Latest from Android Central

Google's Material You aesthetic gives Android 12 a fresh new look.Google introduced Material Design back in 2014, and while Android looks very different from seven years ago, the design language itself hasn't changed too much. Google has focused its attention on polishing core interface elements in recent releases, adding better notification management, overhauled gestures, new privacy features, and system-wide dark mode.With Android 12, Google is embarking on a huge redesign that changes just about every facet of the interface. Google calls this the "biggest design change in Android's history," and that claim is warranted. The new design language is an evolution of Material Design dubbed Material You, and it makes Android much more playful and accessible. The best Android phones feature skins with plenty of customizability, and Google is heading down that path with Android 12.Of course, Android 12 is much more than a fresh coat of paint. Google is introducing important privacy...

Google is overhauling Wear OS looks and making it easier to get things done on your smartwatch.What you need to knowGoogle's Wear platform is getting a recent apps switcher similar to what is on Android now.Tiles on Wear are being expanded to more developers with better toolsThe launcher on Wear looks like it's getting revamped with new indicators and ongoing activities.Among all of the announcements at Google I/O, Wear OS had some of the biggest. From the platform being co-developed with Samsung to Samsung announcing it will be making a Wear watch, it was a big day for Google's wearable platform. In a separate video, Google announced more of what's new with Wear — and it looks good.Some visual changes will mimic some of what we see from Android 12, along with changes to how navigating through the operating system will work. You will still be able to press the side button of your watch to access the app drawer, but from what was shown, it might look a bit different than...

YouTube Music and Spotify are bringing quality music experience to Wear.What you need to knowGoogle announced that it's bringing a YouTube Music app to its Wear platform.Spotify is also rebuilding its app from the ground up with support for offline playback.The apps will arrive later this year with the new updates to Wear OS.There was quite a bit that got announced at the Google I/O keynote today, but one of the bigger announcements was around the changes coming to Wear OS, namely, the apps that are arriving on the platform. Spotify and Google are aiming to bring quality music experiences to Wear thanks to their new apps.Spotify already has an app on Wear OS, but the company has announced that it's rebuilding the app experience for Wear. This will include improved performance, smarter handling of playlist syncing, and even offline downloads. The company states that it is working to allow users to download music and podcasts to the Wear app, which could come in handy when ...

Spotify is going even harder on podcasts.What you need to knowSpotify today announced that it would be rolling out new accessibility-focused features to its mobile apps.It's bringing a small redesign of its app to make it easier to use if you're visually impaired.You'll also now be able to generate transcripts for a selection of Spotify Exclusive or Original podcasts in the coming weeks. Spotify plans to make this universal in the future.Spotify today announced a couple of new features aimed at making its experience more accessible to everyone, primarily those who are visually and hearing impaired. It's rolling out updates to both its iOS and Android apps towards these ends.The first update is a small one, aimed at making Spotify clearer when in use. Buttons will be bigger, the text is now sentence case, and the company will be making some tweaks to color and text formatting.Spotify also announced support for large text, alas, for iPhone users and not for Android phones...

This week, Sam Tolbert stops by for a deep dive into the entire Mass Effect franchise, including a review of Mass Effect Legendary Edition.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Mass Effect Legendary Edition: Every difference from the original Mass Effect | Windows CentralMass Effect 3's ending revisited: Overblown outrage or justified fury? | Windows Central5 things the next Mass Effect could learn from the Legendary Edition | Windows CentralMass Effect: Mako vs. Mako vs. Mako — Who would win in a fight? | Windows CentralMass Effect: The 5 best and 5 worst decisions you can make | Windows CentralBest alien creatures in Mass Effect that can be pets | Windows Central11 rare Mass Effect scenes you probably never saw | Windows CentralWhy we'll miss Mass Effect 3's multiplayer mode in the Legendary Edition | Windows CentralBioWare remastered Mass Effect, now i...

It may not be a Pixel Watch, but it will run Wear (OS).What you need to knowGoogle announced a host of updates to its Wear OS platform, including greater Fitbit services integration at I/O 2021.Fitbit CEO James Park confirmed that the company's next smartwatch would run the Wear operating system.Neither Google nor Fitbit provided any specific details on the new watch or launch date.At the information-dense Google I/O keynote earlier today, we were treated to all manner of updates on Google search, shopping, Maps, and Android 12, but one of the most highly anticipated sections of the presentation was on Wear OS (now referred to simply as Wear).During the Wear section of the keynote, we learned that Google is developing the latest iteration of its smartwatch platform in conjunction with Samsung. In the process, it is reimagining a number of its most popular apps for smartwatches. Apps like YouTube Music, Google Maps, and even Fitbit will be updated and available to all OEMs...

Both on your phone and your smart displays, Assistant is getting easier to develop for.What you need to knowNew developer tools for Google Assistant were unveiled as part of Google I/O 2021.Android 12 APIs for Shortcuts will make it easier for users to find all the Assistant commands associated with an installed app.Google Assistant will also be able to better display your data by displaying widgets in the Google Assistant pop-up.New advancements will also improve the ability for developers to build a conversational experience for smart displays powered by Google Assistant.Google I/O 2021 has kicked off with a bevy of big announcements from the new Material You UI with a Pixel-exclusive theming system to Samsung and Google teaming up to make Wear OS better. There are new developer tools for just about every system and service that Google touches debuting today, and Google Assistant is no exception.Google Assistant's new features and dev tools this year focus around makin...

Oculus sells a ton of accessories for its newest VR headset, but your first purchase should be one of the best Oculus Quest 2 cases, without question. A case will shield your lenses from sunlight damage and make sure all your VR accessories are kept in one place. Original Quest owners can try using their old cases, but the Quest 2 is about an inch smaller, so there may be a bit too much wiggle room if you use it as a travel case. We've rounded up the Quest 2 storage and travel cases that we trust to keep your headsets properly protected from falls, lens scratches, or controller stick drift.Official Quest 2 caseOculus Quest 2 Carrying CaseStaff PickUnlike many of the Quest 2 cases made by third parties that were originally Quest 1 cases, the official Quest 2 Carrying Case is specifically tailored to its new dimensions. It can squeeze inside the headset, controllers, charging cable, power adapter, and Elite Strap with Battery, keeping them static so nothing moves around. Th...

The newest version of Android is finally here, and you can install it right now.After three long months, the Android 12 beta is here, which means that the build is now more stable — though it's still not advisable to install it on a daily driver.Along with a major change to the look called Material You, Android 12 ships with a bunch of new privacy features that may or may not be useful.As of May 18, the public Android 12 beta is available for Pixel phones along with some other devices from companies like Xiaomi, TCL, OnePlus, and more (full list below). Here's how to get it installed on your Pixel, and we'll have device-specific instructions as they become available.Jump to:Installing using the Android Beta programInstalling using the Android Flash ToolInstalling using the Android Factory ImagesWhich phones can download the Android 12 Beta?There are nine phones from Google that support the Android 12 beta:Pixel 3Pixel 3 XLPixel 3aPixel 3a XLPixel 4Pixe...

Google is powering up ARCore with new capabilitiesWhat you need to knowGoogle today announced ARCore 1.24.It's highlighting two new APIs, Raw Depth API as well as the Recording and Playback API.Google also shared that there were more than 850 million ARCore compatible devices. Alongside Android 12 and other announcements at Google I/O today, Google also brought in new updates for ARCore. The company unveiled ARCore 1.24, complete with a new Raw Depth API and a new Recording and Playback API.The Raw Depth API is aimed at helping developers take more accurate measurements of indoor spaces and built a better model of physical surroundings. It works on devices that lack specialized sensors, making it more widely accessible. Google says that this also allows developers to filter depth data in real-time, further enabling the placing of AR objects on physical objects such that look pretty realistic — well, for AR objects anyway. Google highlights examples from TikTok and 3D L...

Technology has come a long way since flip phones. These days, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Motorola Razr truly put the years past in perspective. They can be folded to keep them pocket-sized yet when unfolded, they allow for more screen real estate than most other smartphones on the market. It's been quite a while since the last major innovation in mobile devices brought us full touchscreen devices; now, folding phones are making the next big leap with displays that seem like they belong only in the future.Best Folding Phone Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: starting at $700Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more Which to buy?Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $1,000 off at VerizonYou can save up to $800 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 when you switch to Verizon, bring over your current number, and trade-in an eligible device. You must add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal, too, otherwise you'll score up to $440 when upgradin...

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is an excellent tablet, and with some of the best Fire HD 10 accessories to watch shows, browse recipes, read books, or play games, the experience can be even better. Getting the tablet is just the beginning, and you're going to want to snag a few accessories for the Fire HD 10 to keep it protected. You can also give it a unique look with one of the best Amazon Fire HD 10 cases. Whatever the case, Amazon refreshed the Fire HD 10 in 2021, which means new accessories for its new design. And if you have the previous generation tablet, we have you covered too!Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)Best caseMoKo CaseJust like in previous Amazon Fire HD 10 cases, MoKo is ready to protect your 2021 tablet. Available in five great colors, your tablet will look great and be protected front to back. The MoKo case is wireless charging compatible, and the cover can double as a stand so you can go hands-free.From $19 at AmazonBest keyboardFintie Amazon Bluetooth Key...

Google Photos is locking down your images.What you need to knowGoogle is adding a password-locked folder to Google Photos.This will keep certain images from appearing when scrolling through your library.Google is also bringing new privacy features to Maps and Search.Google is introducing new privacy features in Google Photos and other apps. At Google I/O 2021, the company announced that it's bringing a new "Locked Folder" to the Google Photos app. This will lock some of your photos away behind a password or biometric scanner like a fingerprint sensor.The benefit of a Locked Folder on Google Photos is that it will keep some of your sensitive images hidden while you're scrolling through your photos. It will also keep these photos from appearing in your slideshows that appear on smart displays like the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen).The new Locked Folder is arriving first on Google's Pixel smartphones but will arrive on more of the best Android phones later this year. There are...

Athletes join anime characters and dinosaurs with Google's AR.What you need to knowGoogle today announced it would be showcasing AR athletes in search.It's starting with Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles.More athletes could be made available at a later date.When carrying out select searches in Google, you're able to find 3D and AR models of select creatures ranging from farm animals, to dinosaurs, to Pac-Man. Google is now expanding these models to include more down to earth heroes, super-star athletes. It's not clear how many it'll be adding, but the company has called out Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles to start with.Their AR models would be be joining the likes of the afore-mentioned Jurassic Park dinosaurs when you search for one of them on an ARCore-enabled phone. You'll be able to see them do a flip, take a swing, or kick a ball depending on who you choose.If you’ve ever wanted to see Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka or Simone Biles perform their...

Android 12 is the 'biggest design change in Android's history,' and you can install it right now.Android 11 was an update that was greater than the sum of its parts. Smaller features like chat bubbles, conversation notifications, and a built-in screen recorder don't sound all that impressive on their own. Combined into one seamless package, however, Android 11 was a pretty great update for Google's mobile OS.While it introduced a lot of under-the-hood changes, Android 11 didn't have many user-facing features. That's changing with Android 12; the first beta is now available, and it includes exciting new features in the form of overhauled customization options, useful privacy and security fixes, and fun animations throughout the animation.Google calls Android 12 "the biggest design change in Android's history," and that's immediately evident once you take a look at the new interface. From the latest features, design changes, availability, and more, here's every single thing y...

Google Maps upcoming updates will save you from hard-braking traffic situations and help you navigate city neighborhoods while traveling.What you need to knowGoogle is introducing new helpful features to make travel even better in MapsYou'll get optimized routes each time you get directions in Google Maps. Detailed city exploration maps features will be coming to 50 new cities by the end of 2021.Google Maps is one of the most popular services in the world. It is used for many different uses. From travel to information gathering, even helping to figure out what's for dinner. Well, today at Google I/O, five new Google Map updates will make everything you use Google Maps for even better.One of the most widely used features in Google Maps is navigation, but getting from point A to point B isn't always simple. In working with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Google will be optimizing your route every time you search for directions. Traffic changes can cause hard-bra...

Ask questions and have a free-flowing conversation with Google.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant will now have LaMDA.LaMDA will allow you to have more nuanced conversations and ask more questions.Conversations will be free-flowing.Google Assistant is going to get a lot more conversational with Google's breakthrough development called "LaMDA."During Google I/O, the company announced how, LaMDA, which follows BERT, will help users have more natural conversations with the assistant."We've invented machine learning techniques that help us better grasp the intent of Search queries," Google said in a blog post."LaMDA — short for "Language Model for Dialogue Applications" — can engage in a free-flowing way about a seemingly endless number of topics, an ability we think could unlock more natural ways of interacting with technology and entirely new categories of helpful applications.Google says LaMDA has been trained on dialogue and that during its training, "it pick...

Looking to try out the Android 12 beta and don't have a Pixel? Here's what you need to know about third-party rollout.The Android 12 beta program is now live, and like previous years, Google is making the build available on third-party phones. Last year's Android 11 beta program made its way to 12 third-party phones from six manufacturers, and this time around we have 11 manufacturers offering beta builds on their phones.These third-party phones are getting the Android 12 beta build:Xiaomi Mi 11 UltraXiaomi Mi 11Xiaomi Mi 11i (Mi 11X/Redmi K40 Pro)Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro (China-only)OnePlus 9 ProOnePlus 9OPPO Find X3 ProiQOO 7 Legend Realme GTNokia X20ASUS ZenFone 8In addition to these brands, the beta will also be heading to select phones from Sharp, Tecno, TCL, and ZTE. Read on to know more about how each manufacturer is rolling out the Android 12 beta, and when you can start using it on your own device.Android 12: SamsungAs is usually the case, Samsung is not taki...

There are a lot of great reasons to get one of the best Chromebook sleeves for your precious computer. With so many options available, it's easy to find something that not only fits your style, but has the functionality you need while you're out and about or traveling. Some of these sleeves can replace the need for a backpack completely, which is extremely handy if you're using it for school and just grabbed one of the best Chromebooks for students.Bare bonesAmazonBasics Executive Laptop SleeveStaff PickThe AmazonBasics Executive Laptop Sleeve case is great for those who want a no-nonsense laptop sleeve. There are no additional pockets, and this sleeve's size ranges from 11.6 inches up to 15.6 inches, depending on the size of your Chromebook. With three different colors to choose from, this sleeve is a no-brainer when looking for one of the best Chromebook sleeves.From $7 at AmazonAll the pocketsTIMBUK2 Stealth Folio Organizer Laptop SleeveTimbuk2 makes fant...

Google is rolling out a slate of new features to Google Photos to surface meaningful moments.At I/O 2021, Google has introduced a series of new features to Google Photos to bring your memories to life and give you greater control. A new feature called Little patterns leverages AI to find photos with unique patterns and surface them together. So if you've used the same bag for a few years, the new feature will collate photos of you wearing that bag in various places and highlight them.Google says it will categorize photos by shapes and colors, so photos of similar-sized objects — like coffee mugs — will be surfaced together. Another new addition is Cinematic moments; it takes two nearly identical photos and create new frames by using neural networks, delivering moving images.The feature looks incredibly cool, and the best part is that it works across Android and iOS. You can use the feature via photos stored in your camera roll, scanned photos, or just about any source....

The landmark move sees Samsung and Google working together to create the ultimate smartwatch platform.After running its own Tizen platform for several years, Samsung has now teamed up with Google for all future smartwatch efforts. The partnership doesn't mean Samsung is abandoning Tizen for Wear OS; instead, the two platforms are merging to create a "unified experience." The new platform will just be called Wear.This is very exciting for Wear OS fans, because the best features from Samsung's smartwatches — easily the best Android smartwatches you can buy today — are coming to the platform. Here's everything you need to know about the new Wear platform, and what you can look forward to in the coming months.What new features are coming to Wear?The core features of Tizen are being ported over to the new Wear platform. That includes Samsung's innovative rotating bezel UX that's present on current Galaxy smartwatches, optimized performance, and long-lasting battery life.Wear...

The Android 12 beta is here with a new look and a focus on privacy.What you need to knowAndroid 12 beta has been announced at Google I/O 2021.The beta brings system-wide theming, new privacy features, and a visual overhaul to many different elements.The beta is available today on Pixel devices and other select Android smartphones.After months of digging through the Android 12 Developer Previews to get an idea of what could be coming to the platform, Google has finally announced the Android 12 beta at its Google I/O 2021 developer conference. The platform is getting a visual overhaul with features focused on personalization and privacy.Android 12 Material YouGoogle is calling its latest design language "Material You" to emphasize the focus on the user. This is why one of the first things you'll notice about Android 12 is the brand new system-wide theming, which extends to most aspects of the platform, including the lock screen. Android 12 can "extract" the dominant col...

Color has meaning and lends weight, so Android measured theirs carefully.Once upon a time, Android was a very dark place, seeped in shadow and Holo Blue highlights. Then Google I/O 2014 came along and dragged Android screaming into the light with Material Design, a white canvas covered with colorful title bars, hamburger menus, and floating action buttons. In the following years, the Android team has continued to refine and further hone the Material Design UI that it used across Android — and beyond on Chromebooks, Google's web services, and iOS apps — but it was a very slow, calculated process.In other words, Android design stagnated.At last, Android 12 has unveiled itself to the world today at Google I/O, and with it comes another huge update for Android's look and feel, precipitated by months of close collaboration with the Android and Material Design teams. Material You is the next generation of Material Design, and it's (almost) everything I hoped it would be when it w...

Android continues to grow thanks to its versatility.What you need to knowGoogle announced that there are 3 billion Android devices in active use.The number consists of smartphones, tablets, connected TVs, and cars.The company announced 2.5 billion active devices back in 2019.During today's Google I/O 2021 keynote, the company announced details about the Android 12 beta and the features arriving on phones like the Google Pixel 5. The company also announced that there are as many as 3 billion active Android devices in the world.That number undoubtedly includes the best cheap Android phones, which helps boost the platform as it strives to reach lower price points for emerging markets. That push has been further increased with the growth of 5G and thanks to chips like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 and those from MediaTek. Samsung, the largest Android manufacturer, has also contributed with devices like the recently launched Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, which sits at less than $300 an...

Whether you are buying a PS5 or already have yourself a PlayStation 4, you are probably considering picking up a PlayStation Plus subscription. For those unaware, PlayStation Plus is Sony's online subscription service that allows you to play multiplayer games with friends, get discounts on games, and so much more. Normally, the service costs about $60 for the year, but you generally don't have to look too far in order to find a discount on it.PlayStation Plus Annual Membership with NBA 2K21 Jumpstart Pack | $59.99 at AmazonIf you prefer buying your PlayStation Plus membership at Amazon, right now you can grab 12 months of access along with the NBA 2K21 Jumpstart Pack for free along with it. That's an added $10 value, though you'll need a copy of NBA 2K21 if you want to make use of it.$59.99 at AmazonWhat's really great about shopping for PlayStation Plus subscriptions is the fact that they can be stacked, so even if your subscription isn't due right now you can still bu...

Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE might be mostly made of plastic, but it still warrants protecting, especially when it comes to the screen. Thus, you'll probably be looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors. Pair it up with some of the best Galaxy S20 FE cases, and you have all the protection you'll need. This smartphone turns heads with its sleek design and a spec-sheet that could rival some of the best Android phones on the market.Easy applicationSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3 Pack)Staff PickSupershieldz is one of the most popular brands of screen protectors because not only is the glass quite durable, but the pocketbook-style application method is so easy even my mother can put them on by herself. This pack also gives you two spares, so if your first one shatters in the line of duty, you can replace it the moment you get home.$8 at Amazon$9 at WalmartScreen and eye protectionZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ZAGG makes some of the best Galaxy...

The days of sacrificing great service in search of affordability are officially over. Powered by Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks, Visible puts you on the nation's best network with its singular plan that offers unlimited data, talk, and text for $40 per month all-in — taxes and fees included. There's no annual contract and a variety of excellent deals available for new members or those looking to purchase a new phone.Best Visible DealsBest Visible Android dealsBest Visible iPhone dealsBest Visible plan dealsMore about VisibleVisible's Party PayVisible's $40-per-month Unlimited plan is a great deal, but you can drop its price as low as $25/month when you invite friends and family to join Visible! The Party Pay feature lets everyone score the discount while keeping accounts separate and private. Plus, you'll score a month for only $5 every time a new person you've referred joins Visible!Join at VisibleWith Visible's Party Pay feature, you can drop the monthl...

Look no further, for we have the definitive listing of the best Amazon Fire tablets to help you make your purchase decision. Can you believe that Fire tablets have been around for almost a decade? When the original Kindle Fire was released way back in 2011, many thought Amazon was onto something with a low-cost, easy-to-use tablet experience. You know what? They were right! Today, there are no fewer than six Fire tablet devices on offer from Amazon if you count the Kids Editions. Out of them all, we think the Fire HD 8 (2020) is the best overall value thanks to its size, improved processor, charging, storage capabilities, and ability to hit an affordable price point still. Here is a list of some of the best Fire tablets out on the market right now.Best overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020)The Fire HD 8 sits in between the Fire 7 and Fire HD 10 in more ways than one. It's roughly in the middle of the two sizes, of course, but it's also priced in the middle. Those t...

Companies like Sephora, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Abercrombie & Fitch will be part of the program.What you need to knowFacebook is hosting Live Shopping Fridays for three months.The social media giant is partnering with big name brands like Sephora and Abercrombie & Fitch for the shows.Users will be able to shop featured products during the show directly from the live video.Facebook is introducing Live Shopping Fridays, in which the company is partnering with specific brands like Sephora and Abercrombie & Fitch to give users a live shopping experience, the company said in a blog post.The experience will run through July 16, and companies will have live shoppable videos for shoppers to discover new products and ask questions about size, fit, and tips in real time, Facebook said.Users will be able to shop directly from Facebook's Shops, the e-commerce tool that was launched a year ago to allow business owners to set up an online store on both Facebook and Ins...

Best Answer: Yes. If you own a Fire TV device that's 2nd Gen or newer, you may want to consider investing in the new Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen).What's new about the Amazon Voice Remote (3rd Gen)?The latest version of Amazon's Alexa Voice Remote retails for $30 and looks nearly identical to the brand's 1st- and 2nd-generation voice remotes — with a few exceptions.Like the older versions, the new Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) features a circular navigation pad for easy browsing on the Fire TV interface. At the same time, the Home, Back, Menu, and Playback controls are situated directly below. Also, like its predecessors, the 3rd Gen version features dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons that are used to control compatible TVs, soundbars, and receivers, which eliminates the need for extra remotes.The 3rd Gen version takes things to the next level with the addition of specific buttons for Amazon's own Prime Video service, as well as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.Also notewo...

The Phone app comes default on most Android phones.What you need to knowGoogle is enabling an advanced caller ID in the Google Phone app.It'll now read the contact name and phone number out if you choose the option.It's now available on the Google Phone app for most users.Google's Phone app is picking up a nifty little feature for people who receive a lot of phone calls. Starting this week, (spotted via XDA) it'll be able to read out the Caller ID and phone number of incoming callers once configured correctly.You'll need to go into the Phone app settings. If you see "Caller ID announcement", you've gotten the new update (otherwise, head to the Play Store and update the app). Tap on the setting, and you'll have the option to choose between "Always", "Only when using a headset", and "Never". Each option will do what it says on the tin.It's a feature that's very dependent on the kind of person you are. If you get a lot of calls, Caller ID announcements might be useful fo...

While the Oculus Quest 2 has speakers built into its straps, you'll need some of the best Oculus Quest 2 headphones to make the audio as expansive and enveloping as the VR visuals. Even with some of the best Oculus accessories, you can't just use any old headphones you bought for the original Oculus Quest: the Quest 2 has just a single audio jack on its left side, compared to the two jacks of its predecessor. Technically, any headphones with a 3.5mm jack will suffice, but for the best fit, you'll need some that are specifically designed for the Quest 2. Here are the best-wired headphones that fit that description.In ear for the next genLogitech G333 VR gaming earphonesStaff PickLogitech worked with Facebook to build these headphones specifically for the Oculus Quest 2. They have custom 3.5mm cables with different lengths that you velcro into place on the head strap, so nothing is left dangling that could distract your Quest experience. It also has dedicated audio drivers ...

If there's one thing Google's good at, it's search.What you need to knowGoogle is adding advanced search filters to the Photos app.When this update hits your device, you'll be able to refine your search by people, locations, or image type.It's a server-side update, so it's not tied to any particular app build yet. Google Photos already uses Google's powerful AI to upgrade your photos, suggest edits, and catalog them for easier searching. In the future, Google will make search more powerful and make some of the advanced searching capabilities of the app more explicit.Google is rolling out new search filters on the Android Google Photos app for some users (spotted via Android Police.) If you're in this group when running a search in Photos, you'll now be offered new rows of various filters, allowing you to whittle down your search by person, location, image type, and more.Again, Google Photos was already pretty good at search. You could type something like "summer barbe...

Best answer: Yes, if you have one of AT&T's unlimited plans with HD streaming, you should disable stream saver to get the best possible quality video on your phone.What does Stream Saver do?Stream Saver on AT&T wireless plans is a feature that puts a limit on how much data speed can be used while streaming video on your smartphone. With a max speed of 1.5Mbps, this speed should be good enough for DVD-quality video at 480p in supported apps. Some DVDs have much higher video quality than a typical 480p video stream, so a 480p Netflix stream may not always compare favorably to the DVD version.This feature is designed to keep data usage low even when watching a ton of streaming videos. For many people, this is a fine tradeoff, and they won't notice much difference in the quality of the picture on a phone screen. Still, unlike an app preference, there is no quick toggle for Stream Saver, so if you do want to see an HD video on your new HD smartphone, you'll have to download ...

Amazon says the new options will make it easier for everyone to benefit from the convenience of smart glasses.What you need to knowAmazon's Echo Frames smart glasses are now available in sunglass and blue-light-filtering options.The Echo Frames with polarized blue mirror sunglass lenses will begin shipping today, while the blue-light-filtering and polarized classic sunglass lenses will begin shipping on June 9. All the new options will be available in Classic Black for $270. Amazon's Echo Frames smart glasses, which are among the best Alexa devices you can buy, are now available in new sunglass and blue-light-filtering options. The new options will allow users to enjoy hands-free access to Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, even if they don't require prescription glasses.The Echo Frames sunglasses are being offered in two polarized lens options: classic and blue mirror. In addition to being extremely lightweight, the glasses are also IPX4-rated, which means they are more t...

Health and fitness kingGarmin Venu 2$400 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCTwo size optionsMany new health/fitness perksUp to 11 days of battery lifeNew battery saver modeConsBoth sizes are same priceToo expensive for someNo LTE connectivityThe Garmin Venu 2 is a prime example of what successors should bring to the table. This model offers two size options, outstanding battery life, and several new health/fitness perks. If you can stomach the crazy price tag, the Venu 2 might be just what you're looking for.Connectivity champSamsung Galaxy Watch 3From $280 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCOptional LTE connectivityImproved health/fitness trackingTwo size optionsMilitary-grade durabilityConsBattery life could be betterSuccessor expected soonThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is also a great successor. This smartwatch offers many features, including improved tracking accuracy, optional LTE connectivity, and new health/fitness features. It also offers ...

What new goodies will we get from Google this year?For the second year in a row, Google's I/O developer conference will be taking place entirely online, rather than near its Moutain View, CA headquarters. The move to make the conference virtual is part social-distancing, part money-saving, but it means that just about anyone who wants to or is able to can follow along online.We expect to learn about updates to Chrome OS, Wear OS, and, of course, Android 12, and we wouldn't be surprised by, well, surprises.Are you going to be following the conference and coverage? What are you most interested in seeing?Are you excited for Google I/O?...

There are a bunch of Fitbit devices on the market these days and choosing between them can be difficult. One key factor for many buyers, presumably including you reading this article, is price. Fitbit's smartwatches and fitness trackers span a wide range of price points and pretty much all of them can be found at a discount if you know where to look.Best Fitbit Deals Available NowFitbit Smartwatch Deals: Save up to $90Fitbit Fitness Tracker Deals: Save $20 of moreFitbit Smart Scale Deals: Step upMore Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreFitbit Sense | $239.99 at AmazonThe Sense is Fitbit's newest and most premium smart health watch. It has sensors to measure your electrodermal skin activity, temperature, and stress levels, and it can also take an ECG reading to determine if you have atrial fibrillation. All of this in a stylish new package. The gold model is $90 off its original MSRP right now at Amazon. The graphite version is $30 off.$239.99 at Amazon...

Second chancesAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)$120 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$100 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...

Mobvoi's attempt at a health smartwatch is missing some of the essentials.Whether you're a beginner or an expert when it comes to wearables, you'll have a wide array of options to pick from. When you start shopping for the best Android smartwatch, you probably have a general idea of what you're looking for. If you're on a budget but still want a health-focused smartwatch with important sensors, you might be interested in the TicWatch GTH.This isn't the first smartwatch to hit the market with claims of being an advanced health smartwatch. While it does provide some great sensors that offer helpful insight, it's lacking in other areas. With that said, the TicWatch GTH is still one of the cheapest wearables on the market. It's more than a fitness tracker but not quite a smart watch. If you're content with landing somewhere in the middle, you might appreciate what it has to offer.TicWatch GTH review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you...

At a jam-packed 2019 fall product launch, Amazon announced over a dozen new Echo and Alexa products to a gathering of tech reporters and enthusiasts, and I, for one, was keen to get my hands on the Echo Buds for review. You could say that leading up to that announcement, perhaps no device was as widely anticipated as the Echo Buds.But what are the Echo Buds, you might ask? The simple answer is that they're Amazon's first real attempt at truly wireless smart earbuds. The more complicated answer is that they're part of the company's larger efforts to make their smart assistant even more ubiquitous in the wider world.From the smart assistant's earliest days, Amazon recognized the need to remove Alexa from her black cylindrical prison and push her out the front door. After the initial Echo speaker launched in late 2014, the next batch of products to come out included the now-defunct Amazon Tap, which was a portable Bluetooth speaker with Alexa built-in. With the Fire Phone DOA in 201...

The game's actual release date still remains a mystery.What you need to knowPre-registrations for Battlegrounds Mobile India are now live on the Google Play Store.Battlegrounds Mobile is based on PUBG Mobile, but comes with a few changes made specifically for the Indian market. There is still no word on when the game will launch in the country. Earlier this month, Krafton announced that it would soon relaunch popular mobile game PUBG Mobile in India as Battlegrounds Mobile India. The company has now opened pre-registrations for the upcoming game in the country. While the game will launch on both Android and iOS, pre-registrations are currently live only on the Google Play Store.Once you pre-register for the game, you will receive a notification as soon as the game is officially available to download. You can even have the game installed on your Android device when it launches by choosing the automatic install option when pre-registering. Pre-registering for Battlegrounds ...

After tasting defeat last time these two sides met in the FA Cup final, Chelsea will be hoping for revenge against a Leicester side looking to sure up a Champions League berth with a Premier League win at Stamford Bridge. Don't miss a moment with our Chelsea vs Leicester live stream guide.These two sides met mere days ago at Wembley with Leicester lifting their first-ever FA Cup trophy. A second-half Youri Tielemans screamer was the difference-maker in that game with the Blues seeing a late equalizer agonizingly ruled out by VAR.It's a quick turnaround for both sides for today's game though as attention returns to this important Premier League game.Chelsea missed the opportunity to leapfrog Leicester in the league with a 1-0 defeat to London rivals Arsenal in their last league outing.Leicester recorded an impressive win over second-place Manchester United in their last league game to remain in third place and keep their hopes of Champions League qualification in their own han...

How do I sell my Android phone or tablet for the most amount of money? With these tips and tricks, we'll show you how to get the best return!So one of the best Android phones has caught your eye — there sure are lots of great ones to choose from — and you want to get on the boat as soon as possible. You'll need to sell your old phone to make up some of the money you're spending on that new device, but luckily there are a lot of options available. We're going to get you through some of the best practices out there for preparing your Android phone or tablet for sending off, and some places for sale that would best suit your needs.Properly sanitize your phoneWe recommend you keep up with good sanitation practices for your phone even when you aren't selling it, but as you're getting ready to move on to something else, it's especially important that you give your old phone a good and thorough cleaning.Germs and viruses are tricky little buggers, with some of them being abl...

Samsung gives us a glimpse into its foldable desires.What you need to knowSamsung shows off some display concepts at this year's Display Week event.One concept includes the rumored bi-folding smartphone device that's thought to debut with an upcoming Galaxy Z Fold.Other concepts include a device with a slidable display, a PC-like device with a 17-inch folding display, and a PC with an under-display camera.Among the few tech events happening this week is the Display Week 2021 exhibition, where companies show off the latest innovations in display technology. Samsung is one of the big names at the event, and the company has just shown off several concepts at the event (via SamMobile), giving us a look into the company's plans for its mobile devices.The first concept (above) has been rumored for some time. Samsung's "S Foldable" OLED panel shows a mobile device that folds in two places. When folded outwards, it has a display size of 7.2-inches, making it appear more tablet-li...

Don't worry, Android support is coming soon.What you need to knowiOS users can connect their devices to their Oculus Quest to receive notifications and calls without leaving VR.The original Oculus Quest now supports multi-user and app sharing, so multiple people can use one headset with individual profiles.Facebook has also added new sharing features, including a virtual overlay for streamers, a Files app for better storage management, additional Infinite Office features for working in VR, and even tweaks to Oculus Store curation.If you're an Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 user, you've come to expect big monthly updates. Facebook's support of its headsets has been legendary, regularly adding new features every month that make the most affordable VR headset even more attractive. The Oculus Quest v29 May update is adding another slew of features — 8 in total — as well as big changes to Oculus Store curation and the addition of featured apps for developers.If you're an i...

Finding a headphone jack on a phone now is rare. Chances are, your phone doesn't have one — leaving you to go the wireless route to keep the music playing. If your need coincides with a tight budget, the COWIN E7 is your best starting point to get a set of great, all-around Bluetooth headphones. Here are some of our top choices for the best Bluetooth headphones under $50.Best overall: COWIN E7For something at this price range, the COWIN E7 offers dependable sound quality that is, not surprisingly, centered around the bass. It's a boosted sound that may not be for everyone, partly because the thump and rumble seem purposely tuned to be a little over the top. Don't worry, though, COWIN did the same with the mid-range, which is one reason why these feel loud out of the box. Treble holds its presence, but it's playing a support role in the deeper parts of the audio spectrum.That they support active noise cancelation (ANC) is somewhat surprising at this budget-conscious price, b...

Android devices will miss out on some of the new Apple Music features.What you need to knowApple Music is introducing new lossless music tiers for Hi-Fi audio.Support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio is also included in the upcoming update, exclusive to Apple devices.The new features will arrive in June at no extra cost to Apple Music subscribers.Following last week's leak of Apple's upcoming "Lossless" audio tier, the company has officially announced that Hi-Fi audio is coming to over 75 million Apple Music tracks next month. The new Lossless audio tier will be available to Apple Music subscribers at no additional cost, giving them access to up to 24-bit audio at 48kHz using Apple's ALAC codec. There's also a Hi-Resolution Lossless tier for playback at 192kHz, although it'll require an external DAC. Subscribers will be able to change their Apple Music playback quality by navigating to Settings > Music > Audio Quality.Additionally, Apple Music is getting Spatial Au...

You use a keyboard all day, every day, so make sure you're using the best one.Finding the best Android keyboard apps is one of the most important choices you make on your phone. They will shape the speed and accuracy with which you use your phone to communicate, and because keyboards can see everything you type from passwords to social security numbers, it's important to have a keyboard you trust and like. To that end, here now are the keyboards we trust and like the most to help us tweet, text, and type up our articles in a crowded bar.The top 3 best Android keyboard apps1. Gboard2. SwiftKey3. ChroomaMore optionsTypewiseFleksyGrammarly KeyboardOpenBoardAnySoftKeyboardGo KeyboardThese are our picks for the best Android keyboard appsMany of us stick to the keyboard that comes pre-installed, which is likely Gboard or Samsung's keyboard. There's a reason why Gboard is king on Android and that's thanks to its versatility and ability to recognize what you're t...

An unpleasant surprise for Eufy owners to wake up to.What you need to knowA Eufy server upgrade early this morning resulted in some of its customers' private videos being made visible to other customers.The issue was identified and fixed within the hour.Eufy is adamant that the breach only affected a tiny percentage of its users.Early this morning, Eufy customers in several different countries noticed something extremely odd — instead of seeing their own video feeds and recordings, they were seeing videos from other Eufy customers. As reported by 9to5Mac, the privacy breach was first noted on Reddit, and then other reports began surfacing around the web.Apparently, the issue resulted from a bug that occurred during a scheduled server upgrade, and it was fixed within an hour after it was first noticed and reported.In response to the breach, a spokesperson for Eufy issued the following statement to our Managing Editor, Daniel Bader:As first reported by @9to5mac, rand...