your run doesn't end in tragedy. I also like the Spitmaw Blaster for this final fight, but the Hollowseeker works really well. You're...

Whether you're using the Chrome Browser on Windows, Mac, Android, or on the best Chromebook, there's a lot of ways to tweak the performance or try out upcoming features even without having to switch to software channels. Chrome Flags allow you to try out experimental features or disable certain features if you're encountering issues, and here's how to turn them on or off as you see fit.How to enable flags in ChromeGo to chrome://flags in your Chrome browser.Type the flag name into the search bar. If you're not entirely sure on the same, type in the process or task, and the search should get close enough.Click the drop-down menu next to the flag you want to enable.Click Enabled.Click Restart to relaunch Chrome and activate the flag.Chrome will close and restart — Chromebook users, be warned that depending on the flag, the entire system might reboot — with the flag enabled. You can activate multiple flags at once and then reboot once you're done, or you can clos...

Follow the music.Just when Selene thought she had broken the cycle and returned to her normal life, she gets dragged back to Atropos only to discover that the cycle is not broken. Not yet. Wandering through the Echoing Ruins, she follows a song playing deep in the center of the ruins and plans to silence it. Hyperion is the fourth boss in Returnal, and is one of the hardest. If you're struggling to defeat Hyperion, we're here to help. Here's how to defeat Hyperion in Returnal.How to prepareReturning to the planet of Atropos again will leave Selene without any of the upgrades she collected her first time around. None of the items or artifacts carry over, but weapon skills and permanent upgrades remain. Also, you'll notice that Weapon Proficiency, which was once capped at 15, can now raise up to 30. The key to preparing for this fight is to look for Silphium Resin to upgrade your health and try to find a weapon that has a good combination of skills. For Hyperion, I used the Spi...

There's been a lot to love with Chromebooks this year between manufacturers continuing to churn out the best Chromebooks ever and Google adding tons of new features in recent Chrome OS updates like Nearby Share, Ambient mode, and a plethora of minor upgrades to help make your Chromebook an even better work from home laptop. To be more productive, we need to stop getting lured away by every notification and beep of our phones, and with Phone Hub, we can keep an eye on our phones while still keeping busy.How to set up Phone Hub from scratchOpen the Settings app.Tap Set up under Connected devices.Select your phone from the drop down menu.Tap Accept & continue.Enter the password to your Google account.Tap Done.Tap Done onc the connection is secured.You can now tap the phone icon in your dock to pull up the Phone Hub and see your phone's status, recent Chrome tabs, and toggles to silence your phone, locate your phone, or toggle on the hotspot.As a note, whe...

One giant foe stands in the way of your escape. Take them out.After defeating Phrike and Ixion, Selene will finally make it to the third biome, called the Derelict Citadel. A Temple long abandoned, it creeks to life with a myriad of different types of machinery, all hellbent on stopping Selene's progress towards the White Shadow. Finally, after fighting through the Derelict Citadel, Selene encounters the next threat — Nemesis. And while Nemesis is massive and intimidating, it's also a straightforward fight. Here's how to defeat Nemesis in Returnal.How to prepareIf you've gotten this far without dying, pat yourself on the back. That probably means you're more than prepared for this fight. As far as what weapon to use, look for long range weapons, like the Hollowseeker, the Tachyomatic Carbine, or the Thermogenic Launcher, and avoid using your pistol or the Spitmaw Blaster. You're going to want range for this upcoming fight. Like always, grab a Child's Watch or an Astronaut F...

Chatting with the AC forums.There's no question that Samsung makes some of the best Android phones on the market. From budget phones to mid-range marvels like the Galaxy A52 5G or Galaxy S20 FE, on up to the most premium devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung is a leader in smartphone hardware.The company has also seriously stepped up its software game with its One UI skin of Android, which is packed with all sorts of accessibility and usability features. One of those features, love it or hate it, is its Bixby smart assistant. Some people coexist with Bixby, some ignore it, and some are downright hostile to it and want to get rid of it at all costs, including rooting their phones. ship69 05-04-2021 06:15 AM “ Hello How can I remove Bixby from my Samsung Galaxy Note 10 plus (Android 11)? I can't even find any way to disable it! I have stopped it from firing up when I hit the Power butt...

Ixion is one of the hardest bosses in the game. Learn how to beat it.The second biome of Returnal, called Crimson Wastes, is a red desert with a long dormant temple at the base of the mountain. Crossing the desert, clearing the temple, and making it to the summit is one of the hardest parts of Returnal. And just when you thought you'd seen it all, a powerful boss named Ixion waits for you at the very top. If you find yourself being bested by the flying fiend, take a look at our guide and plan your next (and final) encounter. Here's how to beat Ixion in Returnal.How to prepareAt this point, you might find yourself on two different ends of the spectrum. If you've been cruising through, then you probably defeated Phrike and have held onto your artifacts and items, which means you're probably more than prepared for what awaits. If you died at some point and are jumping back into the Crimson Wastes, take your time and explore. While shortcuts do become available to you once you re...

The Galaxy S22 Ultra could be a bigger upgrade over the Galaxy S21 Ultra than previously expected.What you need to knowSamsung could introduce several new camera technologies with the Galaxy S22 Ultra next year.A new rumor claims the phone will have continuous optical zoom and an under-display selfie camera. It is also rumored to be Samsung's first flagship phone to feature AMD Radeon Mobile graphics. Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra may not offer great value, but there is no doubt that it is one of the best Android phones the company has launched so far. The phone offers a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display, great battery life, and a truly impressive quad-camera setup. According to a new rumor, Samsung is planning to take things up a notch with its Galaxy S21 Ultra successor.Samsung leaker Ice Universe has claimed that the company is working on continuous optical zoom technology for the Galaxy S22 Ultra. While no details have been revealed yet, the leaker says Samsung Electro-Mecha...

Apple can't afford to lose podcast ground to Android listeners.A few weeks ago, Apple made a bit of a splash with its announcements about its new AirTags trackers as well as updates to the iPad Pro and iMac, but it also announced significant changes to one of its more popular "services" — podcasts. Apple doesn't own podcasting per se, but it does deserve a ton of credit for the way it has nurtured and popularized the platform for millions of users around the world over the past decade and a half.At the Spring Loaded event, Apple unveiled a new design for its Podcasts app to go along with its new Apple Podcast Subscriptions service. Apple Podcast Subscriptions are rolling out to Apple customers across iOS and macOS this month, and no one is quite sure how creators or consumers will receive them. Personally, I'm expecting it to be a big hit. Still, I do think that Apple should bring both its Podcasts app and Podcast Subscriptions to Android sooner rather than later if it truly wa...

A sensible high-performance upgradeNetgear makes a Nighthawk for every home, whether you need to focus on delivering raw speed, great coverage, or something that delivers just enough in every category. The Nighthawk RAX80 feels like a common sense upgrade with its dual-band AX6000 Wi-Fi delivering plenty of speed in most home types, great compatibility with current devices, and even a fast 2.4GHz setup for smart home devices.The Nighthawk RAX80 has a great, modern design with support for all of the Wi-Fi 6 bells and whistles like OFDMA, 160MHz support, and link aggregation. It also manages to do so in a handsome yet understated package that isn't flanked on all sides with an aggressive antenna design. Instead, you get two dark gray winglets that look like they came off a Boeing 737. This one-size-fits-all router is focused on the most important features, but if you know precisely what you want from your network, you might find a better fit for a better price, even within the Nigh...

It's been 20 years since their last performance but the fictional one-hit-wonder girl group Girls5eva is making a comeback in Peacock's latest original series and we have all the details on how you can watch the new musical comedy on TV or online.Created by writer and producer Meredith Scardino who is known for her work on Saturday Night Live, The Colbert Report and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Girls5eva tells the tale of Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry), Gloria (Paula Pell) and Summer (Busy Philipps) who rose to fame in the late 90s as members of the group Girls5eva.After one of the group's songs gets sampled by an up-and-coming young rapper, four of its five original members decide to reunite and try to give their dream of being pop stars one more chance. Dawn, Wickie, Gloria, and Summer may be grown women with adult responsibilities like spouses, kids, jobs, debt, aging parents, and shoulder pain but can't they also be Girls5eva?One thing that will hopef...

The process of how to get a VPN can be super simple if you just go online, download the first you see, and install it. But, in reality, it's far more complex than that. Not only do you have to pick the right service if you want the best VPN experience but you also need to know how to set it up correctly for your needs.Start by working out why you want a VPN. Is your priority getting a secure VPN for better online privacy and anonymity? Do you want a Netflix VPN for streaming internationally? Perhaps a VPN is your way to save money on shopping where the prices adjust to your details.Then you need to think about where this applies. Will you need it on your computer, your phone, maybe your console and TV? And do you want more than one person to use it in your household?Price is another big part of your decision. There are free VPN options and there are paid-for VPN choices – do you need to pay or not?Then, once you've picked one, how do you actually get it up and running? Read...

Krafton will open pre-registrations for Battlegrounds Mobile India before its official launch in the country.What you need to knowKrafton is bringing back PUBG Mobile to India under a new brand name.The "new" title, Battlegrounds Mobile, has been customized for the Indian market. PUBG Mobile was banned in India in September last year, along with PUBG Mobile Lite and hundreds of other apps of Chinese origin. PUBG Mobile, which was banned in India last year, will soon relaunch in the country as Battlegrounds Mobile India. PUBG Mobile, which was banned in India last year, will soon relaunch in the country as Battlegrounds Mobile India. As per an official teaser video released by Krafton on YouTube, the game will offer a "world-class multiplayer gaming experience on mobile."Krafton, the parent company behind PUBG Mobile, said in a statement: Krafton will collaborate with partners to build an esports ecosystem while bringing in-game content regularly, starting with a s...

The regular ZenFone 8 doesn't appear too exciting, but the Flip is another story.What you need to knowImages of the ZenFone 8 smartphones have leaked not long before their launch.The ZenFone 8 appears to feature a dual-camera setup, with a triple rotating camera on the ZenFone 8 Flip.Both smartphones will launch on May 12.The upcoming ZenFone 8 smartphones have been spotted in leaked renders, just a week before the devices are expected to launch. The images, obtained by 91mobiles, show two different angles of the ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip.The ZenFone 8 design appears fairly uninspired from the images, particularly with the dual-camera setup on the rear. Leaks indicate that these cameras consist of a 64MP main sensor and 12MP macro sensor. Meanwhile, the device is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, which is powering all the best Android phones.It'll be interesting to see how ASUS positions this device. Other rumored specs include 8GB of RAM and 1...

Hisense just made the best Android TV product announcement ever.What you need to knowHisense just launched several new TVs with the help of Community actor Joel McHale.The new 2021 lineup of Hisense TVs includes mostly Android TV sets and one 8K Roku set.This is probably the best TV launch you'll ever watch.Hisense just launched its 2021 Android TV lineup with several new models and with the help of "Community" actor Joel McHale. He even name-dropped Android Central in the process, which is no surprise since we gave the Hisense H9G Quantum such a glowing review as one of the best Android TVs on the market.McHale goes on to say that if you're watching the launch, "you're either a tech journalist, a well-informed consumer, or just a passionate fan of product line announcement videos." Which, to be fair, is also probably true if you're reading this article. He then states the obvious by saying that "you don't wanna be stuck with some corporate suit armed with weak jokes and ...